Promaster Rear Brake Pad & Rotor 101
Recently we turned over 82,000 miles on our 2018 Ram Promaster 3500 van and thought it was time to replace the rear brake pads. We travel full time and don't always have the best spot to do repairs DIY. Normally when I've done disc brake maintenance/replacing pads, I remove the rotors and have them turned at a retailer like O'Reilly Auto Parts or a shop that will do this process but since I don't have the ability to remove both simultaneously and take them somewhere, I decided to buy replacement rotors and pads from Autozone. Our 3500 has the heavy duty suspension and vented brakes.
To be prepared for this project I wanted to have everything. I could always return anything I didn't need or use.
I purchased a set of rear brake pads- Duralast Gold- Autozone 15% off at the time when buying pads and rotors. Gold pads are lifetime replacements. $100/set
Set of Duralast Gold Vented Rotors - 3 year warranty. $104 each
Set of Brake Calipers- Some owners have had issues with the caliper slides snapping when removing so I wanted to have replacements handy just in case. $167-$55 core return
A few packs of anti-seize thread compound and high temp brake grease to lube the slide pins and brake pad backing plates. $2-$3
Tools needed-
I use the factory jack stands - with caution.
6mm hex socket with 3/8" ratchet for removing brake caliper pins. 74ft/lbs
23mm socket with 1/2" ratchet for removing caliper mounting bracket from hub. 124ft/lbs
12mm wrench or deep socket with 3/8" ratchet for removing 2 rotor pins that align the tire rim and also secure the rotor to the hub.
19mm socket with 1/2" ratchet for removing lug nuts. 100-146ft/lbs. You pick. I check the lugs approx every 5,000 miles.
2 cans of Brake cleaner, rags or shop towels, paper towels. Toilet paper if desperate enough.
2- 32oz DOT4 Brake Fluid - Your brand of choice. This is needed if the caliper has to be completely removed due to leaking caliper, damage, broken caliper pin(s). Also needed if you decide to bleed the brakes or replace/flush the fluid. Future video will show this process. $8/bottle
If you really want to be a professional, purchase a brake pad thickness gauge set from your favorite autoparts center or HF. They give you a range from 2mm thickness to 12mm. If your pads are 2-3mm, it's time to replace or pray really hard. The brake light indicator may give you a warning when it's time to replace but I wouldn't trust them.
Check the pads yourself!!!!!!
Information included- Free!
This is not a paid endorsement for any of the parts or tools mentioned above but if you feel like sending us some love offerings, I won't say no.
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