🔧 Front Brake Pads - Pad Replacement

The front brake pads on your Ram wear down over time and should be replaced as a set on both front wheels. Since this is a heavy truck, it’s important to inspect the rotors and caliper slides while you’re in there so the new pads wear evenly and stop well.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and keep the transmission in Park.
• Chock the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Use jack stands; do not rely on the floor jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Use brake cleaner only on brake parts, not on rubber boots or hoses.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

---

🔧 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
• 21mm socket
• 13mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Bungee cord or mechanic’s hook
• Brake cleaner
• Shop towels
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Raise the front and support it securely on jack stands.
• Remove both front wheels before starting the brake work.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen and lift the truck

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the front lug nuts one turn each.
• Lift the front of the truck with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Support it with jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Remove the wheels.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 13mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or mechanic’s hook. Do not let it hang by the hose.
• Keep the hose relaxed.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old pads out of the caliper bracket.
• Use a flat blade screwdriver if the pads are stuck.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware from the bracket.
• Clean the bracket contact points with a wire brush and brake cleaner.

Step 4: Inspect the rotor and caliper

• Check the rotor surface for deep grooves, cracks, or heavy rust.
• Check the caliper slide pins for smooth movement.
• If the slide pins are dry, clean and lubricate them with brake grease if available.
• Replace rotors if they are badly worn.

Step 5: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp to slowly push the caliper piston back in.
• Place an old pad against the piston so the clamp presses evenly.
• Compress the piston fully before installing the new pads.
• Watch the brake fluid level in the reservoir while compressing.

Step 6: Install the new pads

• Install the new hardware clips into the bracket.
• Slide the new inner and outer pads into place.
• Make sure the pads sit fully in the clips.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Set the caliper back over the new pads.
• Use the 13mm socket to install the slide bolts.
• Torque to 32 Nm (24 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheels

• Put the wheels back on and start all lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the truck and use a 21mm socket with a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts.
• Torque to 176 Nm (130 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Pump the brake pedal

• Before moving the truck, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.

---

✅ After Repair

• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area first.
• Listen for rubbing or squealing.
• Recheck lug nut torque after about 25-50 miles.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops to help the pads bed in.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $80-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $170-$320 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.0 hours.

---

🎯 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.