Dodge Ram 1500 1994-2001 Brakes Specifications
Explore detailed brake specifications for the 1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500, including brake pads, rotors, calipers, and more. Ideal for maintenance, repair, and upgrades.
Overview Specifications
This document provides detailed specifications and technical information about the braking system of the 1994-2001 Dodge RAM-1500. It is designed to assist owners, mechanics, and enthusiasts in understanding the brake components, maintenance requirements, and performance characteristics. Use the search functionality to quickly locate specific details or navigate through the sections for a comprehensive understanding of the braking system.
How to Use
Use the search bar to enter keywords related to the brake system, such as 'rotor size' or 'brake pad material'. The results will highlight relevant sections and subsections for quick access.
Scroll through the document to explore major sections like 'Front Brakes', 'Rear Brakes', and 'Brake Maintenance'. Each section contains subsections with detailed technical points for easy reference.
Key Specifications
Front Rotor Diameter
12.8 inches
Rear Drum Diameter
11 inches
Brake Pad Thickness (New)
0.5 inches
Brake Fluid Replacement Interval
2 years or 30,000 miles
Parking Brake Type
Drum-in-hat
Available Specifications
Front Brakes
This section covers the specifications and components of the front braking system for the 1994-2001 Dodge RAM-1500. It includes details about the brake rotors, calipers, and pads, as well as their dimensions and materials.
Front Brakes
This section covers the specifications and components of the front braking system for the 1994-2001 Dodge RAM-1500. It includes details about the brake rotors, calipers, and pads, as well as their dimensions and materials.
Brake Rotors
- Diameter: 12.8 inches
- Thickness: 1.1 inches
- Material: Cast iron
- Vented design for improved heat dissipation
- Optional: Drilled and slotted rotors available for performance upgrades
Brake Calipers
- Type: Single-piston floating caliper
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Piston diameter: 2.75 inches
- Includes integrated dust boots for durability
Brake Pads
- Material: Semi-metallic or ceramic
- Thickness: 0.5 inches (new)
- Wear indicator included
- Compatible with OEM and aftermarket options
Rear Brakes
This section provides information about the rear braking system, including drum brakes and optional rear disc brakes. It covers the specifications of brake drums, shoes, and related components.
Rear Brakes
This section provides information about the rear braking system, including drum brakes and optional rear disc brakes. It covers the specifications of brake drums, shoes, and related components.
Brake Drums
- Diameter: 11 inches
- Width: 2.5 inches
- Material: Cast iron
- Includes machined surface for optimal braking
Brake Shoes
- Material: Semi-metallic
- Thickness: 0.25 inches (new)
- Includes wear indicators
- Self-adjusting mechanism for consistent performance
Optional Rear Disc Brakes
- Diameter: 12.8 inches
- Thickness: 0.8 inches
- Material: Cast iron
- Includes single-piston calipers
Brake Maintenance
This section outlines the recommended maintenance practices for the braking system, including inspection intervals, replacement guidelines, and troubleshooting tips.
Brake Maintenance
This section outlines the recommended maintenance practices for the braking system, including inspection intervals, replacement guidelines, and troubleshooting tips.
Inspection Intervals
- Inspect brake pads every 12,000 miles
- Check brake fluid level every 6 months
- Inspect rotors and drums for wear every 15,000 miles
- Test parking brake functionality annually
Replacement Guidelines
- Replace brake pads when thickness is below 0.125 inches
- Replace rotors if thickness is below 1.0 inches
- Replace brake fluid every 2 years or 30,000 miles
- Replace brake shoes when thickness is below 0.125 inches
Troubleshooting Tips
- Squeaking noise: Check for worn pads or glazed rotors
- Pulling to one side: Inspect calipers for uneven pressure
- Soft brake pedal: Check for air in the brake lines
- Vibration: Inspect rotors for warping
Search Specifications
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Brakes Specifications
Overview
- Type
- Hydraulic disc (front), drum (rear)
- Configuration
- Dual-circuit, diagonally split
- Platform
- Light-duty truck
- Material
- Cast iron rotors, steel drums
- Location
- Front and rear axles
Dimensions
- Front Rotor Diameter
- 12.0 inches (304.8 mm)
- Front Rotor Thickness
- 1.1 inches (28 mm)
- Rear Drum Diameter
- 11.0 inches (279.4 mm)
- Rear Drum Width
- 2.5 inches (63.5 mm)
- Brake Pad Length
- 5.5 inches (139.7 mm)
- Brake Pad Width
- 2.2 inches (55.9 mm)
- Brake Line Diameter
- 0.25 inches (6.35 mm)
Materials
- Rotors
- Cast iron with anti-corrosion coating
- Drums
- High-carbon steel
- Brake Pads
- Semi-metallic friction material
- Brake Shoes
- Organic friction material
- Brake Lines
- Steel braided with rubber coating
Features
- Performance
-
- High thermal capacity rotors
- Self-adjusting rear drum brakes
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) optional
- Progressive brake pedal feel
- Durability
-
- Corrosion-resistant rotors
- Reinforced brake lines
- Heat-treated drums
- Long-lasting pad material
- Safety
-
- Dual-circuit hydraulic system
- Proportioning valve for rear brakes
- Parking brake integrated with rear drums
- ABS compatibility
- Maintenance
-
- Easy-access caliper design
- Replaceable brake pads
- Adjustable rear shoes
- Inspectable wear indicators
- Comfort
-
- Low-noise brake pads
- Smooth pedal engagement
- Minimal brake dust
- Consistent stopping power
Safety Features
- Primary System
-
- Dual-circuit hydraulic system
- Diagonal split for redundancy
- Secondary System
-
- Parking brake with mechanical linkage
- Automatic rear shoe adjustment
- Additional Features
-
- ABS compatibility
- Proportioning valve for balanced braking
Comfort Features
- Noise Reduction
-
- Chamfered brake pads
- Anti-vibration shims
