front brakes DODGE RAM 2001 Service Owner's Guide

tube can be used for emergency repair when factory
replacement parts are not readily available.
To make a ISO flare use an ISO flaring tool kit.
(1) Cut off damaged tube with Tubing Cutter.
(2) Remove any burrs from the inside of the tube.
(3) Install tube nut on the tube.
(4) Position the tube in the flaring tool flush with
the top of the tool bar (Fig. 3). Then tighten the tool
bar on the tube.
(5) Install the correct size adaptor on the flaring
tool yoke screw.
(6) Lubricate the adaptor.
(7) Align the adaptor and yoke screw over the tube
(Fig. 3).
(8) Turn the yoke screw in until the adaptor is
squarely seated on the tool bar.
COMBINATION VALVE
DESCRIPTION
The combination valve contains a pressure differ-
ential valve and switch, metering valve and a rear
brake proportioning valve on 1500 and early
2500/3500 models with rear drum brakes. The combi-
nation valve/rear brake proportioning valve are not
repairable and must be replaced as an assembly.The pressure differential switch is connected to the
brake warning lamp.
The metering valve on the 1500 and early
2500/3500 models with rear drum brakes is used to
balance brake action between the front disc and rear
drum brakes.
The proportioning valve on the 1500 and early
2500/3500 models with rear drum brakes is used to
balance front-rear brake action at high decelerations.
OPERATION
PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SWITCH
The switch is triggered by movement of the switch
valve. The purpose of the switch is to monitor fluid
pressure in the separate front/rear brake hydraulic
circuits.
A decrease or loss of fluid pressure in either
hydraulic circuit will cause the switch valve to shut-
tle forward or rearward in response to the pressure
differential. Movement of the switch valve will push
the switch plunger upward. This closes the switch
internal contacts completing the electrical circuit to
the warning lamp. The switch valve may remain in
an actuated position until repair restores system
pressures to normal levels.
METERING VALVE (1500 Model)(and early
2500/3500 models with rear drum brakes)
The valve holds-off the initial pressure to the front
disc brakes until the rear brake shoes retracting
springs are overcome. The valve is designed to main-
tain front brake fluid pressure at 241-517 kPa (35-75
psi) until the hold-off limit of 310-689 kPa (100 psi)
is reached. At this point, the metering valve opens
completely permitting full fluid apply pressure to the
front disc brakes. This reduces front brake lining
wear during low deceleration stops.
PROPORTIONING VALVE (1500 Model)(and early
2500/3500 models with rear drum brakes)
The valve allows normal fluid flow during moder-
ate braking. The valve only controls fluid flow during
high decelerations brake stops, when a percentage of
rear weight is transferred to the front wheels.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - COMBINATION
VALVE
Pressure Differential Switch
(1) Have helper sit in drivers seat to apply brake
pedal and observe red brake warning light.
(2) Raise vehicle on hoist.
(3) Connect bleed hose to a rear wheel cylinder
and immerse hose end in container partially filled
with brake fluid.
Fig. 3 ISO Flaring
1 - ADAPTER
2 - LUBRICATE HERE
3 - PILOT
4 - FLUSH WITH BAR
5 - TUBING
6 - BAR ASSEMBLY
BR/BEBRAKES 5 - 9
BRAKE LINES (Continued)

