2020 RAM 1500 Brake Pads

Recommended Tools Checklist

• Hydraulic Floor Jack & Jack Stands Safely lift and support vehicle
• Torque Wrench (10–100 ft-lbs) Torque caliper and lug nuts to factory spec
• Metric Socket & Wrench Set (10mm–21mm) Remove caliper slide pins and bracket bolts
• Caliper Piston Compressor or Heavy-Duty C-Clamp Retract caliper pistons
• Wire Brush Clean corrosion from caliper bracket abutment channels
• High-Temperature Synthetic Brake Caliper Grease Lubricate pad slide ears and guide pins
• Aerosol Brake Parts Cleaner Remove brake dust and oil residue

Step-by-Step DIY Summary

1. Safety & Wheel Removal: Loosen lug nuts slightly while on the ground. Jack up the vehicle and secure on jack stands. Remove wheels completely.
2. Caliper Removal: Remove the caliper slide pin bolts. Lift the caliper off the rotor and secure it to the suspension spring using a bungee cord or caliper hanger.
3. Hardware & Bracket Prep: Remove old brake pads and stainless steel abutment clips. If replacing rotors, remove the caliper bracket mounting bolts. Clean rust from bracket pad channels with a wire brush and install new hardware clips.
4. Piston Compression & Lubrication: Check the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir (remove cap and siphon fluid if near the brim). Compress the caliper piston back into its bore. Apply a thin coat of synthetic brake lubricant to pad ear contact points (do not touch pad friction material).
5. Reassembly & Pedal Pump: Slide new pads into bracket clips, reinstall caliper, and torque slide pins and bracket bolts to factory spec. Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts. IMPORTANT: Pump brake pedal 4-5 times until firm before driving.