Safety First!
* Park the truck on a level surface and engage the parking brake. This is crucial for safety.
* Use jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wear safety glasses. Brake dust is nasty.
* Have the correct tools. Improper tools can damage parts or lead to injury.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands
* Wheel chocks
* Lug wrench
* Socket set (various sizes, including those for the lug nuts, brake drum retaining nuts/bolts, and possibly adjuster)
* Wrenches (open-end and possibly combination)
* Pliers (for spring clips)
* Hammer (small)
* Screwdriver (possibly a Phillips head)
* Brake cleaner
* Wire brush
* Grease
* New brake shoes (make sure they're the correct ones for your truck!)
* Optional: C-clamp (to compress the return springs)
Steps (Drum Brakes):
1. Secure the vehicle: Chock the front wheels, jack up the rear of the truck, and securely support it with jack stands. Remove the wheel.
2. Remove the drum: Sometimes you can simply pull the drum off; if not, you may need to gently tap it with a rubber mallet or hammer (protect the drum's surface to avoid damage). There might be retaining clips or small bolts to remove first.
3. Inspect the components: Before anything else, carefully inspect the brake shoes, the wheel cylinder, the springs, the adjusting mechanism, and the drum itself. Look for excessive wear, cracks, leaks, or damage. Note the orientation of the existing parts – take photos if needed.
4. Remove the old brake shoes: This is where it gets a bit tricky. There are typically several springs, clips, and possibly a retaining pin holding the shoes in place. Carefully release these, paying close attention to how they're connected. You may need to use pliers to remove the springs.
5. Clean everything: Use a wire brush to clean the drum and the surface where the shoes make contact. Brake cleaner will help remove any grease or grime.
6. Install the new brake shoes: Install the new brake shoes, paying close attention to the orientation. Ensure all the springs and clips are correctly installed; this is usually the most difficult part. The shop manual (or a repair guide specific to your truck) will show the correct orientation and placement of these components.
7. Adjust the brake shoes: Most drum brakes have an automatic adjuster. If you have a manual adjuster, you'll need to adjust the shoes so they're properly positioned against the drum. Consult your repair manual on how to do this correctly.
8. Reinstall the drum: Carefully reinstall the brake drum, ensuring it fits smoothly.
9. Reinstall the wheel: Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications (check your owner's manual).
10. Lower the vehicle: Carefully lower the truck.
11. Test the brakes: Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times to ensure proper engagement and check for leaks. Then, carefully test the brakes at low speeds in a safe location before driving normally.
If you have disc brakes: The process is different and involves caliper removal, pad replacement, and possibly bleeding the brakes. It's a significantly less involved repair than drum brakes, but requires different tools.
Important Considerations:
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab is highly recommended. It will provide detailed diagrams and instructions, making the job much easier and safer.
* Wheel Cylinder: If the wheel cylinder is leaking, it needs to be replaced. This is a more advanced repair.
* Professional Help: If you are not comfortable working on brakes, it's best to take your truck to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed brakes are extremely dangerous.
This information is for guidance only. Always refer to a repair manual for your specific vehicle model before attempting any repair. Improper brake repair can be dangerous.