(4) Have helper press and hold brake pedal to floor
and observe warning light.
(a) If warning light illuminates, switch is operat-
ing correctly.
(b) If light fails to illuminate, check circuit fuse,
bulb, and wiring. The parking brake switch can be
used to aid in identifying whether or not the brake
light bulb and fuse is functional. Repair or replace
parts as necessary and test differential pressure
switch operation again.
(5) If warning light still does not illuminate,
switch is faulty. Replace combination valve assembly,
bleed brake system and verify proper switch and
valve operation.
REMOVAL
(1) Remove pressure differential switch wire con-
nector (Fig. 4) from the valve.
(2) Remove the brake lines from the valve.
(3) Remove the valve mounting bolt and remove
the valve from the bracket.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the valve on the bracket and install
the mounting bolt. Tighten the mounting bolt to 23
N´m (210 in. lbs.).
(2) Install the brake lines into the valve and
tighten to 19-23 N´m (170-200 in. lbs.).
(3) Connect the pressure differential switch wire
connector.(4) Bleed base brake system, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
DISC BRAKE CALIPERS
REMOVAL - REAR
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Compress the disc brake caliper using tool
#C4212F.
(4) Remove the caliper pin bolts.
(5) Remove the banjo bolt and discard the copper
washer.
CAUTION: Never allow the disc brake caliper to
hang from the brake hose. Damage to the brake
hose with result. Provide a suitable support to hang
the caliper securely.
(6) Remove the rear disc brake caliper (Fig. 5).
REMOVAL - FRONT
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove front wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove caliper brake hose bolt, washers and
hose (Fig. 6).
(4) Remove caliper mounting bolts.
(5) Tilt the top of the caliper up and remove it
from the adapter.
(6) Remove anti-rattle springs.
NOTE: Upper and lower anti-rattle springs are not
interchangeable.
Fig. 4 Pressure
1 - COMBINATION VALVE
2 - BRAKE LINES
3 - MOUNTING BOLT
4 - PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SWITCH
Fig. 5 REAR CALIPER
1 - Banjo Bolt
2 - Caliper Pin Bolts
5 - 10 BRAKESBR/BE
COMBINATION VALVE (Continued)

DISASSEMBLY
(1) Drain the brake fluid from caliper.
(2) C-clamp a block of wood over one piston (Fig.
7).
(3) Take another piece of wood and pad it with
one-inch thickness of shop towels. Place this piece in
the outboard shoe side of the caliper in front of the
other piston. This will cushion and protect caliper
piston during removal (Fig. 8).(4) To remove the caliper piston directshort
bursts of low pressure airwith a blow gun
through the caliper brake hose port. Use only enough
air pressure to ease the piston out.
CAUTION: Do not blow the piston out of the bore
with sustained air pressure. This could result in a
cracked piston.
WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO CATCH THE PIS-
TON AS IT LEAVES THE BORE. THIS COULD
RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
(5) Remove the C-clamp and block of wood from
the caliper and clamp it over the dust boot of the
first piston removed. This will seal the empty piston
bore.
(6) Move the padded piece of wood in front of the
other piston.
(7) Remove the second piston using the same pro-
cedure withshort bursts of low pressure air.
(8) Remove piston dust boots with a suitable pry
tool (Fig. 9).
(9) Remove piston seals from caliper (Fig. 10).
CAUTION: Do not scratch piston bore while remov-
ing the seals.
Fig. 6 Caliper
1 - WASHERS
2 - MOUNTING BOLTS
3 - HOSE BOLT
Fig. 7 C-Clamp One Piston
1 - BLOCK OF WOOD
2 - C-CLAMP
3 - CALIPER
Fig. 8 Protect Caliper Piston
1 - CALIPER
2 - PADDED BLOCK OF WOOD
3 - C-CLAMP
BR/BEBRAKES 5 - 11
DISC BRAKE CALIPERS (Continued)

(1) Install the rear disc brake caliper (Fig. 16).
(2) Install the banjo bolt with new copper washers
to the caliper .tighten to 38 N´m (28 ft. lbs.)
(3) Install the caliper pin bolts. tighten to 33 N´m
(25 ft. lbs.)
(4) Bleed the base brake system, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(5) Install the tire and wheel assembly, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(6) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - FRONT
(1) Clean the caliper mounting adapter and the
anti-rattle springs and grease with Mopar brake
grease or Dow Corningt807 grease only.
(2) Install the anti-rattle springs.
(3) Tilt the bottom of the caliper over the rotor and
under the adapter. Then push the top of the caliper
down onto the adapter.
(4) Install the caliper mounting bolts and tighten
to 33 N´m (24 ft. lbs.).
(5) Install the brake hose to caliper withnew seal
washersand tighten fitting bolt to 24 N´m (18 ft.
lbs.).
CAUTION: Verify brake hose is not twisted or
kinked before tightening fitting bolt.
(6) Bleed the base brake system, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).(7) Install the wheel and tire assemblies, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(8) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(9) Verify a firm pedal before moving the vehicle.
FLUID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Indications of fluid contamination are swollen or
deteriorated rubber parts.
Swollen rubber parts indicate the presence of
petroleum in the brake fluid.
To test for contamination, put a small amount of
drained brake fluid in clear glass jar. If fluid sepa-
rates into layers, there is mineral oil or other fluid
contamination of the brake fluid.
If brake fluid is contaminated, drain and thor-
oughly flush system. Replace master cylinder, propor-
tioning valve, caliper seals, wheel cylinder seals,
Antilock Brakes hydraulic unit and all hydraulic
fluid hoses.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL
Always clean the master cylinder reservoir and
caps before checking fluid level. If not cleaned, dirt
could enter the fluid.
The fluid fill level is indicated on the side of the
master cylinder reservoir (Fig. 17).
The correct fluid level is to the FULL indicator on
the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add fluid to the
proper level.
Fig. 16 REAR CALIPER INSTALL
1 - Rotor
2 - Brake Shoes
3 - Disc Brake Caliper
Fig. 17 Master Cylinder Fluid Level - Typical
1 - INDICATOR
2 - RESERVOIR
5 - 14 BRAKESBR/BE
DISC BRAKE CALIPERS (Continued)

