How to replace Rear Brake Calipers: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

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

Replacing Rear Brake Calipers 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

• Brake caliper set
• Brake cleaner

Tightening Torques

• Slide pins:
  • 2014 and earlier: 22 Ft-lbs
  • 2015 and later: 24 Ft-lbs
• Caliper mounting bracket bolts:
  • 2012 and earlier: 120 Ft-lbs
  • 2013 and 2014: 142 Ft-lbs
  • 2015 and later: 132 Ft-lbs
• Rear brake flexible hose bracket bolt: 20 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
• Flat head screwdriver
• Ratchet
• 15mm socket
• 10mm socket
• Cable or Hook
• 21mm socket
• Hammer
• Brake piston tool
• Fluid collector
• Brake hose clamp
• Wire brush
• Sandpaper
• Torque wrench :
  • 20 to 250 Ft-lbs
  • 100 to 600 Ft-lbs
• 13mm socket
• Cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

• Turn off the ignition, set the parking brake, pull the hood release handle, and open the hood.
• Lift the rear of your vehicle and secure it on jack stands.

• Remove the rear wheels for full access.
• Place the removed wheels under the vehicle for safety.

Step 2: Prepare Caliper for Removal

• Insert a flathead screwdriver into the oblong hole on the front of the brake caliper.
• Lift the caliper using the screwdriver as a lever to retract the piston slightly.

Step 3: Disconnect Brake Components

• Use a ratchet and a 15mm socket to unscrew the banjo screw connecting the hose to the caliper.
• Use a ratchet and a 10mm socket to unscrew the slide pins.
• Remove the brake caliper and hang it on a previously installed hook.

Step 4: Remove Brake Pads and Caliper Mount

• Pry out the brake pads with a flathead screwdriver.
• Use a socket wrench and a 21mm socket to unscrew the two holding screws on the caliper mount.
• Remove the caliper mount, and if needed, change the brake discs and pads.

Step 5: Use Brake Wind-Back Tool

• Use a Brake Wind-Back Tool to press the piston into the caliper.
• This step is crucial for installing new pads and removing brake fluid from the caliper.

Step 6: Disconnect Brake Hose and Remove Caliper

• Place a container to collect fluid under the caliper.
• Use a small ratchet and a Torx E7 socket to unscrew the threaded rod.
• Extract the caliper from underneath the vehicle.

Step 7: Install New Caliper

• Take the new caliper and place it underneath the vehicle.
• Hand-tighten the threaded rod, then use the small ratchet and Torx E7 socket.
• Screw the retaining nut, upper retaining bolt, and lower retaining bolt back in place.

Step 8: Reconnect Wires and Components

• Screw the banjo screw back on until it makes contact.
• Remove the brake hose clamp.
• Put the caliper back in place on the hook.
• Put the disc and retainer back in place.

Step 9: Reassemble Caliper Mount

• Take the new caliper mount and screw it in place by hand.
• Use a socket wrench and a 21mm socket to lock them in place.
• Finish tightening with a torque wrench.

Step 10: Replace Anti-Rattle Clips and Pads

• Replace anti-rattle clips on the caliper mount.
• Coat the ends of the new pads with copper grease and insert them into the caliper mount.

Step 11: Reinstall Caliper and Bleed Brake System

• Put the brake caliper back in place.
• Screw in the slide pins, first by hand and then with a socket wrench and a 13mm socket.
• Finish tightening with a torque wrench.
• Bleed the brake fluid system to remove air.
• Adjust the brake shoes if needed.

Step 12: Final Assembly

• Put the shutter cover back on.
• After bleeding, clean the caliper-disc assembly with brake cleaner.
• Put the wheels back on the vehicle.

Step 13: Final Checks and Drive

• Lower the car and block the wheels properly.
• Screw the brake fluid cap back on.
• Start your car, pump the brake pedal to push the brake pads together.
• Drive smoothly for the first 30 miles to avoid glazing the new pads.

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

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.

Here’s a tip! You can limit the amount of brake fluid leakage by clamping the brake hose with a brake hose clamp.

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.