This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear brake drums on a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake drum × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent meeting SAE J177 standards

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on firm, level surface and engage parking brake if working on front axle only. If working on rear axle, chock front wheels securely.
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on the ground.
3. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at approved lift points on frame rail.
4. Place jack stands under rear axle tubes near differential housing, ensuring stands are rated for at least 7,000 lbs each.
5. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before proceeding.
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.
7. Put on safety glasses and nitrile gloves before working with brake components.

Procedure

1. 1

   Release parking brake system
   Ensure the parking brake is fully released. If you engaged it for rear wheel chocking purposes, have an assistant apply and hold the service brake pedal instead, or use a brake pedal depressor tool. The parking brake shoes inside the drum must be fully retracted for drum removal.
2. 2

   Inspect drum retention
   Check if the drum has any retaining clips or speed nuts holding it to the wheel studs. On 2014 Ram 2500 models, drums are typically held only by the wheel and hub friction, but factory assembly may include clips. Remove any clips present.
3. 3

   Initial drum removal attempt
   Grasp the brake drum firmly with both hands and pull straight off the hub. If the drum does not come off easily, tap the outer edge gently with a rubber mallet while rotating the drum. Do not strike the braking surface. If drum still does not release, proceed to next step.
   ⚠Brake drums are heavy (approximately 25-35 lbs each on this vehicle). Use proper lifting technique and expect sudden release.
4. 4

   Address stuck drum
   If drum is seized to hub, apply penetrating oil around the hub pilot diameter (center register where drum contacts hub). Allow 10-15 minutes to penetrate. Thread two appropriately sized bolts into the threaded puller holes in the drum face (if equipped) and tighten evenly to press drum off hub. Alternatively, use a brake drum puller or slide hammer attached to the drum.
   ⚠Do not strike brake components with excessive force. Drums can crack or shatter, and brake shoes can be damaged.
5. 5

   Inspect drum and hub surface
   Once drum is removed, clean the hub mounting surface with a wire brush to remove rust and corrosion. Spray brake cleaner on drum interior and hub to remove brake dust and contaminants. Wipe clean with a shop towel. Inspect hub for damage, excessive rust, or bearing play.
   ⚠️Use brake cleaner in a well-ventilated area. Do not use compressed air to clean brake dust as it may contain asbestos.
6. 6

   Inspect brake shoes and hardware
   With drum removed, inspect the brake shoes, springs, adjusters, and wheel cylinder for wear, leaks, or damage. Note the condition for future service planning. If only replacing drums, ensure all components are in good condition before proceeding. This is an opportune time to address any brake shoe or hardware issues.
7. 7

   Prepare new drum for installation
   Remove any protective coating or shipping oil from the new brake drum using brake cleaner. Clean the inner braking surface thoroughly. Inspect the new drum for any shipping damage or defects. Verify the drum matches the original part specifications.
8. 8

   Install new brake drum
   Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the hub pilot diameter (center register) where the drum seats. Align the drum with the wheel studs and slide it onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully against the hub face. The drum should slide on smoothly without binding.
   ⚠Do not get anti-seize compound on the braking surface of the drum or brake shoes. Contamination will cause brake failure.
9. 9

   Install wheel and torque lug nuts
   Mount the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly on the drum and hub face. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a torque wrench, tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification.
   ⚠️Proper lug nut torque is critical for wheel retention and brake system function. Always use a calibrated torque wrench and star pattern.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 9 for the opposite rear brake drum. Both rear drums should be replaced as a pair to ensure even braking performance and prevent brake pull.
11. 11

    Lower vehicle and final torque check
    Raise vehicle slightly off jack stands using floor jack. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, perform a final torque verification of all lug nuts in star pattern to specification. This ensures proper seating under load.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure both rear brake drums are properly seated on hubs and all lug nuts are torqued to specification in star pattern.
2. Verify parking brake was fully released during installation and operates correctly after installation.
3. Dispose of old brake drums and any brake dust waste according to local environmental regulations.

Verification

• Start engine and pump brake pedal several times to verify normal pedal feel and height. Pedal should be firm and consistent.
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area (5-10 mph) to verify brakes engage smoothly without pulling to either side.
• Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or brake performance issues. Address immediately if found.
• Verify parking brake holds vehicle on an incline and releases fully without drag.
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-check lug nut torque to ensure wheels have not loosened.
• If any brake warning lights are illuminated or brake performance is not normal, do not drive vehicle and seek professional service immediately.

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