This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear wheel cylinder on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine, including drum brake disassembly and brake system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear wheel cylinder × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake fluid × 1 — Mopar DOT 4
• Brake hardware spring kit (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake if working on front brakes, or chock front wheels securely if working on rear brakes.
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground.
3. Raise vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points.
4. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
5. Place drain pan under work area to catch brake fluid.
6. Have replacement wheel cylinder and brake fluid ready before starting disassembly.

Procedure

1. 1

   Release brake shoe tension and remove drum
   From the back side of the backing plate, insert a brake spoon or adjuster tool through the access hole and rotate the adjuster star wheel to retract the brake shoes. Turn the adjuster wheel upward to collapse the shoes. Once shoes are retracted, pull the brake drum straight off the hub. If drum is stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap around the perimeter or install bolts in the threaded holes to push the drum off.
2. 2

   Clean and inspect brake assembly
   Spray brake cleaner on all brake components to remove dust and debris. Inspect brake shoes, springs, and hardware for wear or damage. Take a photo of the spring configuration for reference during reassembly. Inspect the wheel cylinder for signs of leakage around the dust boots.
   ⚠Use brake cleaner in a well-ventilated area and avoid breathing vapors.
3. 3

   Remove brake shoe return springs
   Using the brake spring removal tool, carefully remove the upper and lower return springs from the brake shoes. Start with the primary return spring, then remove the secondary spring. Note the position and orientation of each spring for proper reinstallation.
4. 4

   Disconnect brake shoes from wheel cylinder
   Remove the brake shoe hold-down springs and pins by pressing and rotating the retaining washer 90 degrees. Carefully spread the top of the brake shoes apart and disengage them from the wheel cylinder pistons. Support the shoes to prevent damage to the adjuster mechanism.
5. 5

   Disconnect brake line from wheel cylinder
   Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen and disconnect the brake line fitting from the rear of the wheel cylinder. Be prepared for brake fluid to drip. Cap or plug the brake line immediately to prevent fluid loss and contamination. Do not allow the line to hang unsupported; secure it to prevent damage.
   ⚠Use a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding off the brake line fitting. Standard wrenches may damage the soft brass fitting.
6. 6

   Remove wheel cylinder mounting bolts
   Remove the two wheel cylinder mounting bolts from the back side of the backing plate. The bolts are typically accessible from behind the backing plate. Support the wheel cylinder as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new wheel cylinder
   Position the new wheel cylinder onto the backing plate, ensuring it is properly seated against the backing plate surface. Install the two mounting bolts and tighten to specification. Ensure the cylinder is aligned properly so brake shoes will seat correctly on the pistons.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect brake line
   Remove the plug or cap from the brake line and thread the fitting into the new wheel cylinder by hand to ensure proper alignment. Use a flare nut wrench to snug the fitting, being careful not to cross-thread. Tighten securely but do not overtighten the brass fitting.
9. 9

   Reinstall brake shoes and hardware
   Position the brake shoes onto the backing plate, engaging the bottom of the shoes with the adjuster mechanism and the top with the wheel cylinder pistons. Install the hold-down pins and springs. Reinstall the return springs in reverse order of removal using the spring tool. Verify all springs and hardware are properly seated and positioned correctly.
10. 10

    Adjust brake shoes and install drum
    Through the adjuster access hole, rotate the adjuster star wheel downward to expand the brake shoes until they contact the inside of the drum when test-fitted. Back off the adjuster 8-10 clicks so the drum rotates freely with slight drag. Install the brake drum, ensuring it seats fully on the hub.
11. 11

    Bleed brake system at wheel cylinder
    Attach clear plastic tubing to the bleeder screw on the wheel cylinder and submerge the other end in a container with fresh brake fluid. Have a helper slowly pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw and allow fluid and air to escape, then close before the pedal reaches the floor. Repeat until fluid flows clear with no air bubbles. Check and maintain master cylinder fluid level throughout bleeding process.
    ⚠Never allow the brake pedal to go to the floor during bleeding as this can damage the master cylinder.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts
    Install the wheel and tire assembly onto the hub. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a torque wrench, tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Lower vehicle partially and perform final torque check with vehicle weight on the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. After bleeding the wheel cylinder, bleed the brake system at remaining wheels in this order: right rear, left rear, right front, left front.
2. Verify brake pedal is firm and has proper height before driving.
3. Top off brake fluid reservoir to MAX line with Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid.
4. Pump brake pedal several times with engine off to ensure proper shoe-to-drum contact.
5. Check for brake fluid leaks around wheel cylinder and brake line connection.

Verification

• Start engine and verify brake warning light is off on instrument cluster.
• With engine running, press brake pedal firmly and verify it does not slowly sink to the floor.
• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed, verifying brakes apply evenly without pulling.
• Perform several moderate brake applications to seat brake shoes to drum.
• Recheck brake fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary.
• Inspect wheel cylinder area for any signs of brake fluid leakage after test drive.
• Verify parking brake operates correctly if rear brakes were serviced.

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