How to Replace the Parking Brake Shoes: 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Reading Time: 3 minutes

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

Replacing Parking Brake Shoes 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

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
Flat head screwdriver
Hammer
Needle-nose pliers
Wire brush
Paper towel

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Vehicle Preparation

Turn off your vehicle’s ignition.
Set the parking brake.
Pull the hood release handle and open the hood.

Step 2: Accessing Brake Components

Open the brake fluid reservoir.
Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the rear wheels.
Lift the rear of your vehicle.
Place the vehicle on the jack stands.
Remove the wheels to have full access.

Step 3: Releasing Parking Brake

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.
Reach the adjustment mechanism of the brake shoes and retract them until the disc is free.
Use a hammer if the disc is stuck on the hub and remove it.

Step 4: Removing Parking Brake Shoes

Using a flathead screwdriver, release the hold-down clip.
Remove hold-down pins and the adjuster.
Pry off the top of the brake shoes and remove the upper spring.
Pry off the bottom of the brake shoes to disengage them from the lever.
Take off the parking brake shoes by pulling them apart.

Step 5: Cleaning and Greasing

Ensure the parking brake shoes lever is working properly.
Clean the rear brake backing plate with brake cleaner.
Grease the bearing surfaces of the brake shoes with copper grease.

Step 6: Installing New Brake Shoes

Install the lower spring on the rear of a brake shoe and place it above the parking brake lever.
Insert the first hold-down pin and clip, then lock with needle-nose pliers.
Hang the first lower spring on the second brake shoe.
Slot the parking brake shoes into position.
Install the second lower spring and insert the second hold-down pin and clip.
Reposition the adjuster and put the upper spring in place.

Step 7: Cleaning and Reassembly

Clean the wheel hub with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
Clean the surface of contact between the brake shoes and the disc.
Put the rear brake system back in place.

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.

Before you change the parking brake shoes, we recommend watching our video : “How to replace the Rear Brakes 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500”. We show you how to remove the caliper, pads, and discs if you decide to change them too, as we did in the video.

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.

Tighten the adjustment mechanism until there is a slight friction between the brake shoes and the disc, which means that the brake shoes are perfectly spaced for your hand brake to work properly.

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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