This procedure covers replacement of the rear brake pads on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including proper caliper servicing and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake hardware kit (anti-rattle clips and shims) × 1 — Often included with pad set

Fluids

• Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake.
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels.
3. Remove approximately 1/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir using turkey baster to prevent overflow when compressing pistons. Store removed fluid in sealed container.
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is on ground.
5. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential or frame contact points.
6. Secure vehicle on jack stands placed under frame rails or axle housing. Ensure vehicle is stable before proceeding.
7. Remove rear wheels completely.

Procedure

1. 1

   Clean and inspect brake assembly
   Spray brake assembly thoroughly with brake cleaner, avoiding rubber components. Clean rotor surface, caliper, and bracket. Inspect rotor for scoring, cracks, or excessive wear (minimum thickness typically stamped on rotor hat). Check for fluid leaks around caliper piston boot and bleeder screw. Replace any damaged components before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the caliper slide pin bolts on the inboard side of the caliper. These are typically located at the top and bottom of the caliper body. Using appropriate socket (typically 13mm or 18mm depending on caliper type), remove both caliper slide pin bolts. Support caliper weight as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   ⚠Do not allow caliper to hang by brake hose. Support caliper weight at all times to prevent hose damage.
3. 3

   Secure caliper and remove old pads
   Carefully swing caliper up and away from rotor. Secure caliper to suspension or frame using wire, bungee cord, or caliper hanger to prevent stress on brake hose. Remove outer and inner brake pads from caliper bracket. Note position of anti-rattle clips and hardware for reinstallation. Remove and discard old hardware clips if new ones are provided in pad kit.
4. 4

   Inspect and clean caliper bracket
   Inspect caliper bracket slide surfaces where pads contact. Wire brush any rust or corrosion from pad contact points and slide areas. Clean thoroughly with brake cleaner. Inspect caliper slide pins for wear, damage, or seized condition. If pins are difficult to move or damaged, service or replace before proceeding.
5. 5

   Compress caliper pistons
   Before compressing pistons, verify brake fluid was removed from master cylinder reservoir in preparation steps. Place large C-clamp or brake piston tool against caliper piston and inboard side of caliper body. Slowly compress piston fully into caliper bore. For dual-piston calipers, compress both pistons evenly. Monitor master cylinder reservoir to ensure it does not overflow. This process forces brake fluid back into the reservoir.
   ⚠Compressing pistons without removing fluid from reservoir first can cause overflow and paint damage. Fluid can also be forced past seals in ABS components causing internal damage.
6. 6

   Lubricate slide pins and hardware
   Remove caliper slide pins from bracket if not already removed. Clean pins thoroughly with brake cleaner and wipe dry. Inspect pin boots for tears or damage and replace if necessary. Apply a thin, even coating of silicone brake grease to slide pins (do NOT use petroleum-based grease). Apply thin layer of silicone brake grease to pad contact points on caliper bracket where specified by manufacturer.
7. 7

   Install new brake hardware and pads
   Install new anti-rattle clips and hardware onto caliper bracket, ensuring they snap firmly into place and match original orientation. Install inner brake pad into bracket, ensuring it seats properly in hardware clips. Install outer brake pad, confirming both pads are secure and properly positioned. Verify pad friction material faces toward rotor.
8. 8

   Reinstall and torque caliper
   Swing caliper down over new brake pads, ensuring it seats properly onto bracket. Insert caliper slide pin bolts through caliper and into bracket pins. Thread bolts by hand first to ensure proper engagement. Apply silicone brake grease to slide pin bolt threads and contact surfaces as specified. Torque caliper slide pin bolts to specification using torque wrench. If your vehicle uses caliper bolts instead of slide pins, refer to appropriate torque specification.
   ⚠️CRITICAL: Using incorrect torque specification or sequence can result in caliper detachment and complete brake failure. Verify your specific caliper type and corresponding torque value before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Repeat for opposite side
   Perform steps 1 through 8 on the opposite rear brake assembly. Ensure both sides receive identical service with same parts and procedures for even brake performance.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts
    Clean wheel mounting surface on hub with wire brush if necessary. Reinstall rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground (still supported primarily by jack stands). Torque lug nuts to specification in star pattern to ensure even seating. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Perform final torque verification of lug nuts in star pattern with vehicle on ground.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Improper lug nut torque can cause wheel detachment. Always use torque wrench and star pattern sequence.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Restore brake pedal and check fluid level
    Before moving vehicle, pump brake pedal slowly and firmly 10-15 times until pedal feels firm and reaches normal height. This repositions caliper pistons against new pads. Check master cylinder reservoir and add Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid to proper level if needed. Inspect around calipers for any signs of fluid leakage.
    ⚠️CRITICAL: Vehicle will have no brakes until pedal is pumped to reposition pistons. Do not attempt to move vehicle until firm pedal is achieved.

Reassembly

1. Ensure master cylinder reservoir is filled to proper level with correct DOT 4 brake fluid.
2. All caliper slide pin bolts must be torqued to specification with proper lubricant applied.
3. All wheel lug nuts must be torqued in star pattern to specification.
4. Brake pedal must be pumped until firm before attempting to move vehicle.

Verification

• Start engine and verify brake pedal feels firm with normal travel distance (approximately 2-3 inches before resistance).
• Check master cylinder fluid level one final time; add if necessary.
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area (under 5 mph) to verify brakes engage properly without pulling to one side.
• Perform gradual brake application test at 15-20 mph in safe area to verify proper operation and no unusual noises.
• Visually inspect around all caliper service areas for any fluid leaks.
• After 50-100 miles of normal driving, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification.
• Expect initial break-in period of 200-300 miles for optimal pad seating; avoid hard braking during break-in if possible.
• If brake pedal feels spongy, is lower than normal, or brake warning light illuminates, do not drive vehicle. Bleed brake system or seek professional service immediately.

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