This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the brake caliper bracket on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine, including proper torque specifications and brake system precautions.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Copper crush washers (if disconnecting brake hose) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Caliper slide pin boots (inspect and replace if damaged) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels if working on front brakes, or front wheels if working on rear brakes.
2. Check brake fluid reservoir level in master cylinder and mark current level. Remove some fluid with turkey baster if near maximum to prevent overflow during piston compression.
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground.
4. Lift vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking point and secure with jack stands rated for at least 9,000 lbs.
5. Remove wheel completely and set aside.
6. Spray brake assembly with brake cleaner and allow to dry. Inspect all components for wear, damage, or excessive corrosion.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper from bracket
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the back of the caliper assembly. Using appropriate socket, remove both caliper slide pin bolts. Carefully lift the caliper off the brake pads and rotor. Support the caliper with a wire hanger or bungee cord attached to the suspension or frame—do not let it hang by the brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove both brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position and orientation of any anti-rattle clips, shims, or pad retaining hardware for reinstallation. Remove all pad hardware and set aside if reusing, or discard if installing new hardware with replacement pads.
   ⚠Brake pads and rotors may have sharp edges. Handle carefully to avoid cuts.
3. 3

   Remove caliper bracket mounting bolts
   Locate the two large caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle or axle housing. These bolts are extremely tight and may require significant force. Use a breaker bar if necessary to break them loose. Remove both bolts completely and retain if reusing.
   ⚠Caliper bracket bolts are torqued to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) and may require substantial force to remove. Ensure proper socket engagement to prevent rounding.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Carefully remove the caliper bracket from the steering knuckle or axle housing. Inspect the mounting surfaces on both the bracket and knuckle for corrosion, damage, or excessive wear.
   ℹ️The caliper bracket is heavy. Use care when removing to avoid dropping it on your hands or feet.
5. 5

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean the caliper bracket mounting surfaces on the steering knuckle or axle housing. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old threadlocker material. Clean the bolt threads in the knuckle using the appropriate tap if available, or carefully clean with wire brush. Spray with brake cleaner and allow to dry completely.
   ⚠Ensure all debris and old threadlocker is removed from mounting bolt holes to ensure proper torque values and thread engagement.
6. 6

   Prepare new caliper bracket
   Inspect the new or replacement caliper bracket for any shipping damage or defects. Clean the mounting surface with brake cleaner. Inspect the slide pin bores in the bracket and clean thoroughly. If the bracket includes slide pins, apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the pins and install new boots if provided.
   ℹ️Use only silicone-based high-temperature brake grease on slide pins. Never use petroleum-based lubricants on brake components.
7. 7

   Install caliper bracket
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of both caliper bracket mounting bolts as recommended. Position the new caliper bracket onto the steering knuckle or axle housing, aligning the bolt holes. Start both mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten bolts evenly in a criss-cross pattern to the specified torque.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: Caliper bracket bolts must be torqued to exactly 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) in proper sequence. Incorrect torque can result in bracket failure and complete brake loss.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install brake pads and hardware
   Install anti-rattle clips, shims, and pad retaining hardware onto the caliper bracket in their original positions. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to pad slide points on the bracket (where pads contact metal). Install both brake pads into the bracket, ensuring they are properly seated and move freely.
   ℹ️If installing new brake pads, ensure the correct pads are used for your specific brake system (standard or heavy-duty).
9. 9

   Compress caliper piston
   Before reinstalling the caliper, the piston must be compressed fully into the caliper bore. Use a C-clamp or brake piston compression tool, placing it against the back of the piston and the rear of the caliper body. Slowly compress the piston fully into the bore. Watch the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow.
   ⚠As the piston compresses, brake fluid will be forced back into the master cylinder reservoir. Monitor fluid level and remove excess if necessary to prevent overflow.
10. 10

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the support wire or bungee cord from the caliper. Carefully position the caliper over the brake pads and onto the caliper bracket. Ensure the caliper is properly seated. Apply silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pin bolts. Install both slide pin bolts and tighten to specification.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Caliper slide pin bolts must be torqued to exactly 35 Nm (26 lb-ft). Under-torquing can allow caliper movement; over-torquing can damage threads or seize pins.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly. Install all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to approximately 50% torque while vehicle is on jack stands. Lower vehicle to ground and remove jack stands. With vehicle on ground, torque lug nuts to final specification in a star pattern.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Wheel lug nuts must be torqued to exactly 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Improper torque can cause wheel detachment.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Restore brake pedal and bleed if necessary
    Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal several times until it becomes firm. The pedal will be soft initially because the caliper piston was compressed. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off with Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid to the MAX line. If the brake hose was disconnected during this procedure, the brake system must be bled according to manufacturer procedures.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Do not attempt to drive the vehicle until a firm brake pedal is achieved. If pedal remains soft after pumping, the system may require bleeding or there may be air in the hydraulic system.

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for opposite side if replacing both caliper brackets (highly recommended for even braking performance).
2. Check brake fluid level and top off as needed with Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid only.
3. Torque all fasteners to specification—brake component torque values are safety-critical.
4. If new brake pads were installed, perform 20-30 gentle stops from 30 mph to bed in the pads before normal driving.

Verification

• With vehicle on level ground and engine off, pump brake pedal several times. Pedal should become firm and hold steady pressure without sinking.
• Visually inspect caliper bracket installation to ensure bolts are fully tightened and bracket is secure with no movement.
• Check for any brake fluid leaks around caliper, hose connections, and bleeder screw.
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area (empty parking lot). Test brakes at 5-10 mph to verify proper operation before returning to normal driving.
• After test drive, recheck all torque specifications on caliper bracket bolts and wheel lug nuts.
• Listen for any unusual noises (grinding, squealing, or rubbing) during brake application.
• Verify that the vehicle brakes in a straight line without pulling to either side (may require bedding-in period for new pads).

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