🔧 Front Brakes and Rotors - Replacement

Replacing the front brake pads and rotors on your Ram is a straightforward brake service. You’ll remove the caliper and bracket, swap the rotor, install new pads, and then torque everything correctly so the brakes work smoothly and safely.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and chock the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Support the caliper with a hanger or strong wire so the brake hose is not stretched.
• No battery disconnect is required for this job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm socket
• 21mm socket
• 13mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or mechanic’s wire
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1 set
• Front brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1 set
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and engage the parking brake.
• Put the transmission in Park.
• Loosen the front lug nuts before lifting the truck.
• Raise the front end and place it securely on jack stands.
• Replace brake parts in pairs so braking stays balanced.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the front wheel

• Use a 21mm socket and ratchet or breaker bar to remove the lug nuts.
• Take the wheel off and set it aside.
• Keep lug nuts in a tray.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 13mm socket to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord or mechanic’s wire.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.

Step 3: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.
• Torque on reassembly: 192 Nm (142 ft-lbs)

Step 4: Remove the rotor

• Pull the rotor straight off the hub.
• If it is stuck, tap the rotor hat area with a rubber mallet.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the hub face.
• A clean hub helps prevent rotor wobble.

Step 5: Install the new rotor

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• Install the rotor on the hub.
• If needed, hold it in place with a wheel nut hand-tight.

Step 6: Install the caliper bracket and pads

• Install the caliper bracket using a 21mm socket.
• Torque the bracket bolts to 192 Nm (142 ft-lbs).
• Install the new pads and hardware in the bracket.
• Make sure the pads sit squarely in the clips.

Step 7: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool to push the piston back into the caliper.
• Compress it slowly and keep the piston straight.
• Check the brake fluid reservoir so it does not overflow.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper over the new pads and rotor.
• Install the caliper slide pin bolts with a 13mm socket.
• Torque the slide pin bolts to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck to the ground.
• Use a 21mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque the lug nuts to 176 Nm (130 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Seat the brake pads

• Before moving the truck, press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Make a slow test drive and listen for odd noises.

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✅ After Repair

• Confirm the brake pedal is firm before driving.
• Check for brake fluid leaks around both front calipers.
• Test brakes at low speed first.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$350 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.