1999 DODGE RAM parking brake


* B RAK E S YSTE M U NIF O RM IN SPEC TIO N G UID ELIN ES *

1 999 D odge P ic ku p R 1500
GENERAL INFORMATION
Brake Systems - Motorist Assurance Program
Standards For Automotive Repair
All Makes & Models
CONTENTS
OVERVIEW OF MOTORIST ASSURANCE PROGRAM
OVERVIEW OF SERVICE REQUIREMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
ACCELEROMETERS (G SENSOR OR LATERAL)
ACCUMULATORS
ANCHOR PINS
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS
BACKING PLATES
BRAKE FLUID
BRAKE FRICTION MATERIAL
BRAKE PADS
BRAKE PEDALS
BRAKE SHOES
BRAKE SHOE HARDWARE
BRAKE STOPLIGHT SWITCHES
BULB SOCKETS
BULBS AND LEDS
CALIPER HARDWARE
CALIPERS
CONTROLLERS
DIGITAL RATIO AXLE CONTROLLERS AND BUFFERS (DRAC AND DRAB)
DISABLE SWITCHES
DRUMS
ELECTRICAL PUMPS AND MOTORS
ELECTRONIC CONTROLLERS
FLUID
FLUID LEVEL SENSOR SWITCHES
FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SWITCHES
FRICTION MATERIAL
G SENSORS
HOSES
HYDRAULIC MODULATORS
HYDRO-BOOSTERS
HYDRO-ELECTRIC BOOSTERS (POWERMASTER)
IGNITION DISABLE SWITCHES
LATERAL ACCELERATION SWITCHES
LEDS
LENSES
MASTER CYLINDERS
MODULATORS
MOTORS
PARKING BRAKE SWITCHES
PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS
PADS
PEDAL TRAVEL SWITCHES
PEDALS
POWERMASTER
PUMPS
PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SWITCHES
PRESSURE SWITCHES
RELAYS
ROTORS
SELF-ADJUSTING SYSTEMS

CALIPER INSPECTION








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Condition Code Procedure
Bleeder port damaged .... A ... Require repair or replacement
of caliper.
Bleeder screw broken off
in caliper ............. A ........... (1) Require repair or
replacement of caliper.
Bleeder screw plugged ... A ........... ( 1) Require repair or
replacement of bleeder screw.
Bleeder screw seized .... A ......... ( 2) Require replacement
of caliper.
Casting corroded,
affecting structural
integrity .............. A ............ Require replacement.
Casting damaged, affecting
structural integrity ... A ............ Require replacement.
Dust boot around caliper
torn ................... A ..... Require replacement of dust
boot.
Leaking ................. A .. Require repair or replacement.
Mounting pin threads
damaged ................ A ... Require repair or replacement
of component with damaged
threads.
Mounting pin threads
stripped in caliper
bracket (threads
missing) ............... A ... Require repair or replacement
of caliper bracket.
Mounting pin threads
stripped in steering
knuckle (threads
missing) ............... A ... Require repair or replacement
of steering knuckle.
Mounting pin threads
stripped (threads
missing) ............... A ... Require repair or replacement
of component with stripped
threads.
Parking brake cable
support, lever, or return
spring bent ............ A ... Require replacement of parts.
Parking brake cable
support, lever, or return
spring broken .......... A ... Require replacement of parts.
Parking brake mechanism in
caliper inoperative .... A .. Require repair or replacement.
Piston corroded (pitted
or peeling chrome
plating) ............... B ... Require replacement of piston
and rebuilding or replacement
of caliper.
Piston damaged, affecting
performance ............ B ... Require replacement of piston
and rebuilding or replacement
of caliper.
Piston damaged, not
affecting performance .. .. ........ No service suggested or
required.
Piston finish worn off .. B ... Require replacement of piston
and rebuilding or replacement

(1) - This condition may be normal on some vehicles equipped with
anti-lock brakes.
( 2) - Refer to OEM procedures for adjusting low fluid level.
Inspect for brake hydraulic system leaks and friction
material wear.
( 3) - This condition may indicate contaminated brake fluid.
See BRAKE FLUID .









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MODULATORS
See HYDRAULIC MODULATORS .
MOTORS
See ELECTRICAL PUMPS AND MOTORS .
PARKING BRAKE SWITCHES
See SWITCHES.
PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS
NOTE: The parking brake is an integral part of the brake
system. It is important that the parking brake function
properly when brake service is performed.
PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM INSPECTION









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Condition Code Procedure
Attaching hardware
broken ................. A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Attaching hardware
missing ................ C .......... Require replacement of
hardware.
Attaching hardware not
functioning ............ A ... Require repair or replacement
of hardware.
Cable improperly
adjusted ............... B ....... Require cable adjustment.
Cable or individual
wires in the cable
are broken ............. A .... Require replacement of cable
assembly.
Cable sticking .......... A ...... Require cable lubrication.
Cable stuck inside conduit
and cannot be lubricated
so that parking brake
functions properly ..... A .... Require replacement of cable
assembly.
Inoperative ( 1) ......... A .......... Require replacement of
inoperative parts.
Parking brake
parts bent ............. B ... Require repair or replacement
of bent parts.
Parking brake
parts broken ........... A ... Require replacement of broken
parts.
Parking brake parts