(2) With the engine off depress the brake pedal
several times to discharge the accumulator. Grasp
the accumulator and see if it wobbles or turns. If it
does the accumulator has lost a gas charge and the
booster must be replaced.
SEAL LEAKAGE
If the booster leaks from any of the seals the
booster assembly must be replaced (Fig. 25).
²INPUT ROD SEAL:Fluid leakage from rear
end of the booster.
²PISTON SEAL:Fluid leakage from vent at
front of booster.
²HOUSING SEAL:Fluid leakage between hous-
ing and housing cover.
²SPOOL VALVE SEAL:Fluid leakage near
spool plug.
²RETURN PORT FITTING SEAL:Fluid leak-
age from port fitting.
HYDRAULIC BOOSTER DIAGNOSIS CHART
CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSES CORRECTION
Slow Brake Pedal Return 1. Excessive seal friction in booster. 1. Replace booster.
2. Faulty spool valve action. 2. Replace booster.
3. Restriction in booster return hose. 3. Replace hose.
4. Damaged input rod. 4. Replace booster.
Excessive Brake Pedal
Effort.1. Internal or external seal leakage. 1. Replace booster.
2. Faulty steering pump. 2. Replace pump.
Brakes Self Apply 1. Dump valve faulty. 1. Replace booster.
2. Contamination in hydraulic
system.2. Flush hydraulic system and replace
booster.
3. Restriction in booster return hose. 3. Replace hose.
Booster Chatter, Pedal
Vibration1. Slipping pump belt. 1. Replace power steering belt.
2. Low pump fluid level. 2. Fill pump and check for leaks.
Grabbing Brakes 1. Low pump flow. 1. Test and repair/replace pump.
2. Faulty spool valve action. 2. Replace booster.
Fig. 25 Hydraulic Booster Seals
1 - PUMP
2 - GEAR
3 - INPUT SEAL
4 - HOUSING SEAL
5 - ACCUMULATOR SEAL
6 - PISTON SEAL
7 - SPOOL PLUG SEAL
8 - RETURN
5 - 18 BRAKESBR/BE
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER (Continued)

REMOVAL - REAR - 2500/3500
(1) Raise and support the vehicle
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the disc brake caliper, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the caliper adapter bolts.
(5) Remove the rear axle shaft from the housing
on dual rear wheels, (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL &
DRIVELINE/REAR AXLE - 286RBI/AXLE SHAFTS -
REMOVAL).(6) Remove the hub and rotor assembly (C3500
only) (Fig. 31).
REMOVAL - 1500/2500 FRONT
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the caliper from the steering knuckle,
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
DISC BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL) and remove
caliper adapter assembly (Fig. 32).
NOTE: Do not allow brake hose to support caliper
adapter assembly.
Fig. 29 Checking Rotor Runout And Thickness
Variation
1 - DIAL INDICATOR
Fig. 30 Measuring Rotor Thickness
1 - MICROMETER
2 - ROTOR
Fig. 31 ROTOR / HUB REMOVAL
Fig. 32 Caliper Adapter Assembly
1 - KNUCKLE
2 - CALIPER
3 - ROTOR
BR/BEBRAKES 5 - 21
ROTORS (Continued)

