Guide to 2020-2025 Ram 1500 Disc Brake Caliper Replacement
Keep your Ram 1500 stopping safely by understanding when and how to replace your brake calipers.
- A bad caliper is a serious safety risk; address symptoms like pulling, leaks, or a burning smell immediately.
- For 2020-2025 Ram 1500s with an electronic parking brake, you must use the infotainment system to enter 'Brake Service Mode' before working on the rear calipers.
- Always replace calipers in pairs (both fronts or both rears) and consider replacing the flexible brake hoses at the same time to ensure safety and performance.
- Aftermarket brands like Centric and Dynamic Friction offer a quality, cost-effective alternative to more expensive OEM calipers.
Is Your Ram 1500's Brake Caliper Failing?
Brake calipers on your 2020-2025 Ram 1500 are built to be tough, but they don't last forever. They live in a harsh environment, exposed to heat, dirt, and moisture. Over time, the seals inside can wear out, pistons can get stuck, and the caliper itself can corrode. A failing caliper is a serious safety issue that needs immediate attention.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Caliper
- Truck Pulling to One Side: When you brake, a stuck caliper can cause the truck to pull towards the side of the good caliper, or towards the stuck one if it's not releasing.
- Uneven Brake Pad Wear: If you notice one brake pad is worn down much more than the other, it's a classic sign of a caliper piston or slide pin problem.
- Brake Fluid Leaks: Puddles of fluid near your wheels are a major red flag. Brake fluid is essential for pressure, and a leak means a loss of stopping power.
- Spongy or Soft Brake Pedal: If the pedal feels soft or goes closer to the floor than usual, it could be due to a leak or air in the system, sometimes caused by a bad caliper.
- Dragging Sensation or Burning Smell: A caliper that doesn't release properly will cause the brake pad to drag on the rotor, creating constant friction, heat, and a noticeable burning smell after driving.
Known Issues and TSBs
For the 2020-2025 Ram 1500, several Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) have been issued related to brake noise, which can sometimes be linked to caliper components. TSB 05-001-19 REV. B addresses a squeal from the rear brakes on 2019-2020 models by replacing caliper adapters and guide pins. TSB 05-004-20 deals with a "moan" noise from the rear brakes on the same years by installing an anti-moan kit. Another bulletin, 05-001-21, addresses a chirp or squeak from the front brakes on 2020-2021 models by applying grease to the anti-rattle clips. 🎬 Learn how to perform a complete rear brake service. While these don't point to widespread caliper failure, they show that the caliper assembly is sensitive to noise issues.
Choosing the Right Aftermarket Caliper
When replacing a caliper, you have a choice between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and aftermarket parts. For the Ram 1500, aftermarket calipers can offer comparable quality and performance, often at a better price. The key is to choose a reputable brand.
- Centric: A well-regarded brand in the aftermarket world. Their calipers are known for being a solid, reliable replacement for OEM parts. They often come with new hardware like bleeder screws and banjo bolts, making installation easier.
- Dynamic Friction: This brand positions itself as meeting or exceeding OEM standards. They often feature zinc coatings for rust protection, which is a great benefit for trucks exposed to road salt and moisture. User feedback suggests they are a legitimate and competitively priced option.
Pro Tip: When you replace a caliper, it's highly recommended to replace them in pairs (both front or both rear) to ensure even braking performance. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step guide to replacing your front brake calipers. Also, always flush the brake fluid and bleed the system properly to remove any air bubbles.
How Much Does a Ram 1500 Caliper Replacement Cost?
The cost can vary based on your location and whether you do the work yourself. Aftermarket calipers offer significant savings over OEM parts. Here's a general breakdown:
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New Aftermarket Caliper (Single) | $69 - $239 |
| New OEM Caliper (Single) | ~$505 |
| Shop Labor (Per Caliper) | $156 - $252 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Single, Aftermarket) | ~$225 - $491 |
| Total Professional Replacement (Single, OEM) | ~$661 - $734 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special tools to replace a Ram 1500 caliper?
You will need a good set of metric sockets and wrenches, a torque wrench, a tool to retract the caliper piston, a container for brake fluid, and a brake bleeding kit. For rear calipers on models with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), you must use the vehicle's infotainment screen to put the brakes into 'Service Mode' 🎬 See how to replace rear calipers on newer Ram models. before starting work.
Should I replace my brake hoses at the same time?
It's a very good idea. Old brake hoses can deteriorate from the inside, acting like a one-way valve that keeps the caliper from releasing. This can mimic the symptoms of a failed caliper. Since you are already opening the hydraulic system, replacing the hoses adds minimal labor and can prevent future problems.
Can I just replace one caliper?
While you can, it is not recommended. Replacing calipers in pairs (both front or both rear) ensures that braking force is balanced from side to side. An old caliper may not react as quickly or apply the same pressure as a new one, potentially causing the truck to pull during braking.
What is a 'Friction Ready' caliper?
This term, often used by brands like Dynamic Friction, means the caliper is sold without brake pads. This allows you or your mechanic to choose the specific type of brake pad you want to use, whether it's for standard driving, towing, or performance.
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 68412365AC
Ram 1500 models from 2020-2025 use both standard and electronic parking brake (EPB) calipers for the rear axle. It is critical to identify which system your truck has before ordering parts. Front calipers are standard hydraulic units. Calipers are typically sold as 'friction ready', meaning they do not include brake pads.
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The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
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