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Application psi (kg/cm)
All Models ....................................... 10-15 (1.06-1.41)\









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NOTE: When bleeding disc brakes, air may tend to cling to caliper
walls. Lightly tap caliper while bleeding to aid in removal
of air.
Manual Bleeding
1) Fill master cylinder. Install bleeder hose on first
bleeder valve to be serviced. See BLEEDING SEQUENCE table. Submerge
other end of hose in clean glass jar partially filled with clean brake
fluid.
NOTE: When bleeding brake system manually, ensure bleeder valve is
closed when brake pedal is released.
2) Open bleeder valve 3/4-1 turn. Depress brake pedal slowly
through full travel. Close bleeder valve. Release pedal. Repeat
procedure until fluid flow is free of air bubbles.
ADJUSTMENTS
PARKING BRAKE
1) Release parking brake, and loosen cable adjusting nut to
allow slack in cable. Adjust rear brakes. Tighten cable adjusting nut
until a slight drag is felt while rotating rear wheels.
2) Loosen cable adjusting nut until both rear wheels can be
rotated freely. Back off adjusting nut an additional 2 turns. Apply
and release parking brake several times, checking for free rotation at
rear wheels.
REAR BRAKE SHOES
1) Raise and support vehicle. Ensure parking brake lever is
fully released. Back off parking brake cable adjustment to ensure
cable has slack. Remove adjusting hole cover.
2) Using a brake adjuster, expand brake shoes until slight
drag is felt when wheel assembly is rotated. Using thin screwdriver,
hold automatic adjusting lever away from adjustment star wheel.
3) Back off adjustment star wheel until wheel assembly
rotates freely and brake shoe drag is eliminated. Repeat adjustment
for remaining wheels. Adjustment must be equal at all wheels. Replace
adjusting hole covers. Adjust parking brake. See PARKING BRAKE.
STOPLIGHT SWITCH
Stoplight switch is attached to brake pedal support. Push
stoplight switch through clip in mounting bracket until switch seats
in bracket. Pull brake pedal backward as far as pedal will travel.
Brake pedal will ratchet stoplight switch to correct position. Verify
full brake pedal return, and that stoplights glow when brake pedal is
applied.
TESTING
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER FUNCTIONAL TEST

1) Start engine, and check booster vacuum hose connections. A
hissing noise indicates a vacuum leak. Repair any vacuum leaks before
proceeding. Stop engine, and shift transmission into Neutral. Pump
brake pedal until all vacuum reserve in booster is depleted.
2) Hold brake pedal under light pressure. If pedal does not
hold firm and falls away, master cylinder may be faulty. Bleed system
using appropriate method, and repeat step 1). See BLEEDING PROCEDURES
under BLEEDING BRAKE SYSTEM.
3) If pedal still does not hold firm, master cylinder is
faulty. If pedal holds firm, start engine and observe pedal height. If
pedal height change is not apparent, power booster or vacuum check
valve is faulty. Install good check valve, and repeat steps 1) and 2).\
If pedal falls away slightly under light pressure and then holds firm,
go to next step .
4) Start engine. Release brake pedal. Increase engine speed
to 1500 RPM. Close throttle and immediately turn off ignition. Wait at
least 90 seconds, and try brake action again. Booster should provide 2
or more vacuum assisted pedal applications. If vacuum assist is not
provided, perform booster and check valve vacuum tests.
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM TEST
Connect vacuum gauge to booster check valve using "T"
fitting. Start engine, and run at idle speed for one minute. Clamp
hose shut between vacuum source and check valve. Stop engine, and
observe vacuum gauge. If vacuum drops more than one in. Hg within 15
seconds, booster diaphragm or check valve is faulty.
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE TEST
Disconnect vacuum hose from check valve. Remove check valve
and valve seal from booster. Use a hand-operated vacuum pump for
testing. Apply 15-20 in. Hg at large end of check valve. Vacuum should
hold steady. If gauge on pump indicates vacuum loss, check valve is
faulty and should be replaced.
COMBINATION VALVE METERING VALVE TEST
Metering valve operation can be checked visually with aid of
an assistant. While an assistant applies and releases brake pedal,
observe metering valve stem. If valve is operating correctly, stem
will extend slightly when brakes are applied, and contract when brakes
are released. If valve is faulty, replace combination valve assembly.
COMBINATION VALVE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL SWITCH TEST
1) Using an assistant, apply brake pedal. Observe brake
warning light. Raise and support vehicle, and connect a bleed hose to
one rear wheel cylinder. Submerge other end of hose into container
partially filled with brake fluid. Have assistant press and hold brake
pedal down while observing brake warning light. Open bleeder screw. If
warning light glows, switch is operating properly.
2) If warning light fails to glow, check circuit fuse, bulb
and wiring. Repair as necessary. Repeat step 1). If warning light
fails to glow, check brakelight, parking brake switches and related
wiring. Repair as necessary. Repeat step 1). If warning light fails to
glow, pressure differential switch is faulty. Replace combination
valve assembly, and bleed brake system. Verify proper valve operation.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

