2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brakes

[billf]

Well, this is my second post to this web site as a new member. I luv my 95 2500 CTD, but the truck takes long distances to stop. There is plenty of where left on the brakes. I know it can not stop like a car, but I have owned other half ton trucks and sport utes, but this thing scares me at times.



Any one else experience the same thing ? Are there any modifcation or fixes to remedy this ??

 

[Rman]

when you say "where" did you mean "wear" left on the pads... insinuating that the pad life is not to be at fault? If thats the case you really out to do a full system check on the truck.



Some people don't realize that brake fluid needs to be changed just like oil and coolant. hydraulic fluid naturally absorbs water, water is corrosive and will break down components of a brake system. I would change all of my fluid, and pull off the master cylinder. If the master cylinder has gotten any water in it, it can corrode on the bottom of the piston wall which will allow pressure to bleed off, leading to poor stopping power. This requires honing or replacement depending how bad the pitting is.



Water in the lines that gets heated during constant use will evaporate, leading to air in the lines. Your problem could be a number of things and being that the truck is aged, and having seen how terrible some people can be at maintaining a brake system, I suggest you tear it apart and put it back together!

 

[Clinton]

WFavara,

Look around with the 'search' for swapping rear wheel cylinders. Up until a certain point (maybe '97 or '98), DC used a smaller rear wheel cylinder on the 2500 drums than the 3500 drums. You can swap for the larger 1-ton cylinder and get a little more out of the rear drums. Also, you may want to try a high-quality pad on the front disks.



I did both of these upgrades and bled the system twice to completely replace the fluid. My braking response improved. You'll see some posts about dramatic improvement with this swap, I wouldn't call mine dramatic, but better. Lately I've been thinking about kevlar braided brake lines as my pedal seems initially soft. The brakes work well once you get into them, but the pedal's soft until you get there. Not to spoil your fun, but I drove a friend's '03 CTD this weekend and I don't think we'll ever get the response of four wheel disks. Man, that thing would stop, and I mean now. Good luck.

 

[Rman]

just too add, I forgot that the older dodges have drums still. I happen to be lucky and have the 4 wheel discs (very nice, and worth every penny). Rear drum cylinders can go bad and will bleed pressure off rapidly. Is your brake pedal really spongy? Check lines for cracks, any leaks, or perhaps they swell. Old worn out lines can swell quite a bit.



There has been some good posts on the brake system, search away. There was a good one on those SS braided brake lines a few months ago when i was a newb. OK i'm still a newb i guess.

 

[Joe G.]

There is another thing you should take care of. The autoadjusting rear brakes usually don't. So make it a regular part of your service schedule to adjust the rear brakes.

 

[billf]

Rhickman - yes indeed I meant wear. Can't believe I typed that.



Anyway to all - I appreciate the input and will have to pursue this further. There is a lot to check on.



Yes, the pedal (to me) feels somewhat spongy. I need to push far down to get it to stop quickly. It was like that since I bought the truck a year and a half ago. Since then I have had new pads installed. To that I have just attributed the lack of stopping to it being a truck with a heavy weight engine. Maybe I am spoiled in driving cars with 4 wheel disks

 

[BillGotthelf]

My 96 had spongy brakes. One call to EGR and a sat. morning =no more spongy brakes. Change out the rear slave cylinders, put on SS brake lines and change fluid. Adjust rear shoes and you will see a big difference.

 

[Rman]

Do the drum models have dual wheel cylinders or just one? My old landcruiser has duals on all wheels. Yeah it sucks, 8 cylinders and getting them all adjusted takes me a long time. I made a handy tool for it though, I mangled one of my old screwdrivers for tweaking them, works great. Good luck, brake systems are really basic simple systems, but do require some TLC just like the motor!