- Pedal Feel
-
- Progressive brake booster
- Optimized pedal ratio
- Maintenance Ease
-
- Quick-change pad design
- Tool-free drum inspection
- Environmental
-
- Low-dust pad material
- Corrosion-resistant components
Accessories
- Upgrades
-
- Performance brake pads
- Slotted rotors
- Stainless steel brake lines
- Tools
-
- Brake caliper tool
- Drum brake spring tool
- Brake bleeder kit
- Maintenance Kits
-
- Complete brake pad set
- Drum brake shoe kit
- Brake fluid flush kit
Maintenance
- Service interval
- Every 12,000 miles or 12 months
- Service Items
-
- Inspect brake pads and shoes
- Check rotor and drum thickness
- Inspect brake lines for leaks
- Test parking brake operation
- Flush brake fluid every 24,000 miles
- Maintenance Notes
-
- Replace pads when thickness is below 2mm
- Rotors should be resurfaced if warped
- Use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
Warranty
- Brake Pads
- Miles: 24,000Years: 2Coverage: Material defects
- Rotors
- Miles: 36,000Years: 3Coverage: Warpage and cracking
- Drums
- Miles: 36,000Years: 3Coverage: Structural integrity
- Hydraulic System
- Miles: 60,000Years: 5Coverage: Leaks and component failure
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Dodge/Chrysler Corporation
- Manufacturing Process
-
- Casting for rotors and drums
- CNC machining for precision
- Heat treatment for durability
- Automated assembly
- Quality Control
- Dimensional Checks: 100% inspectionMaterial Testing: Batch samplingPerformance Testing: Random sampling
- Sustainability Practices
-
- Recycled materials in brake pads
- Eco-friendly coatings
- Waste reduction in manufacturing
- Production Metrics
- Annual Units: 500,000Defect Rate: 0.5%Production Time: 2 hours per set
Service Information for brakes Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component
- Inspect brake pad thickness
- Check rotor and drum condition
- Test parking brake operation
- Inspect brake lines for leaks
- Check brake fluid level
Ensure proper lubrication of moving parts
- Replace brake pads if necessary
- Resurface rotors if warped
- Adjust rear brake shoes
- Flush brake fluid
- Inspect ABS system
Use manufacturer-recommended brake fluid
- Replace rotors and drums if worn
- Replace brake shoes
- Inspect and replace brake lines if needed
- Test hydraulic system pressure
- Perform full ABS diagnostic
Major service may require specialized tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 Are these brakes compatible with all 1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500 models?
Are these brakes compatible with all 1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500 models?
Yes, these brakes are designed to be compatible with all 1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500 models, including both 2WD and 4WD configurations. They meet OEM specifications for rotor size, pad dimensions, and caliper fitment. However, always verify your specific trim level and configuration before purchasing, as some heavy-duty or off-road packages may require specialized components.
Q2 What is the recommended maintenance schedule for Dodge RAM 1500 brakes?
What is the recommended maintenance schedule for Dodge RAM 1500 brakes?
For optimal performance, inspect brake pads every 12,000 miles and replace them if worn below 3mm. Rotors should be checked for thickness and warping every 25,000 miles. Brake fluid should be flushed every 30,000 miles or as recommended in your owner's manual. Regular cleaning of brake components and lubrication of caliper pins are also essential to prevent uneven wear and noise.
Q3 How do I replace the brake pads on a 1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500?
How do I replace the brake pads on a 1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500?
To replace brake pads, lift the vehicle and remove the wheels. Unbolt the caliper and hang it securely to avoid damaging the brake line. Remove the old pads and inspect the rotors for wear. If necessary, resurface or replace the rotors. Install the new pads, ensuring they are seated correctly. Reattach the caliper, torque the bolts to specification, and reinstall the wheels. Test the brakes before driving.
Q4 What should I do if my brakes are squeaking or vibrating?
What should I do if my brakes are squeaking or vibrating?
Squeaking or vibrating brakes often indicate worn pads, uneven rotor surfaces, or debris buildup. First, inspect the pads and rotors for wear or damage. Clean the brake components thoroughly and check for proper lubrication of caliper pins. If the issue persists, resurface or replace the rotors and ensure the pads are properly seated. If vibrations occur during braking, it may indicate warped rotors requiring replacement.
Q5 How can I improve the braking performance of my Dodge RAM 1500?
How can I improve the braking performance of my Dodge RAM 1500?
To enhance braking performance, consider upgrading to high-performance brake pads and slotted or drilled rotors for better heat dissipation. Ensure proper bedding-in of new pads by following the manufacturer's instructions. Regularly check and maintain brake fluid levels, and use DOT 4 fluid for improved performance. Additionally, inspect and replace worn suspension components, as they can affect braking efficiency.
Factory Service Resources
Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.
1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500 Service Manual
Coming SoonComprehensive guide covering brake system maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for 1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500 models.
Brake System Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)
Coming SoonOfficial bulletin addressing common brake system issues and updates for 1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500 vehicles.
Dodge RAM 1500 Brake Parts Catalog
Coming SoonDetailed catalog of OEM and aftermarket brake components for 1994-2001 Dodge RAM 1500 models.
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Technical Information
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