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1994+ Dodge Ram Commonly Seen Brake Problems

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Brake Pull - brakes pull to one side

     Brake Pull has been common in many HD trucks. A series of TSB's has mostly solved the problem but some people must resort to the lemon law and get a new truck because nothing helps. The problems have been reported beginning with the 1994 models and continuing into the 1997 model year. 1998 and 1999 models are not immune to this problem, but the trouble is not as wide spread in these later models.

• TSB 05-03-97 - 26 pages long
• 1995 Star Center News - a few simple tests to determine cause
• These have been used by numerous mailing list members to solve the problem:
  • Performance Friction Carbon Metallic Pads
  • Bendix Semi Metallic
  • Allied Signal brand Carbon Metallic pads

For those owners who have repeatedly had the dealer attempt to fix the problem and the dealer now claims the condition is "normal" or "within tolerance", here is what one frustrated owner did:   After 5 times in for brake "adjustments" I had the Chrysler zone rep get in, then I aimed the truck between 2 rows of new cars and trucks. I explained to him that I would accelerate to 20 and hit the brakes since they were "within tolerances", any damage done would be his. They bought the truck back.    (posted to the TDR forum)

• 2500HD Rapid Front brake wear -
  • TSB 05-02-96-A   replaces the rear brake cylinders with 3500 versions (P/N 04761603)
  • TSB 05-04-97  updated TSB for uneven brake wear, rapid brake pad wear
• Rapid Front Brake Wear - Rear adjusters do not work well, manually adjust the brakes at each oil change
• A Brake Performance Package part # 05013447AA is now available through MoPar for 1994-98 BR 1500 models.  This kit includes improved wear front pad and rear shoe friction material and MUST be installed at all four corners of the truck to maximize wear.  These pads and shoes are standard equipment on 1500 BR models built after July 15, 1998.  (check your MDH on the driver door jamb label to see if you should replace your linings and pads)

• 2001 No Power Brakes or Power Steering - brake master cylinder accumulator seal ruptured, allowing hydraulic fluid to leak escape.
• Slippery conditions cause a wheel to slide in a parking lot - turn engine off, fault will clear when engine is restarted.
• Parking brake problem
  • parking brake switch bad
  • parking brake does not return to "at rest" position
  • 97 models TSB 05-07-97 Replace park brake release rod
• Loss of vacuum - check for leak
  • diesel only: Recall #720, TSB 24-01-96A  bad or missing vacuum pump check valve
  • diesel only: TSB 24-16-96  oil contamination of vacuum lines, see extended warranty
  • diesel only: In cold weather with low engine speeds and city traffic, it is possible to run out of vacuum on any diesel built before the 1997 model year - TSB ??????? outlines the addition of a vacuum reservoir
• RWAL sensor connector dirty - clean connector on rear axle sensor
• ABS connectors under hood dirty - clean connectors

• Dana 60, 70 and 80 axle seals can leak,   replace seals and brake shoes

• Usually caused by uneven steel in the drum castings. Replacement castings often have the same problem

• Early 2000 1500 pickups may exhibit a thumping from the front brakes when they are applied. This comes from a rough finish coat on the disks. The cure is turning them LIGHTLY with an on-wheel lathe, or replace the rotors. If the thump is very light, 6 moderate stops may cure it. If not replace the rotors. Model year 2000 1500 brake rotors can be identified by looking at the inside of the rotor where the minimum thickness is cast- the last five digits are the last 5 of the part number-4X4=801AA and 2X4=865AA

Last Update - July 21, 2000