(4) Remove the rotor from the hub/bearing wheel
studs.
REMOVAL - 3500 FRONT
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Remove the hub extension mounting nuts and
remove the extension from the rotor if equipped.
(4) Remove the brake caliper adapter assembly.
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
DISC BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the rotor assembly.
INSTALLATION - REAR - 2500/3500
(1) Install the hub to the rotor. Tighten the bolts to
128 N´m (95 ft. lbs.) (Fig. 33).
(2) Install the hub and rotor assembly.
(3) Install the rear axle shaft to the housing with
dual wheels, (Refer to 3 - DIFFERENTIAL & DRIV-
ELINE/REAR AXLE - 286RBI/AXLE SHAFTS -
INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the caliper adapter bolts.
(5) Install the disc brake caliper, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION). (Fig. 34).
(6) Install the tire and wheel assembly, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(7) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - 1500/2500 FRONT
(1) On models with all-wheel antilock system
(ABS), check condition of tone wheel on hub/bearing.
If teeth on wheel are damaged, hub/bearing assembly
will have to be replaced (tone wheel is not serviced
separately).
(2) Install rotor onto the hub/bearing wheel studs.
(3) Install the caliper adapter assembly,(Refer to 5
- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION) and tighten
adapter bolts to:
²LD 1500: 176 N´m (130 ft lbs.)
²HD 2500: 285 N´m (210 ft lbs.)
(4) Install the wheel and tire assembly, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE) and lower vehicle.
(5) Apply brakes several times to seat brake shoes.
Be sure to obtain firm pedal before moving vehicle.
INSTALLATION - 3500 FRONT
(1) Position the rotor on the hub/bearing.
(2) Install the brake caliper adapter assembly
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/
DISC BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION) and
tighten adapter bolts to 285 N´m (210 ft. lbs).
(3) Install the wheel and tire assemblies, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(4) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
(5) Apply brakes several times to seat brake shoes
and caliper piston. Do not move vehicle until firm
brake pedal is obtained.
Fig. 33 ROTOR TO HUB
1 - Hub Bolts
2 - Socket
Fig. 34 ROTOR INSTALLED
5 - 22 BRAKESBR/BE
ROTORS (Continued)

REMOVAL - FRONT
(1) Raise and support vehicle.
(2) Remove front wheel and tire assemblies.
(3) Compress caliper.
(4) Remove caliper, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPERS
- REMOVAL).
(5) Remove caliper by tilting the top up and off the
caliper adapter (Fig. 40).
NOTE: Do not allow brake hose to support caliper
assembly.
(6) Remove inboard brake shoe from the caliper
adapter (Fig. 41).(7) Remove outboard brake shoe from caliper
adapter (Fig. 42).
(8) Remove the anti-rattle springs from the caliper
adapter (Fig. 43) and (Fig. 44).
NOTE: Anti-rattle springs are not interchangeable.
Fig. 38 Top Anti-Rattle Spring
1 - CALIPER ADAPTER
2 - ANTI-RATTLE SPRING
Fig. 39 Bottom Anti-Rattle Spring
1 - ANTI-RATTLE SPRING
2 - CALIPER ADAPTER
Fig. 40 Caliper
1 - CALIPER
2 - CALIPER ADAPTER
Fig. 41 Inboard Brake Shoe
1 - INBOARD SHOE
2 - CALIPER ADAPTER
5 - 24 BRAKESBR/BE
BRAKE PADS/SHOES (Continued)

