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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent quality rotor meeting DOT standards
• Rotor set screws (if corroded) × 2 — M8 x 1.25 set screws

Fluids

• Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake firmly.
2. Chock the front wheels securely to prevent vehicle movement.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on the ground.
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at factory lift points on frame rail.
5. Support vehicle with jack stands rated for at least 9,000 lbs placed at manufacturer-specified jacking points.
6. Remove wheel lug nuts completely and remove wheel.
7. Spray penetrating oil on caliper slide pin bolts, bracket bolts, and rotor set screws. Allow to penetrate for 10-15 minutes.
8. Clean brake assembly with brake cleaner to remove debris and identify all fasteners.

Procedure

1. 1

   Compress brake caliper piston
   Before removing the caliper, open the brake fluid reservoir cap slightly to allow fluid displacement. Using a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool, slowly compress the caliper piston back into its bore. Place the clamp against the back of the caliper body and the outer brake pad. Compress slowly to avoid damaging the piston seal. This step is necessary to create clearance for caliper removal.
   ⚠Monitor brake fluid reservoir level. If fluid overflows, remove excess with a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump. Do not allow brake fluid to contact painted surfaces.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper assembly (typically 18mm heads). Remove both slide pin bolts completely. These bolts allow the caliper to slide on the bracket. Keep these bolts clean and inspect for damage.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove and support caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper assembly straight up and off the rotor and caliper bracket. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the rubber brake hose. Use wire, bungee cord, or a hook to suspend the caliper from the frame or suspension component above. Ensure there is no tension on the brake hose. Inspect brake pads for wear while caliper is removed.
   ⚠️Allowing caliper to hang by brake hose can cause internal hose damage and brake failure. Always support caliper independently.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   The caliper bracket is secured to the axle flange by two large bolts (typically 15mm heads). Remove both caliper bracket bolts completely. The bracket may be tight due to high torque specification. Use a breaker bar if necessary. Remove the bracket assembly completely to expose the rotor.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove rotor set screws
   If equipped, remove the rotor retaining set screws (typically 1-2 Phillips or flathead screws). These screws are often corroded and may strip easily. Use proper size driver and apply firm pressure while turning. If screws are severely corroded, they can be drilled out or left in place if new rotor does not require them. Apply penetrating oil if needed.
   ℹ️Set screws are for assembly line use and are not strictly necessary for rotor retention. If damaged, they can be omitted on reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws9 Nm (7 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove brake rotor
   Pull the rotor straight off the wheel hub studs. The rotor may be seized to the hub due to corrosion. If stuck, thread two lug nuts onto opposite studs (backwards) leaving about 1/4 inch gap, then strike the rotor face or hat section between studs with a rubber mallet to break corrosion bond. Alternatively, use rotor-mounted threaded holes (if equipped) with appropriate bolts to press rotor off. Never strike the rotor friction surface or use excessive force that could damage wheel bearings.
   ⚠Excessive striking force can damage wheel bearings or ABS tone ring. Use steady, moderate force with rubber mallet only.
7. 7

   Clean hub mounting surface
   With rotor removed, use wire brush to thoroughly clean the wheel hub mounting surface where rotor seats. Remove all rust, corrosion, and debris. The hub face must be clean and flat for proper rotor seating. Clean wheel studs with wire brush. Inspect ABS tone ring (if visible) for damage. Check hub for excessive play or roughness indicating bearing wear.
   ⚠Do not use compressed air to clean brake dust. Use brake cleaner and allow to drain.
8. 8

   Install new brake rotor
   Remove any protective coating from new rotor using brake cleaner. Clean both friction surfaces thoroughly. Slide new rotor onto wheel hub studs, ensuring it seats flush against hub face. Rotate rotor to verify smooth seating with no wobble. If equipped with set screw holes, align holes and install set screws finger-tight initially.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws9 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Position caliper bracket onto axle flange, aligning mounting bolt holes. Apply small amount of threadlocker to bracket bolt threads if desired (not required but recommended for high-vibration environment). Install both bracket bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern (alternate between bolts for even seating).
   ⚠️Caliper bracket bolts are CRITICAL safety fasteners. Must be torqued to exact specification. Under-torquing can cause caliper detachment and total brake failure.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts137 Nm (101 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Inspect and lubricate slide pins
    Inspect caliper slide pin bolts for corrosion, damage, or worn rubber boots. Check that slide pins move freely in bracket. Clean slide pins with brake cleaner and apply thin coat of silicone brake grease (high-temperature brake lubricant) to slide pin shafts. Ensure rubber boots are intact and properly seated.
    ℹ️Do not use petroleum-based grease on brake components. Use only silicone-based brake grease or lubricant specified for brake caliper slide pins.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove caliper from its supported position. Position caliper over rotor and onto caliper bracket, aligning slide pin bolt holes. Ensure brake pads are properly positioned on either side of rotor. Install both caliper slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts
    Mount wheel onto hub, aligning holes with studs. Install all lug nuts hand-tight. Lower vehicle slightly so tire contacts ground but vehicle weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in star/cross pattern (tighten opposite nuts sequentially to ensure even pressure). Fully lower vehicle and perform final torque check in star pattern.
    ⚠️Improper lug nut torque can cause wheel detachment. Must use torque wrench and star pattern. Verify torque after first 50-100 miles.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Restore brake pedal pressure
    With vehicle on ground and engine off, pump brake pedal slowly and firmly 10-15 times to reseat caliper piston against new rotor and restore proper pedal height. Pedal should become firm. Check brake fluid reservoir level and top off with Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid if needed (do not overfill). Reinstall reservoir cap securely.
    ⚠️DO NOT start engine or attempt to drive until firm brake pedal is achieved. If pedal remains soft after pumping, system may have air and requires bleeding.

Reassembly

1. If replacing both rear rotors, repeat entire procedure on opposite side before test driving.
2. Torque wheel lug nuts are critical - verify torque in star pattern after vehicle is fully lowered.
3. New rotors require bedding-in period: avoid hard braking for first 200-300 miles to allow proper pad-rotor mating.

Verification

• Verify firm brake pedal before starting engine. Pedal should not sink to floor with constant pressure.
• With engine running, verify brake pedal height is normal and braking assist is functional.
• Perform low-speed brake test in safe area (5-10 mph) to verify braking function before entering traffic.
• Test at increasing speeds up to 25-30 mph in safe area, verifying straight-line braking with no pulling.
• Listen for any unusual noises (grinding, squealing beyond normal new-pad noise, rubbing).
• Check for brake fluid leaks around caliper and brake hose connections.
• Verify parking brake still functions correctly if it uses rear brake components.
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after first 50-100 miles of driving.
• After 200-300 miles, inspect rotor for even pad contact pattern and verify no excessive heat discoloration or warping.

More procedures for this vehicle