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

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

Replacing Rear 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

• Brake pad set
• Brake rotors
• Brake cleaner
• Copper grease

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

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
• Cable or Hook
• Flat head screwdriver
• 21mm socket
• Hammer
• Wire brush
• Paper towel
• Torque wrench
  • 20 to 250 Ft-lbs
  • 100 to 600 Ft-lbs
• Cloth

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

• Turn off the vehicle’s ignition.
• Set the parking brake.
• Pull the hood release handle and open the hood.
• Open the brake fluid reservoir.

Step 2: Prepare the Wheels and Rear of the Vehicle

• Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels.
• Lift the rear of your vehicle.
• Place the vehicle on jack stands.

Step 3: Access the Brakes

• Remove the rear wheels for full access; ensure to put them under the vehicle.
• Release the parking brake to clear the grip of drum brake shoes on the disc.
• Remove the shutter cover behind the anchor plate with a flathead screwdriver.

Step 4: Adjust and Remove Brake Components

• Reach the adjustment mechanism of the brake shoes and retract them until the disc is free.
• Insert a flathead screwdriver to the outer extremity of the oblong hole on the front of the brake caliper.
• Lift the caliper off using the screwdriver as a lever, causing the piston to retract slightly.
• Unscrew the slide pins with a ratchet and a 13mm socket; then, remove them.
• Attach a piece of electrical cable or a hook to a strut spring coil.
• Remove the brake caliper and hang it on the installed hook.
• Pry out the brake pads with a flathead screwdriver.
• Using a flathead screwdriver, remove the anti-rattle clips.

Step 5: Remove Caliper Mount and Disc

• Unscrew the two holding screws on the caliper mount with a socket wrench and a 21mm socket.
• If necessary, use a hammer to loosen nuts on the caliper mount.
• Remove the caliper mount.
• Pull the retainer away from the disc with a flathead screwdriver to unscrew it.
• If the disc is stuck, use a hammer to remove it.
• Finally, remove the disc.

Step 6: Prepare for New Disc Installation

• Clean the wheel hub with a wire brush.
• Clean the new disc using brake cleaner and paper towels.
• If the new disc is coated, place it directly onto the wheel hub.
• Put the retainer back in place.

Step 7: Reassemble Caliper Mount and Brake Components

• Brush the caliper mount around the pads to remove any extra rust.
• Reassemble the caliper mount by screwing first by hand, then with a socket wrench and a 21mm socket to lock them in place.
• Finish tightening using a torque wrench.
• Replace the anti-rattle clips with new ones on the caliper mount.
• Place the new anti-rattle clips on the caliper mount.
• Lightly coat the ends of the new pads with copper grease.
• Insert the new pads into the caliper mount by sliding them in.
• Grab the brake caliper.

Step 8: Final Steps

• Put the brake caliper back in place.
• Screw in the slide pins by hand at first, then tighten with a socket wrench and a 13mm socket.
• Finish tightening using a torque wrench.
• If brake shoes were adjusted, set the mechanism until there is a slight friction between the brake shoes and the disc.
• Put the shutter cover back on.
• Clean both sides of the disc with brake cleaner and a cloth to remove grease from the new pads.
• Repeat the same process on the other side.

Step 9: Completing the Process

• Put the wheels back on your vehicle.
• Lower the car, block the wheels, and screw the brake fluid cap back on.
• Before driving, start the car and 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.

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.

In case you adjusted the brake shoes to remove the disc, set the mechanism back until there is a slight friction between the brake shoes and the disc.

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.