How to Replace Front Brake Pads & Rotors on a 2018 Ram 3500 (Step-by-Step)
Tools, parts list, safety tips, and key fitment checks (SRW vs DRW, wheel size) plus torque specs guidance for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
How to Replace Front Brake Pads & Rotors on a 2018 Ram 3500 (Step-by-Step)
Tools, parts list, safety tips, and key fitment checks (SRW vs DRW, wheel size) plus torque specs guidance for 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
🔧 3500 - Front Brake Pads & Rotor Replacement
On your 3500, the front brake/rotor setup can vary by axle/wheel package, and that changes the exact rotor type and torque specs. Once I confirm two details, I’ll give you the full step-by-step with the correct specs.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- 🛑 Support the truck with jack stands before removing any wheels.
- 🛑 Never press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
- 🛑 Brake dust is hazardous—use brake cleaner, not compressed air.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- Floor jack (rated 4-ton minimum)
- Jack stands (rated 4-ton minimum)
- Wheel chocks
- Lug nut socket (size depends on wheels)
- 1/2" drive breaker bar
- 1/2" drive torque wrench (30-250 ft-lbs range)
- Ratchet (3/8" drive)
- Socket set (metric)
- Wrench set (metric)
- C-clamp brake piston compressor
- Flat-blade screwdriver
- Bungee cord
- Wire brush
- Brake cleaner
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Front brake pad set - Qty: 1
- Front brake rotors - Qty: 2
- Brake caliper bracket hardware kit - Qty: 1
- Brake pad lubricant - Qty: 1
đź“‹ Before You Begin
- Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
- Chock the rear wheels using wheel chocks.
- Loosen the front lug nuts 1/2 turn using a breaker bar before lifting.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Before I write the exact steps and torque specs, answer these 2 quick questions:
- âť“ Is your 3500 SRW (single rear wheel) or DRW (dually)?
- âť“ What size wheels are on it: 17", 18", or 20"?
âś… After Repair
- Press the brake pedal slowly until it feels firm before driving.
- Do a low-speed test in a safe area and confirm no pulling or noise.
đź’° DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $700-$1,400 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $250-$800 (parts only)
You Save: $450-$600 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 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.
