How to Replace Front Brakes: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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

Replacing Front Brakes 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

Brake cliper mount bolts : 130 Ft-lbs
Slide pins
- 2009 through 2014 models: 24 Ft-lbs
- 2015 – 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
Big flat head screwdriver
Ratchet
13mm socket
17mm wrench
Clamp or iron wire
21mm socket
Hammer
Flat head screwdriver
Wire brush
Paper towel
File
Brake Wind-Back Tool
Torque wrench
- 20 to 250 Ft-lbs
- 100 to 600 Ft-lbs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle.

Turn off the ignition, set the parking brake, and open the hood.
Open the brake fluid reservoir and loosen the front wheel stud bolts.

Step 2: Lift and Secure.

Lift the front of the vehicle and secure it on jack stands.
Watch the safety video on “How to jack your RAM 1500 safely.”

Step 3: Wheel Removal.

Remove the wheels for full access to the brake components.
Place the removed wheels under the vehicle.

Step 4: Caliper and Disc Prep.

Turn the brake disc inward for easier access.
Use a flat head screwdriver to lift the brake caliper off.
Secure the caliper to the upper control arm with a clamp or wire.

Step 5: Caliper Removal.

Remove the brake pads and check the caliper slide pins and boots.
Use a socket wrench to unscrew the lower and upper slide pins.
Remove the caliper and attach it to the upper control arm.

Step 6: Caliper Mount Removal.

Use a socket wrench to unscrew holding screws on the caliper mount.
If needed, use a hammer to loosen nuts on the caliper mount.
Remove the caliper mount.

Step 7: Disc Removal and Cleaning.

Use a flat head screwdriver to pull the retainer away from the disc and unscrew it.
Finally, remove the disc and clean the wheel hub with a wire brush.

Step 8: New Disc Installation.

Clean the new disc with brake cleaner and paper towels.
Place the new disc onto the wheel hub.
Put the retainer back in place.

Step 9: Caliper Mount Reassembly.

Clean the caliper mount for smooth pad installation.
Reassemble the caliper mount by hand and then tighten with a socket wrench.
Finish tightening using a torque wrench.
Replace anti-rattle clips.

Step 10: Pad Installation.

Coat the ends of new pads with copper grease.
Insert new pads into the caliper mount and press on anti-rattle clips.

Step 11: Caliper Piston Compression.

Place a used pad in the caliper.
Use a clamp or Brake Wind-Back Tool to press pistons into the caliper.
Ensure brake fluid does not overflow into the reservoir.

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.
Don’t burn yourself on the pads if you’ve just gone for a drive as braking creates friction and long-lasting heat.
When replacing brake discs, you also need to replace the brake pads. This is a mandatory procedure.
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.

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.

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