The heavier load a Dodge Ram 2500 hauls, the higher the braking force it needs to come to a controlled stop quickly. And having enough braking force every time you go on the road is crucial. But brake pads wear faster if there is a lot of friction.

So, how do you change brake pads on a Dodge Ram 2500? You need to remove the wheel to expose the brake rotor. The brake pad mounting brackets also need to be removed. Then, you can replace worn brake pads with new ones and install the bracket back on.

We will discuss when to change the brake pads and how to replace them on Dodge Ram 2500.

What Are Brake Pads and How Do They Work?

Brake pads are mainly made of two parts. The outer side is a metal backing plate that holds the inner side. The inner side is a friction material that squeezes the brake rotor to slow down the vehicle.

As soon as you push the brake pedal, brake fluid from the master cylinder reaches the caliper piston to increase pressure. Under this pressure, the brake caliper piston brings both sides of the calipers closer so that brake pads can be forced against the rotor. The intense force on the brake rotor from the inner and outer sides slows it down until the vehicle stops.

Why Do You Need to Change Brake Pads on Dodge Ram 2500?

Each time you push the brake pedal, the friction between the brake pads and the brake rotor causes wear on both components. The brake rotors are made of metal, so they face less wear than brake pads. However, brake pads wear out after driving the truck a few thousand miles.

When the brake pads’ thickness reduces, they can’t apply the same force to the brake rotor even if you push the brake all the way down. This is when driving the vehicle becomes too risky as the braking distance increases. When the brake pads are worn out, the vehicle needs almost twice the average braking distance.

Faulty brake pads also make maneuvering the vehicle more challenging. Dodge Ram trucks are popular for heavy haulage, so it can be very risky to drive with worn brake pads. But how do you know the brake pads are worn and need replacement? Find out next.

When should the brake pads on the Dodge Ram 2500 be changed?

It is important to understand when your Dodge Ram’s brake pads need replacement. Here are some signs of worn-out brake pads.

Brake Squeaking

If the brake pads are worn out, you will hear a high-pitched squeaking noise from the wheels. This happens because the friction material thickness is decreasing. In this situation, you must inspect the brake pads and replace them if necessary.

Driving the vehicle in this condition may cause the pads to wear more and expose the backing plate. Then, you might hear grinding noises from the wheels.

Vibration on the Brake Pedal

When the brake pads are excessively thin, brake rotors can be vulnerable to excessive heat while braking. This will warp the brake rotors, and you will feel a vibration on the brake pedal when applying the brake.

Vehicle Pulling

If the alignment of the brake rotors isn’t right, the vehicle might pull to the sides while braking. In this situation, you must get the brake system checked by an expert mechanic.

Warning Light

Modern vehicles are equipped with brake pad sensors that detect the thickness of the pads. If the thickness is excessively low, the brake system warning light will appear on the dashboard. You should inspect the brake pads and change them if necessary.

Also Read: Dash Replacement For Dodge Ram 1500

How to Change Brake Pads on Dodge Ram 2500?

The labor cost of changing brake pads on your Dodge Ram might be higher than that of brake pads. So, it is better to change them independently if you have enough knowledge and experience. If you are new to this, here is a detailed guide on changing brake pads without much hassle.

Tools Required to Change Brake Pads

You will need the following tools to change the brake pads on your Dodge truck.

• Hydraulic jack with stands
• Lug wrench
• C clamp
• Socket wrench
• New brake pads
• Brake fluid

Now that you have the tools in your hand follow the steps to change the brake pads.

Step 1: Removing the Wheel

While changing brake pads, you want to work on one wheel at a time. The first thing you need to do is remove the wheel. Use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts that hold the wheel in place. After you have loosened the nuts, use the jack to lift the car slightly above the ground, and then take out the wheel.

Related Wheel: How To Change Front Wheel Bearing On Dodge Ram 1500

Step 2: Loosen Slider Pins

Once you reach the brake assembly, you will see two slider bolts or pins inside. Loosen the lower pin using a socket wrench and remove it from the assembly. Pivot the brake caliper upward to expose the brake pads. Remember, you shouldn’t remove any brake lines.

It is time to check the brake pads. A visual inspection will clearly indicate how worn they are.

Step 3: Remove Brake Pads

A pair of retaining clips keeps the pads in place. At this stage, brake pads should be loosely attached to the clips, and you can easily remove them. Then, you need to remove the retaining clips, too. You need to replace them every time you change brake pads.

Step 4: Install New Clips and Brake Pads

After removing the old clips, install the new clips and apply grease to prevent them from making noise. Then, install the new brake pads into the slot.

Step 5: Retract Brake Pistons

When you pivoted the caliper, the brake pistons got extended. It will now block you from pushing the caliper down. So, you need to use a C clamp to retract the pistons. If a C clamp isn’t available, you can use wooden blocks. You must do it slowly, as the brake fluid will be pushed back into the reservoir.

Step 6: Check the Brake Fluid Level

Once the pistons are fully pushed back, you need to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top it up if necessary. But be careful of fluid overflow when you are working on multiple wheels.

Step 7: Tighten Slider Bolts

Once the caliper containing new brake pads is in place, insert the slider bolts into place and tighten them.

Also Read: What is The Bolt Pattern on A Dodge Ram 1500?

Step 8: Reinstall the Wheel

Put the wheel in place and use the lug wrench to tighten the nuts. After completing the brake pad replacement on all wheels, take a test drive to see the difference in performance.

FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding brake pad replacement on Dodge Ram 2500.

Q: How often do you need to replace brake pads on Ram 2500?

It depends on your driving conditions. If you use the brake frequently or under heavy loads, the pads can last up to 30,000 miles. In some cases, it might last up to 50,000 miles.

Q: Do I need to change the brake pads and rotors together?

If the brake rotor is warped, changing the brake pads alone might not be effective. You need to change both the pads and the rotor together. But changing the pads alone will suffice for brake pad wear only.

Q: Do you have to bleed the brakes after changing pads?

Air can enter the brake fluid line or reservoir during brake pad replacement. When air bubbles are locked inside the fluid line or reservoir, they will reduce the hydraulic pressure while braking. So, you must bleed the brakes every time you change the brake pads.

Conclusion

Having enough thickness on brake pads is a prerequisite for safe driving, especially when driving a heavy vehicle like Dodge Ram 2500. So, inspecting the brake pads after a certain time and changing them if necessary are two regular maintenance jobs you need to handle.

We showed how to change brake pads on the Dodge Ram 2500 so you can do it independently and save the additional labor cost. Plus, keeping your vehicle in top condition will give you immense satisfaction with road safety.