2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Caliper trouble?

[San Felipe Bob]

To All TDR members.

Please check out this vid and let me know what you think.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGHd5-j2TQk





I hope this helps my fellow TDR members diagnose front caliper problems.

The vid shows me spinning my wheel with a caliper in perfect working condition.

The brakes are cold.



Cheers

SFB

 

[kscheffler]

SFB: Cool video I wish my 01 tires would spin that freely. Are you caliper covers only for pre 99 trucks? I follow your instructions for lubing the caliper pins but it seems like I need more. You have discussed lubing the caliper slide area also do you have any instructions for performing this PM? Thanks again... kts

 

[San Felipe Bob]

The boots fit all the Dodge Ram single piston calipers.

I think some 2000 and 2001 trucks may have the single piston calipers?

As long as the calipers look like the ones pictured on the web site the boots will work.



As far as other areas to lube the calipers.

Any place the caliper contacts the spindle should have the rust removed (I use 200 grit sand paper).

Remove the rust from both the caliper and the spindle contact points.

Be sure to use a good high temp lube on those contact points prior to installation.

Remember!

When driving in wet or dusty conditions the lube will not last very long.

Also under severe duty such as heavy braking the brakes get really hot and "cook " the grease turning it into a gummy mess.



Best bet is to give your tires a spin during every tire rotation.

If they don't spin freely you should service your calipers.

You do rotate your tires every 3000 to 5000 miles don't you?



SFB

 

[kscheffler]

Bob: The manual says I need to use a special tool when removing the calipers from the disk. I would imagine that this tool spreads the pads to assist in removal. Do I need this tool and if so can I get a non Dodge tool assumming it will be less $ for purchase... thanks for your help. .



By the way the 2001. 5 have a different caliper boot so I don't think your cover works...

 

[San Felipe Bob]

Bob: The manual says I need to use a special tool when removing the calipers from the disk. I would imagine that this tool spreads the pads to assist in removal. Do I need this tool and if so can I get a non Dodge tool assumming it will be less $ for purchase... thanks for your help. .



By the way the 2001. 5 have a different caliper boot so I don't think your cover works...

Brakes are a sticky subject.

If they fail for any reason and cause an accident the lawyers will sue everyone they can.

So to answer your question.

Yes you need special tools.

Yes you should follow the manual.



Ok now that the legal part is out of the way... ...

If you are the DYI / shadetree type like me , you do what you have to do to get the job done.



For many years I would use a standard C-clamp to push the caliper piston back in it's bore.

My guess is that the special tool pushes both pistons back at the same time in a dual piston caliper?



I now use the proper tool (purchased fron Geno's).

This handy tool makes the job so much easier!



To be perfectly honest I have not had the pleasure of doing the brakes on a 3rd gen truck yet.



I have the 95 to 2000 all figured out. (single piston calipers).



SFB