1996 Dodge RAM 1500 Pickup Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Chrysler

Except Caravan, Town & Country & Voyager

Manual Bleeding

• On models equipped with Rear Wheel Anti-Lock brakes (RWAL), connect one end of a suitable hose to bleeder valve on RWAL hydraulic valve and submerge other end in a glass container partially filled with clean brake fluid.
• Pump brake pedal several times, then hold pedal down firmly.
• With pedal firmly depressed, open bleeder valve until pedal fades to floor, then close bleeder valve.
• Repeat procedure until a continuous flow of brake fluid is released from bleeder valve. Ensure a fluid level is maintained in master cylin...

The disc brake hydraulic system can be bled manually or with pressure bleeding equipment. On vehicles with disc brakes the brake pedal will require more pumping and frequent checking of fluid level in master cylinder during bleeding operation.

Never use brake fluid that has been drained from hydraulic system when bleeding the brakes. Be sure the disc brake pistons are returned to their normal positions and that the pad assemblies are properly seated. Before driving the vehicle, check brake operation to be sure that a firm pedal has been obtained.

The following procedures may be...

Brake Lines & Linings

Remove one of the front wheels and inspect the brake disc, caliper and linings. The wheel bearings should be inspected at this time and repacked if necessary.

Do not get any oil or grease on the linings. It is recommended that both front wheel sets be replaced whenever a respective pad is worn or damaged. Inspect and, if necessary, replace rear brake linings also.

If the caliper is cracked or fluid leakage through the casting is evident, it must be replaced as a unit.

Brake Roughness

The most common cause of brake chatter on disc brakes is a variation in thickness o...

Service Brake

Except FWD Models & Ram 50

Self-Adjusting Brakes

These brakes have self-adjusting shoe mechanisms that ensure correct lining to drum clearances at all times. The automatic adjusters operate only when the brakes are applied as the car is moving rearward.

Although the brakes are self-adjusting, an initial adjustment is necessary when the brake shoes have been relined, replaced or when the length of the star wheel adjuster has been changed during some other service operation.

Frequent usage of an automatic transmission forward range to halt reverse vehicle motion may prevent t...

When working on or around brake assemblies, care must be taken to prevent breathing asbestos dust, as many manufacturers incorporate asbestos fibers in the production of brake linings. During routine service operations, the amount of asbestos dust from brake lining wear is at a low level due to a chemical breakdown during use, and a few precautions will minimize exposure. Do not sand or grind brake linings unless suitable local exhaust ventilation equipment is used to prevent excessive asbestos exposure.

• Wear a s...