calipers grinding on 3500 Ram
 

I just bought a 2001 Roadtrek on a dodge ram 3500 chasis. When I turn hard in either direction I hear a grinding noise coming from the front end. I checked the bearings and they were ok and I want to look at the brake pads and calipers. Is there an allen bolt or hex head that holds them on and what size
is it? I'm on the road with no tools and only want to buy what I need to make it home. Thanks,

its a T45

I needed and replaced calipers on my 3500 van not long ago, for no particular reason went with Raybestos, ordered both sides. One side came with T-45 bolts, the other came #6 hex (allen) bolt. Might want to be sure to have both handy if its your only ride.

Ok thanks guys. I'll check them both in the morning.

Factory are totally different from the aftermarket replacements, that much I remember.

As I recall the Dodge factory ones were allen and the Doormen replacements were Torx (direct opposite of Ford) . Suggest you do it in the Autozone parking lot and save yourself the hassle.

Mine are allen. Thanks for the AZ idea, parts right there.

I just read a thread on the dodge diesel forum and a noisy front end when turning the wheel can be dry wheel bearings. Any one grease the bearings through the ABS sensor to solve this problem on a ram 3500 2 wheel drive?

http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/3r...-bearings.html

Wasn't the bearings, turned out it needed friction modifier in the rear. Noise gone!

the grinding noise wasn't coming from the front end?

A common problem on these vans is to have collapsing front brake hoses connecting the caliper to the brake line. the internal rubber collapses and holds the brakes in contact with the rotor and prematurely wears out the front brakes. Cheap enough to replace with new and blead the brakes.

I have read about fluid drawing moisture into the lines... and I have drained the entire brake line and replaced all the brake fluid on my '01 two summers ago.
Good preventative if nothing else.