🔧 Rear Brake Pads & Rotors - Replacement

Your rear brakes and rotors on the Ram need to be removed, inspected, and replaced as a set if the rotors are worn, scored, or below spec. On this truck, the rear caliper setup is straightforward, but the parking brake inside the rotor hat must be fully released before rotor removal.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the truck with jack stands under the frame. Never rely on a jack alone.
• The rear parking brake must be fully released before removing the rotors.
• If the caliper uses a piston that must be rotated back, use the correct caliper tool and do not force it.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• Brake fluid may rise in the reservoir when the caliper pistons are pushed back. Watch the fluid level.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm lug wrench or socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Breaker bar
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• C-clamp
• Brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Bungee cord
• Brake cleaner
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake lubricant - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 2 cans

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake before lifting.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before raising the truck.
• After lifting the rear, release the parking brake before rotor removal.
• If the rotor will not come off, check for parking brake shoe tension inside the rotor hat.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the rear of the truck

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the rear axle or frame.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Remove both rear wheels with a 21mm lug wrench or socket.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 15mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord or caliper hanger.
• Do not let the hose hang.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and bracket

• Slide the brake pads out of the bracket.
• Use a 13mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the axle flange.

Step 4: Remove the rotor

• Release the parking brake fully.
• If needed, back off the parking brake shoes through the adjuster opening with a flat blade screwdriver.
• Pull the rotor off by hand.
• If stuck, tap the rotor hat evenly with a rubber mallet.
• Do not hit the braking surface.

Step 5: Clean and inspect the mounting surface

• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the hub face.
• Spray the hub and bracket with brake cleaner.
• Inspect the parking brake shoes inside the rotor hat for wear or cracking.

Step 6: Install the new rotor

• Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner before installing it.
• Slide the rotor onto the hub.
• If it does not seat fully, recheck the parking brake adjustment.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper bracket and pads

• Install the caliper bracket with a 13mm socket.
• Torque to 125 Nm (92 ft-lbs).
• Apply a thin layer of brake lubricant to the pad contact points on the bracket.
• Install the new brake pads into the bracket.

Step 8: Compress the caliper piston and reinstall the caliper

• Use a brake caliper compression tool (specialty) or C-clamp to push the piston fully back.
• If the piston needs to rotate while compressing, use the specialty tool instead of forcing it.
• Reinstall the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the slide bolts with a 15mm socket.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheels

• Install both rear wheels.
• Snug the lug nuts with a 21mm lug wrench or socket.
• Lower the truck and then torque lug nuts to 176 Nm (130 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.

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✅ After Repair

• Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Listen for rubbing or dragging that could mean the parking brake is too tight.
• Follow a short break-in period: make several gentle stops before hard braking.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$800 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $270-$450 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.