Front brake pads have a vital function. When your truck is moving, these front brake pads help you to slow down the vehicle. But, just like human beings need relaxation and few tweaks, the front brake pads can be changed too. The question is – How to change front brake pads on Dodge Ram 2500?
Don’t worry about it! We will walk you through it – step-by-step!
You can replace the front brake pads on your own. Before we jump to the procedure, let’s take a look at what brake pads are.
Note: We recommend the readers NOT to miss any of the steps mentioned in this in-depth article.
Let’s begin!
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What are Brake Pads?
When a vehicle drives down the road, there is a lot of pressure building up. This pressure must be controlled and stopped. That’s precisely why vehicles have brake pads.
Thanks to brake pads – you can stop the vehicle by stepping on the pedal. When the driver steps on the pedal, friction is created. It is enough to stop the vehicle’s spinning disc.
Let’s put it this way – if there were no brake pads, you would not be able to stop the car. This would lead to accidents and uncontrolled driving. Hence, brake pads have a lot of strength as they are used for stopping a lot of pressure.
Now, it all depends on the vehicle you are driving. Truck A may have a different brake pad as compared to Truck B. Now that you are aware of brake pads and their function, let’s find out how much it costs.
What is the cost of Brake Pads for Dodge Ram 2500?
Brake pads have an average cost of $200. But, the price can go up. It depends on the material, brand, and built. Also, your geographical location could be one of the biggest factors in the change in pricing.
The majority of the mechanics can change the brake pad in less than an hour. It could take more time in case they encounter a problem during the replacement process. This brings us to the next question: How often should you change/replace the brake pads? We have the answer for you! Jump to the next section to find out the answer.
What should be the frequency of replacing brake pads?
Brake pad replacement can be expensive for some of the vehicles. For a Dodge Ram 2500, it could be $200 to $300. If you cannot afford to replace the brake pads, it does not have to be frequent.
But, if your vehicle is having issues, it is best to replace it soonest. Don’t forget that replacement of brake pads will ensure that you have full control over the vehicle. There will be no crashes or unwanted accidents!
Coming back to the question, brake pads need to be changed after completing 70,000 miles. Don’t wait to reach the number – make sure you get new brake pads before hitting it.
Moreover, you will hear an uncanny sound from the wheels. This is a sign that your brake pads need to be replaced. It is an indicator that your brake pads are totally worn out. Stopping the noise requires a simple procedure – change the brake pads!
Replacing brake pads is not a cheap job! The local mechanics may take a lot of money to replace it, but there are ways to DIY! The next section covers the step-by-step guide to change the front brake pads on Dodge Ram 2500.
The Complete Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Front Brake Pads on Dodge Ram 2500
Let’s face it: not everyone has the money or patience to go to the local mechanic. If you want to DIY, we have the fix for you.
All you have to do is learn how to change front brake pads on Dodge Ram 2500!
Let’s not waste time and begin with the procedure. We will also tell you about the things you need to get the job done.
1. Things You Will Need During the Process
– Jack Stands (to jack up the truck/vehicle – this is meant for your safety)
– Floor Jack (to jack up your Dodge Ram 2500)
– WD40 (if the bolts are corroded and hard to remove, the WD40 makes it easy for you to do it)
– Impact Gun (makes the job easy by removing the bolts)
– 7/8 Socket (removing the bolts from the wheels is easier with this socket)
– 15/16 socket (for the bolts on the caliper)
– Cheater Pipe (great for tough nuts)
2. Steps to Change the Front Brake Pads
Step 1: It is time to jack up your Dodge Ram 2500 Truck. Lifting your truck may not be an easy task, but their floor jacks and stands to help you do so. This ensures your safety as you will be going under the vehicle. Let’s remind you that the truck weighs more than you, so you want to be safe under there. The first step is to use the floor jack to jack up the vehicle. Then, you can use stands to keep it in place. Make sure you shake the vehicle before you go under it. This is to be sure that it is in a secure spot.
Step 2: The second step is to remove all the bolts of the wheels. Before changing the front brake pads, you have to remove the wheel of your vehicle. Use the impact gun to loosen the bolts on the wheels. 7/8 socket will be helpful to remove the lug nuts.
Step 3: The third step is to remove the vehicle’s z. You have to use WD40 to break them loose. Then, use the 15/16 socket at the insides of the bolt. To break it loose, use the cheater pipe. Cheater pipes are known for breaking loose tough nuts. Remove both upper and lower bolts. Now, you have full access to the brake pads.
