You have to change the brakes on the Dodge Ram periodically. There is no set time period before you need to change the brakes, since wear is relative to how much you use them. You can save some money on the job by changing the brakes yourself and avoiding the labor charges at the repair shop. When you change the brake pads, inspect the brake rotors as well to be sure there is no damage to them, such as grooving on the surface, warping, or cracking. If there are any defects present, have the rotors resurfaced or replace them.
Instructions
- 1
Open the engine compartment and siphon the brake fluid with the turkey baster until it is at the minimum level. Place the fluid in the drain pan. You must recycle it, since you cannot reuse it in the master cylinder. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Raise the Ram with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the truck near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and take the wheel off the truck.
2Push the caliper piston into the housing, using the screwdriver as a pry tool, before you take the caliper off the wheel assembly. Loosen the bolts on the brake caliper using the 3/8-inch hex socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper from the cradle. Slide the brake pads out of the caliper.
3Slide the new brake pads into the caliper and place it on the mounting cradle. Tighten the mounting bolts with the hex socket and ratchet. Place the wheel on the truck and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the Dodge Ram. Lower the truck to the ground and repeat the process on the other wheel.
4Add brake fluid to the reservoir as necessary to bring it to the proper level. Pump the brake pedal until it is firm to seat the brake pads on the rotors.
