The Dodge Dakota pickup truck is manufactured with a front disk braking system that requires routine maintenance to perform adequately. The rotors and pads are the hydraulically operated friction surfaces that can run out of material and fail to stop the truck. These can be replaced or resurfaced by the average backyard mechanic in about an hour.
Instructions
- 1
Lift the truck at a front wheel and place the jack stand underneath the frame rail. Do not place the jack stand or lift with the floor jack at the suspension or body.
2Remove the wheel by turning the lug nuts in a counterclockwise direction. Place the wheel aside.
3Disconnect the anti-lock braking sensor from the wiring harness by pulling the adapter plug from the caliper socket.
4Remove the caliper and pads by turning the twin rear mount bolts in a counterclockwise direction, then sliding the caliper off the rotor. Set the caliper onto a control arm, or secure it to the arm with zip-ties. Do not let the caliper dangle from the brake lines.
5Remove the front rotor by pulling it from the hub, or turning the hub nut counterclockwise on four-wheel-drive models.
6Replace the rotor with a new unit by pressing it over the hub, then securing the hub nut in a clockwise direction, if applicable.
7Slide the caliper back over the rotor and secure the rear mount bolts in a clockwise direction. Press the ABS wiring harness adapter plug back into the caliper socket.
8Replace the wheel by turning the lug nuts in a clockwise direction, with an alternating pattern.
9Lower the truck from the jack stand with the floor jack by turning the pressure screw counterclockwise slowly.
10Repeat the entire process for the opposite front wheel.