Step 4: It is time to remove the old brake pads and replace them with new ones. Did you buy one for your truck? If not, now is the time because you are learning the process quite fast. Good job!
HANG IN THERE! You are doing a fabulous job. We hope you followed all the steps mentioned above. Now, we will get to the MAIN part, where we change the brake pads.
Changing the Front Brake Pads
Please note that while buying brake pads, you will find retainer clips along with it. These clips will hold the entire unit together. The idea is to install these before the installation process begins.
Ideally, four tension clips have to be installed within the caliper. Each of these calipers is differently built. Check the old retainer clips to get an idea of which one goes where. Once you get the hang of it, these retainer clips will fit in easily in the caliper’s mounting bracket.
Note – Be careful while you fit these retainer clips. Don’t worry if you are not getting it right the first time. You can try fitting it at different spots. You will NAIL it!
LET’S BEGIN THE ACTUAL PROCESS OF REPLACING THE OLD BRAKE PADS
Now that the old brake pads are out, you have to place the new one. How to change front brake pads on Dodge Ram 2500? You have crossed an ocean (all the complicated processes), so now only a few steps remain.
The first step is to install the springs behind the caliper. You need to apply some pressure so that these springs will be in place.
Bend the springs a little so that the brake pads do not pop out while you are driving. Voila! All you need to do is use the reverse procedure of removing the old brake pads. You have to use the same method to install the new one. It is very easy to install the new ones!
The most important step is to reinstall the bolts securely. The idea is to secure the caliper of your vehicle.
And you are done! This is the time to put everything back into its original place. The only warning we will give you is to check the springs. Bend them carefully! Ideally, look for a video that gives you an insight into how to put medium pressure on the springs. But, we know you have got this!
Now that the installation process is complete, you might have some queries. We have answered some of the most frequently asked questions. Wouldn’t it be easier to find all the answers to your queries in one post? That’s us! Read on to find out the answers to your queries.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to replace front brake pads?
Ans. It depends on many factors – your geographical location, the material, local mechanic costs, and front brake pad brand. Be ready to pay approximately $400 or more if you are going to a local mechanic. However, the job gets done at $200-$300 too. It also depends on the vehicle you use. For Dodge Ram 2500, the pricing is $200-$300. It is cheaper if you indulge in DIY!
2. Can I replace the front brake pads on my own?
Ans. Absolutely! It does not require technical expertise, but you would need the right tools to do the job. Your safety comes first, so make sure you have the jack stand and floor jack. You cannot do this job without jacking up the vehicle. All the materials we have mentioned above are easily available in the nearest store or even online. Gain access to them to replace the front brake pads on your own. Yes, you do need some free time to change the front brake pads.
3. When should I change the Dodge Ram 2500 front brake pads?
Ans. So, the Dodge Ram 2500 front brake pads should be replaced after it has been driven 70,000 miles. But, you can get a quick check done. Sometimes the front brake pads are as good as new even after driving 70,000 miles. Moreover, if the wheels are making an uncanny sound, get it checked. It is possible that your front brake pads need replacement.
4. How do I break in the brand new front brake pads?
Ans. The first step to break in is to step on the new front brake pads. The next best thing you can do is to go on a long and leisurely drive. Make sure you go somewhere 30-40 miles away. It should take an hour to reach your destination. Once you cover that much distance, stop.
When you are driving your Dodge Ram 2500, don’t play any loud music at first. Listen to the sounds! Can you hear any uncanny sounds? If yes, then you need to check whether the front brake pads are functioning properly or not.
Final Verdict
We hope you found all the answers to your questions. Feel free to ask more!
You can replace the Dodge Ram 2500 front brake pads yourself. It does not require technical expertise. Make sure you get all the necessary gear to get started. Also, wear gloves while you are doing the job.
We recommend all the readers to shake up the vehicle after jacking it up. You need to ensure that the vehicle is secure and won’t fall on you while changing the brake pads.
There is no doubt that changing brake pads can be an expensive affair, especially when you go to the local mechanic. Spending $200-$300 may seem like a dent in your pocket. We do not worry about it as this task does not require special skills.
If you follow all the steps diligently, you will be able to replace the brake pads easily.
So, make sure you install it properly and secure the bolts before you take your Dodge Ram 2500 out for a long and sweet drive.