How to replace the front brake pads 2009-2018 Dodge RAM 1500

Chapter 1:

Open the brake fluid reservoir

Step 1/2

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

Chapter 1:

Step 2/2

Open the brake fluid reservoir.

Chapter 2:

Lift the vehicle

Step 1/2

Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels. Lift the front of your vehicle. Place the vehicle on the jack stands.

Chapter 2:

Step 2/2

We strongly suggest watching our video on ‘How to jack your RAM 1500 safely” before carrying out this step.

Chapter 3:

Take off the wheels

Step 1/1

In order to change the brake pads on your vehicle, you will need to take off the wheels to have full access. Don’t forget to put the wheels under the vehicle!

Chapter 4:

Retract the piston

Step 1/2

Turn the brake disc inward to make this operation easier.

Chapter 4:

Step 2/2

Insert a flat head screwdriver into the opening of the brake caliper. Lift it off using the screwdriver as a lever by pulling it towards you. This will cause the pistons to retract slightly, so that the caliper can be removed more easily for the next steps.

Chapter 5:

Remove the brake caliper

Step 1/4

With a socket wrench and a 13mm socket, unscrew the lower slide pin.

Chapter 5:

Step 2/4

Sometimes you have to keep the locknut from turning by holding it with your fingers or a 17 mm wrench. Then, remove it.

Chapter 5:

Step 3/4

Repeat this process with the upper slide pin.

Chapter 5:

Step 4/4

You can now remove the caliper. You can attach it to the upper control arm with a clamp or a wire.

Chapter 6:

Remove the brake pads

Step 1/1

Remove the brake pads. To do this, slide them away from the disc.

Chapter 7:

Clean the brake caliper mount

Step 1/2

Using a wire brush, clean the caliper mount where the pads go to make installing them easier.

Chapter 7:

Step 2/2

Using a wire brush, clean the caliper mount to remove any excess rust that could prevent the pads from sliding. Depending on the state of corrosion, we even recommend using a file to restore the original shape.

Chapter 8:

Tips

Step 1/1

You need to check the sliding of the brake caliper slide pins and the condition of the Caliper slide pin boots. If they look worn, you are advised to replace them with new ones.

Chapter 9:

Install the new anti-rattle clips

Step 1/1

Carparts.com also recommends replacing the anti-rattle clips with new ones. Place the new anti-rattle clips on the pads.

Chapter 10:

Place the new brake pads

Step 1/3

Grab the new pads. And lightly coat the ends with copper grease to help them slide more easily.

Chapter 10:

Step 2/3

Insert the new pads into the caliper mount by sliding them in. Then press on the anti-rattle clips to put them in place in the caliper mount.

Chapter 10:

Step 3/3

Their spring action lifts the pads off the disc when you release the brake pedal.

Chapter 11:

Press the piston

Step 1/3

Grab the caliper. Place a used pad in the caliper, then using a clamp or Brake Wind-Back Tool, press the pistons into the caliper.

Chapter 11:

Step 2/3

This step is essential before installing the new pads. As the pistons enter the caliper, brake fluid will flow back into the brake fluid reservoir.

Chapter 11:

Step 3/3

Depending on the original level of the reservoir, make sure that the liquid does not overflow.

Chapter 12:

Put the brake caliper back

Step 1/2

Put the brake caliper back in place and screw in the slide pins, by hand at first.

Chapter 12:

Step 2/2

You can use a 17mm wrench to prevent the bolts from rotating. Screw them in using a socket wrench and a 13mm socket. Finish tightening using a torque wrench.

Chapter 13:

Finalise the reassembly

Step 1/3

Clean both sides of the disc with brake cleaner and a cloth to remove the grease from the new pads.

Chapter 13:

Step 2/3

You can now repeat the same process on the other side. Then, you will be able to put the wheels back on your vehicle. Put the car back on the ground and block the wheels properly.

Chapter 13:

Step 3/3

Don’t forget to screw the brake fluid cap back on before starting the car.

Chapter 14:

Tips

Step 1/1

Attention! Before using your vehicle again, start your car, and pump the brake pedal a few times to push the brake pads together again. Try to drive smoothly and avoid sudden braking for the first 30 miles or so, to avoid glazing the new pads.