How to Replace Front Brake Calipers: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Watch this video to learn how to replace the front brake calipers on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500.

Replacing Front Brake Caliper on a 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement 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

Tightening Torques

Front brake flexible hose bracket bolt: 14 Ft-lbs
Brake cliper mount bolts: 130 Ft-lbs
Slide pins :
- 2009 through 2014 models: 24 Ft-lbs
- 2015 and later models: 31 Ft-lbs

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
Ratchet
15mm socket
Brake Wind-Back Tool
Fluid collector
Brake hose clamp
Torque wrench
17mm wrench
13mm socket
Cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

Step 2: Open the brake fluid reservoir.

Step 3: Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Step 4: Lift the front of your vehicle using a suitable jack. Refer to the video on “How to jack your RAM 1500 safely” for guidance.

Step 5: Place the vehicle on jack stands.

Step 6: Remove the wheels for full access, and place them under the vehicle for safety.

Step 7: Turn the brake disc inward for easier access.

Step 8: Use a ratchet and a 15 mm socket to undo the banjo screw while the caliper is attached to its support.

Step 9: Refer to the video on “How to change the brake disks and pads on a RAM 1500” for detailed instructions on changing the caliper and caliper mount.

Step 10: Once the caliper, pads, caliper mount, and disks are removed, place a used pad in the caliper.

Step 11: Using a clamp or Brake Wind-Back Tool, press the pistons into the caliper.

Step 12: Collect brake fluid in a container under the caliper, using a brake hose clamp to limit leakage if needed.

Step 13: Unscrew the banjo screw connecting the hose to the caliper using a ratchet and a 15 mm socket.

Step 14: Remove the banjo screw from the hose, and replace the copper gaskets with new seals.

Step 15: Install the new seals on the banjo screw and reconnect the hose to the caliper.

Step 16: Unscrew the slide pins from the new assembly.

Step 17: Attach the caliper to the upper control arm and screw in the banjo screw.

Step 18: Remove the brake hose clamp and finish tightening the brake hose attachment with a torque wrench.

Step 19: Refer to the video on “How to replace the brake disks and pads on a RAM 1500” to put the brake disc, caliper mount, and brake pads back on.

Step 20: Detach the caliper, put the new brake caliper in place, and screw in the new slide pins by hand.

Step 21: Block the rotation of the guide pins with a 17mm wrench and screw the slide pins back in using a socket wrench and a 13mm socket. Finish tightening with a torque wrench.

Step 22: Bleed the brake fluid system by watching the video “How to bleed the brake fluid system RAM 1500.”

Step 23: Clean both sides of the brake disc with brake cleaner and a cloth before installing the new pads.

Step 24: If replacing the brake hose, follow the instructions in the video “How to replace the front brake hose RAM 1500.”

Step 25: Put the wheels back on the vehicle.

Step 26: Lower the car and properly block the wheels.

Step 27: Screw the brake fluid cap back on before starting the car.

Step 28: Start your car, pump the brake pedal a few times to push the brake pads together, and drive smoothly for the first 30 miles to avoid glazing the new pads.

Step 29: Operation complete.

Compatible Vehicles

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

Important Reminders

Once the operation is completed, you’ll need pump slowly on the brake pedal a few times until feeling a strong resistance from the pedal. The aim being to bring the brake pads closer to one other.
Drive smoothly and avoid sudden braking for the first 30 miles or so, to avoid glazing the new pads.
What do we mean by “glazing new brake pads”? Brake pads are made of a material that needs to be run-in when new. If this procedure is not done properly, when braking too hard, the material overheats and hardens. Consequently, the brakes become less effective.
Place a used pad in the caliper, then using a clamp or Brake Wind-Back Tool, press the pistons into the caliper. This step is essential when installing the new pads, but it also allows you to remove brake fluid contained in the caliper.