Very accurate and detailed write up on changing the front brakes... First time I have ever done my brakes on any truck let alone my 3500 Cummings. Couple of helpful hints for another newbie mechanic like myself.
1) - Don't be surprised if there are no clips holding on the rotor ( and they are destroyed when removed. )
2) - I could not find any new clips and they are not required.
3) - Removing the rotor was very dificult and since I was replacing them I attempted to pound on the back of them with a hammer but they continued to Jamb.. Have a buddy with a tire iron apply pressure on the opposite side of the rotor and you can slowly and easily tap of the rotor. Especially the back rotor as the clearances are tighter due to the emergency brake shoes.
4) After I put on the new rotor I used a lug nut to hold the rotor in place to stop it from tipping when reinstalling the caliper - pads.
5) Back Brakes require a 21 mm socket to remove caliper bracket. ( not 18 mm ).
6) Pick up a set of emergency shoes in case you want or may not be planning on replacing them.. I wasn't and one of my shoes was total rusted off and spining in the rotor and fell out after I cursed off the rotor - really tight. That way you don't have to do the back brakes twice.
Hope this helps with the little dumb things - for a novice guy like me trying to save a couple of hundred bucks in labor charges.
Thanks for the write up guys this was very helpful when changing my fronts. Rocpkr at what milage did you change the rears. Upon last inspection my rears were still in good shape and I have 70k on them now.
I had 169,000 km when I change out both the front and back, I bought the truck second hand on a lease back that had apx 70,000 km on it in one year. So I have put 100,000 on mine but the rotors were overdue. ( PS - I don't really tow anything with it ).
RE: DIY, front brake pad replacement...
1998.5 Ram Cummins 24 valve turbo diesel
Changing brakes on a 3500 Cummings