pads at this time. On models with removable hub, install hub on rotor.
Install wheel and tire assembly. Tighten lug nuts so they are snug,
but DO NOT tighten to final torque specifications.
3) While rotating wheel, tighten adjuster nut sufficiently to
seat bearing. Loosen nut and retighten while still rotating wheel.
Back off adjuster nut to completely release bearing preload torque.
Ensure endplay of .001-.003" (.025-.076 mm). Install lock nut and NEW
cotter pin. If necessary, tighten lock nut slightly to align cotter
pin hole. Install grease cap. Tighten caliper bolts and lug nuts to
specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table. To complete
installation, reverse remove procedure.
Removal (Ram Pickup With 8 Studs)
1) Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel. Remove hub
extension, if equipped. Remove brake caliper. Support caliper aside.
2) On models with removable adapter hub, remove hub from
rotor. On models with one-piece hub and rotor assembly, remove cotter
pin from rotor hub nut. Remove nut. Disconnect ABS wheel speed sensor
wire (if equipped), and remove from frame and steering knuckle. Remove\
bolts securing hub to steering knuckle from inboard side of steering
knuckle. Remove rotor and hub assembly.
Installation
1) Apply anti-seize compound to drive shaft splines. Replace
grease seal in steering knuckle, if necessary. Insert 2 rearmost top
and bottom rotor hub bolts in steering knuckle so they extend through
back of knuckle. Install hub spacer, ensuring flat on space is
positioned to rear. Use chassis grease to hold spacer in position, if
necessary.
NOTE: If equipped with wheel speed sensor, brake shield must be
positioned on hub bearing, and sensor wire must be at top of
knuckle.
2) Align rotor hub with drive shaft and install hub assembly.
Align bolt holes in hub flange with bolts previously installed. Start
nuts on flange bolts sufficiently to hold assembly in place. Install
remaining bolts, and tighten all bolts to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table.
3) Install washer and hub nut. Tighten nut securely. Install
NEW cotter pin. Install grease cap. Install caliper. Tighten caliper
bolts and lug nuts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table.
To complete installation, reverse remove procedure.
REAR BRAKE SHOES
WARNING: Use water or brake cleaner to clean brake parts. DO NOT use
compressed air to remove dirt and dust.
Removal (Dakota & Ram Van)
1) Remove wheel and drum. Note how secondary spring overlaps
primary return spring. Using spring remover, remove brake shoe return
springs. Slide automatic adjuster cable off anchor. Disconnect cable
from adjusting lever.
2) Remove cable, cable guide and anchor plate. See Figs. 3,
4, and 5. Disconnect adjusting lever return spring from lever. Remove
lever and return spring from pivot pin. Remove shoe-to-shoe spring.
Spread shoes, and remove adjustment star wheel.
3) Remove shoe retainers, springs and pins. Remove parking
brake lever from secondary shoe. Remove shoes and parking brake strut
with spring.

Fig. 3: Identifying Typical Drum Brake Components (Dakota & Ram Van)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
Installation
1) Apply thin coat of multipurpose grease to 6 shoe contact
pads on support plate. Connect parking brake lever to secondary shoe.
Install primary shoe on support plate with shoe pin, spring and
retainer.
2) Install spring on parking brake strut, and engage strut
into primary shoe. Install secondary shoe on support plate with shoe
pin, spring and retainer. Insert strut into slot in parking brake
lever.
3) Install anchor plate and eye of adjusting cable over
anchor. Install primary return spring. Position cable guide over hole
in secondary shoe, and install secondary return spring.
NOTE: To identify left and right adjustment star wheels, unscrew
threaded rod from star wheel. Note stamped "L" or "R" on end
of threaded rod.
4) Install adjustment star wheel with wheel closest to
secondary shoe. Install shoe-to-shoe spring, engaging in primary shoe

first with coil on opposite side of adjusting lever. Install lever
spring and adjusting lever over pivot pin.
5) Slide lever rearward to lock in position. Thread adjuster
cable over guide, and hook end of cable in lever. Verify adjuster
operation. Pull adjuster cable upward. Cable should lift lever and
rotate star wheel. Ensure adjuster lever properly engages star wheel
teeth. Adjust brakes. See REAR BRAKE SHOES under ADJUSTMENTS.
Removal (Ram Pickup)
1) Remove drum. See AXLE BEARING & SEAL (FULL FLOATING AXLE)\
.
Disconnect adjusting lever from cable. Disconnect adjusting lever
return spring from lever. Remove lever, and return spring from pivot
pin. Remove upper shoe-to-shoe spring.
2) Disconnect and remove shoe retainers, springs and hold-
down pins. Disconnect parking brake cable from lever. Remove both
brake shoes, lower shoe-to-shoe spring and adjustment star wheel as an
assembly. See Fig. 4. Remove lower shoe-to-shoe spring.
Fig. 4: Exploded View Of Typical Rear Drum Brake Assembly (Ram
Pickup)
Courtesy of Chrysler Corp.
NOTE: Adjustment star wheel on left brake assembly has left-hand