(7) Install caliper, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPERS
- INSTALLATION) (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAU-
LIC/MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPERS -
INSTALLATION).
(8) Install wheel and tire assemblies and lower
vehicle, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Apply brakes several times to seat caliper pis-
tons and brake shoes and obtain firm pedal.(10) Top off master cylinder fluid level.
INSTALLATION - FRONT
(1) Bottom pistons in caliper bore with C-clamp.
Place an old brake shoe between a C-clamp and cal-
iper piston.
(2) Clean caliper mounting adapter and anti-rattle
springs.
(3) Lubricate anti-rattle springs with Mopar brake
grease.
(4) Install anti-rattle springs.
NOTE: Anti-rattle springs are not interchangeable.
(5) Install inboard brake shoe in adapter.
(6) Install outboard brake shoe in adapter.
(7) Tilt the bottom of the caliper over rotor and
under adapter. Then push the top of the caliper down
onto the adapter.
(8) Install caliper, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPERS
- INSTALLATION).
(9) Install wheel and tire assemblies and lower
vehicle, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS -
STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(10) Apply brakes several times to seat caliper pis-
tons and brake shoes and obtain firm pedal.
(11) Top off master cylinder fluid level.
INSTALLATION - REAR BRAKE SHOES-11 inch
(1) Clean and inspect individual brake compo-
nents, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/ME-
CHANICAL/DRUM - CLEANING).
(2) Lubricate anchor pin and brake shoe contact
pads on support plate with high temperature grease
or Lubriplate (Fig. 50).
Fig. 48 Shoe Hold-Down Springs
Fig. 49 Brake Shoe Removal
Fig. 50 Shoe Contact Surfaces
1 - ANCHOR PIN
2 - SUPPORT PLATE
3 - SHOE CONTACT SURFACES
BR/BEBRAKES 5 - 27
BRAKE PADS/SHOES (Continued)

(3) Lubricate adjuster screw socket, nut, button
and screw thread surfaces with grease or Lubriplate.
(4) Install parking brake lever to the secondary
shoe and install retaining clip.
(5) Install primary shoe on support plate. Secure
shoe with new spring retainers and pin.
(6) Install spring on parking brake strut and
engage strut in primary.
(7) Install secondary shoe on support plate (Fig.
51). Insert strut in shoe and guide shoe onto anchor
pin. Temporarily secure shoe with retaining pin.
(8) Install anchor plate and adjuster cable eyelet
on support plate anchor pin.
(9) Install cable guide in secondary shoe and posi-
tion cable in guide.
(10) Assemble adjuster screw (Fig. 52). Then
install and adjuster screw between the brake shoes.
CAUTION: Be sure the adjuster screws are installed
on the correct brake unit. The adjuster screws are
marked L (left) and R (right) for identification.
(11) Install adjuster lever and spring and connect
adjuster cable to lever.
(12) Install secondary shoe retainers and spring.
(13) Install shoe to shoe spring to secondary shoe,
then to primary shoe.(14)
Verify adjuster operation. Pull adjuster cable
upward, cable should lift lever and rotate star wheel. Be
sure adjuster lever properly engages star wheel teeth.
(15) Install the parking brake cable into guide
spring and insert cable into the backing plate.
(16) Adjust brake shoes to drum with brake gauge.
(17) Install wheel and tire assembly, (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(18) Remove support and lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - 12 1/8 INCH
NOTE: Pivot screw and adjusting nut have left hand
threads on left side brake and right hand threads
on right side brake. Verify that adjusting nuts are
installed on correct side of vehicle.
(1) Coat contact pads on support plate with Mopar
high temperature grease, multi-mileage grease, or
equivalent.
(2) Assemble adjuster, lower spring and both brake
shoes. Then position the assembled components on
the support plate.
NOTE: Primary shoe is installed toward the front of
the vehicle and secondary toward the rear of the
vehicle.
(3) Install brake shoe hold-down springs and pins.
Be sure hold-down pins are seated in support plate
and springs are connected (Fig. 53).
(4) Insert parking brake cable through parking
brake cable guide spring to parking brake lever. Be
sure cable end is properly secured in lever.
(5) Install upper spring.
Fig. 51 Brake Shoe Installation
1 - SHOE RETURN SPRING
2 - ANCHOR PLATE
3 - ADJUSTER CABLE
4 - SHOE RETAINING PIN
5 - SECONDARY SHOE AND LINING
6 - PRIMARY SHOE AND LINING
7 - STRUT AND SPRING
Fig. 52 Adjuster Screw
1 - WASHER
2 - SOCKET
3 - STAMPED LETTER
L-LEFT BRAKE
R-RIGHT BRAKE
4 - SCREW THREADS
5 - NUT
6 - BUTTON
5 - 28 BRAKESBR/BE
BRAKE PADS/SHOES (Continued)