1. Prepare your vehicle. Park your vehicle on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and turn the engine off. Engage in safety precautions such as wearing safety glasses, gloves, and ensuring that the vehicle is chocked.
2. Locate the brake caliper. The brake caliper is the part that houses the brake pads and is attached to the wheel hub. It's usually located behind the wheel.
3. Remove the lug nuts. Use a lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts holding the wheel in place.
4. Remove the wheel. Once the lug nuts are removed, take the tire off the hub and set it aside.
5. Locate the brake caliper bolts. There should be two or more bolts that hold the brake caliper in place on the steering knuckle or bracket.
6. Loosen the caliper bolts. Use a wrench to loosen the caliper bolts but don't remove them completely. Leave one bolt slightly engaged to prevent the caliper from falling off.
7. Remove the brake caliper. Now, gently lift and remove the brake caliper from the rotor.
8. Carefully remove the old brake pads. Pry out the brake pads from the caliper, using a flat-head screwdriver or a pry bar. Take caution not to damage any other components.
9. Inspect the brake rotor and the caliper. Check the brake rotor for signs of wear or damage, like deep grooves, cracks, or significant rust. If the rotor needs replacing, do it now. Make sure the caliper's sliding pins and bushings are clean and move freely.
10. Install the new brake pads. Push the new brake pads into the caliper, and make sure they seat correctly in the caliper slots.
11. Reattach the brake caliper. Lift and position the brake caliper back onto the rotor. Secure it using the caliper bolts, which you loosened earlier. Tighten them to the recommended torque specifications.
12. Reinstall the wheel. Place the tire back onto the hub and put the lug nuts back on. Tighten them in a star pattern, so the wheel sits evenly.
13. Test the brakes. Before moving the vehicle, gently press on the brake pedal several times to seat the new brake pads. You might experience a spongy feel during the first few presses.
14. Road test the vehicle. Take your vehicle for a test drive to check if the brakes are working correctly. Listen for any unusual noises or grinding and ensure that the stopping power feels consistent and firm.
NOTE: Ensure that you follow the specific instructions provided in the owner's manual or repair guide for your particular Dodge Ram 3500 model year. The steps provided above are general guidelines and may vary depending on the exact make and model of your vehicle.
