2001 DODGE RAM wheel

INSTALLATION
(1) Apply thin coat of silicone sealer to wheel cyl-
inder mounting surface of support plate (Fig. 59).
Sealer prevents road splash from entering brake
drum past cylinder.
(2) Start brake line in cylinder inlet by hand. Do
not tighten fitting at this time.
(3) Mount wheel cylinder on support plate and
install cylinder attaching screws. Tighten screws to
20 N´m (15 ft. lbs.).
(4) Tighten brake line fitting to 13 N´m (115 in.
lbs.).
(5) Install brake shoe components.
(6) Adjust brake shoes to drum using brake gauge.
(7) Install brake drum.
(8) Bleed base brake system, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(9) Install wheel and tire assemblies, (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE) and lower vehicle.
SUPPORT PLATE
REMOVAL
(1) Remove wheel and tire assemblies.
(2) Remove brake drums
(3) Remove axle shaft, (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE/REAR AXLE - 9 1/4/AXLE
SHAFTS - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove brake shoes and hardware for access to
parking brake cable.
(5) Remove parking brake cable from support
plate.(6) Disconnect brake line at wheel cylinder and
remove cylinder.
(7) Remove bolts attaching support plate to axle
and remove support plate.
INSTALLATION
(1) Apply thin bead of silicone sealer around axle
mounting surface of support plate.
(2) Install support plate on axle flange. Tighten
attaching bolts to 47-68 N´m (35-50 ft. lbs.).
(3) Apply thin bead of silicone sealer around wheel
cylinder mounting surface. Install wheel cylinder on
new support plate.
(4) Install parking brake cable in support plate.
(5) Install brake shoes and hardware.
(6) Install axle shaft, (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE/REAR AXLE - 9 1/4/AXLE
SHAFTS - INSTALLATION).
(7) Adjust brake shoes to drum with brake gauge.
(8) Install brake drums.
(9) Fill and bleed brake system, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(10) Install wheel and tire assemblies, (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE) and lower vehicle.
DRUM
DESCRIPTION
All 1500 models and early year production
2500/3500 are equipped with rear drum brake assem-
blies. They are two-shoe, duo-servo units with an
automatic adjuster mechanism.
Drum brake assemblies used:
²1500 models: 11 x 2.25 in.
²2500/3500 models: 12 1/8 x3.5 in.
The drum brakes are a semi-floating, self-energiz-
ing, servo action design. The brake shoes are not
fixed on the support plate. This type of brake allows
the shoes to pivot and move vertically to a certain
extent.
OPERATION
In operation, fluid apply pressure causes the wheel
cylinder pistons to move outward. This movement is
transferred directly to the brake shoes by the cylin-
der connecting links. The resulting brake shoe expan-
sion brings the lining material into contact with the
rotating brake drum.
Two forces affect the brake shoes once they contact
the drum. The first force being hydraulic pressure
exerted through the wheel cylinder pistons. And the
second force is the friction generated turning torque
of the rotating drum.
Fig. 59 Wheel Cylinder Mounting Surface
1 - CYLINDER MOUNTING SURFACE
2 - SUPPORT PLATE
3 - APPLY THIN SEALER COAT HERE
5 - 32 BRAKESBR/BE
WHEEL CYLINDERS (Continued)

