How To Bleed Brake Fluid System: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Watch this video to learn how to bleed the brake fluid system on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500.

Bleeding the Brake Fluid System on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Brake fluid
• Penetrating oil
• Brake cleaner

Tightening Torques

There are no tightening torques for this operation.

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Dodge RAM 1500: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel lug wrench
• Wire brush
• 10mm wrench
• Plastic tube
• Jar
• Vacuum bleed tool
• Brake bleeder wrench
• 11mm wrench

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn off the vehicle’s ignition, set the parking brake, and open the hood using the hood release handle.

Step 2: Remove any residual vacuum or hydraulic pressure from the brake power booster by applying the brake several times with the engine off.

Step 3: Open the brake fluid reservoir.

Step 4: If doing a complete brake fluid circuit bleed, start by using a pump to empty the used fluid. Then fill the reservoir with new fluid up to the maximum level.

Step 5: Follow the specific bleeding order for your vehicle: passenger side rear wheel, driver side rear wheel, passenger side front wheel, and driver side front wheel.

Step 6: Successively lift each part of your vehicle and remove each wheel to access the bleeders located on the brake calipers.

Step 7: Once the wheel is removed, access the bleeder located on the brake caliper. Start by removing the stopping plug.

Step 8: If the caliper is in poor condition, use a wire brush to clean the bleeder before applying penetrating oil to avoid breaking the trap if it’s rusty.

Step 9: Various tools can be used for brake fluid bleed, including a wrench, plastic tube, and a jar. Unscrew the rear bleeders using a 10 mm wrench.

Step 10: Connect a plastic tube to the bleeder, soak the tube end in the reservoir, and ask someone to lightly press the brake pedal.

Step 11: Open the bleeder to let the brake fluid drain, then close it before air enters the system. Release and press the brake pedal again, repeating until there’s no more air.

Step 12: Alternatively, use a vacuum purge tool or brake bleeder wrenches connected to a tube with a non-return system.

Step 13: Pump the brake pedal gently to evacuate air from the system and replace old fluid with new. Regularly add brake fluid to prevent air entering the master cylinder.

Step 14: Once the circuit is bled, close the bleeder, remove the tool, and clean the bleeder with brake cleaner to remove traces of brake fluid.

Step 15: For front calipers, perform the same operation with an 11 mm wrench.

Step 16: After purging all four wheels, fill the reservoir with new fluid to the maximum level.

Step 17: Check brake effectiveness by pumping the brake pedal; it should feel hard without being spongy.

Step 18: If you’re concerned about braking system effectiveness, do not use the vehicle. For ABS-equipped models, address persistent issues promptly by having the vehicle towed to an approved workshop for professional bleeding.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles:

• 2009 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2010 Dodge Ram 1500
• 2011 Ram 1500
• 2012 Ram 1500
• 2013 Ram 1500
• 2014 Ram 1500
• 2015 Ram 1500
• 2016 Ram 1500
• 2017 Ram 1500
• 2018 Ram 1500

Important Reminders

Warning: If you have any concern about the effectiveness of your braking system, do not use the vehicle.

On models equipped with ABS, it is possible for air to be trapped in the hydraulic control unit of the anti-lock braking system.

If the brake pedal remains soft after several bleedings or if the BRAKE or ANTI-LOCK indicator remains illuminated, have the vehicle towed to the dealer service center or another approved workshop to have it bled.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. CarParts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.