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
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
🔧 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.
