🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Your rear brake pads wear out over time and should be replaced before the backing plate contacts the rotor. On your Ram, this job is straightforward, but you must support the truck safely and compress the rear caliper piston slowly so the new pads fit correctly.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the truck.
• Use jack stands; never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• If your truck has an electronic parking brake, make sure it is fully released before starting.
• Brake parts can be hot; let everything cool first.
• Brake dust is harmful; do not blow it off with compressed air.

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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 socket
• 13mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool
• Flat screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• 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 hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake grease - Qty: 1 tube
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake only if needed for lifting, then release it before removing the rear wheels.
• Place wheel chocks in front of the front tires.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts before raising the truck.
• If equipped with electronic parking brake service mode, retract it before caliper work.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen and lift the rear of the truck

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the rear lug nuts 1/2 turn before lifting.
• Raise the rear with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Support both sides with jack stands (rated for truck weight).

Step 2: Remove the rear wheels

• Finish removing the lug nuts with the 21mm socket.
• Remove both rear wheels and set them aside.
• Keep lug nuts together.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

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

Step 4: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Pull the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the stainless pad clips with a flat screwdriver.
• Clean the bracket with wire brush and brake cleaner.

Step 5: Inspect the rotor and caliper

• Check the rotor for deep grooves, heavy rust, or cracks.
• If the rotor is badly worn, replace it before installing new pads.
• Check the caliper slide pins for smooth movement.

Step 6: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool to slowly push the piston fully back into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing the piston.
• Go slow to avoid seal damage.

Step 7: Install new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad clips from the rear brake hardware kit.
• Apply a thin coat of brake grease to the pad contact points and caliper slide areas.
• Install the new rear brake pads in the bracket.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the guide pin bolts with the 13mm socket.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheels

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

Step 10: Pump the brake pedal

• Before moving the truck, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• This seats the pads against the rotor.

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✅ After Repair

• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area first.
• Listen for dragging, grinding, or clicking sounds.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops when possible.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $70-$160 (parts only)

You Save: $180-$290 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.

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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.