The drum forces both brake shoes to move in the
same direction of rotation. Servo action begins with
the primary brake shoe which begins to wedge (or
wrap) itself against the rotating drum surface. This
force is transmitted equally to the secondary brake
shoe through the adjuster screw and anchor pin. The
net result is that each shoe helps the other exert
extra force against the drum. It is servo action that
creates the wedging (or wrap) effect which produces
increased force on the drum braking surface.
All drum brake assemblies are equipped with a self
adjusting mechanism. The components forming the
mechanism consist of the: adjuster screw, adjuster
lever, actuating lever (11 inch brake), lever return
spring and the adjuster lever spring. The adjuster
lever on the 12 inch brake, is also equipped with a
lever and tension spring.
The adjuster mechanism performs two important
functions. First, is in maintaining proper brake shoe
operating clearance. And second, is to maintain brake
pedal height. The mechanism does so, by adjusting
the shoes in small increments to compensate for lin-
ing wear. The adjustment process is continuous
throughout the useful life of the brake lining.
The adjuster components are all connected to the
secondary brake shoes. Actual adjustment only
occurs during reverse brake stops. Secondary brake
shoe movement (during reverse stops), is what acti-
vates the adjuster components.
In operation, secondary shoe movement causes the
adjuster lever spring to exert pull on the lever. This
pivots the lever away from the adjuster screw teeth.
When the stop is completed and the brakes released,
the adjuster lever pivots back to a normal position. It
is during this return movement of the lever when
adjustment occurs. At this point, the lever comes
back into contact with the adjuster screw teeth as it
moves upward. The lever will then rotate the
adjuster screw one or two teeth as needed for adjust-
ment.
NOTE: The adjustment process requires a complete
stop to actually occur. Rolling stops will NOT acti-
vate the adjuster components. In addition, the
adjuster screws are left and right hand parts and
must NOT be interchanged.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE DRUM
The maximum allowable diameter of the drum
braking surface is indicated on the drum outer edge.
Generally, a drum can be machined to a maximum of
1.52 mm (0.060 in.) oversize. Always replace the
drum if machining would cause drum diameter to
exceed the size limit indicated on the drum.
BRAKE DRUM RUNOUT
Measure drum diameter and runout with an accu-
rate gauge. The most accurate method of measure-
ment involves mounting the drum in a brake lathe
and checking variation and runout with a dial indi-
cator.
Variations in drum diameter should not exceed
0.069 mm (0.0028 in.). Drum runout should not
exceed 0.18 mm (0.007 in.) out of round. Machine the
drum if runout or variation exceed these values.
Replace the drum if machining causes the drum to
exceed the maximum allowable diameter.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE DRUM
MACHINING
The brake drums can be machined on a drum lathe
when necessary. Initial machining cuts should be lim-
ited to 0.12 - 0.20 mm (0.005 - 0.008 in.) at a time as
heavier feed rates can produce taper and surface
variation. Final finish cuts of 0.025 to 0.038 mm
(0.001 to 0.0015 in.) are recommended and will gen-
erally provide the best surface finish.
Be sure the drum is securely mounted in the lathe
before machining operations. A damper strap should
always be used around the drum to reduce vibration
and avoid chatter marks.
The maximum allowable diameter of the drum
braking surface is stamped or cast into the drum
outer edge.
CAUTION: Replace the drum if machining will cause
the drum to exceed the maximum allowable diame-
ter.
CLEANING
Clean the individual brake components, including
the support plate and wheel cylinder exterior, with a
water dampened cloth or with brake cleaner. Do not
use any other cleaning agents. Remove light rust and
scale from the brake shoe contact pads on the sup-
port plate with fine sandpaper.
INSPECTION
As a general rule, riveted brake shoes should be
replaced when worn to within 0.78 mm (1/32 in.) of
the rivet heads. Bonded lining should be replaced
when worn to a thickness of 1.6 mm (1/16 in.).
Examine the lining contact pattern to determine if
the shoes are bent or the drum is tapered. The lining
should exhibit contact across its entire width. Shoes
exhibiting contact only on one side should be
replaced and the drum checked for runout or taper.
Inspect the adjuster screw assembly. Replace the
assembly if the star wheel or threads are damaged,
or the components are severely rusted or corroded.
BR/BEBRAKES 5 - 33
DRUM (Continued)

Discard the brake springs and retainer components
if worn, distorted or collapsed. Also replace the
springs if a brake drag condition had occurred. Over-
heating will distort and weaken the springs.
Inspect the brake shoe contact pads on the support
plate, replace the support plate if any of the pads are
worn or rusted through. Also replace the plate if it is
bent or distorted (Fig. 60).
ADJUSTMENT - REAR BRAKE DRUM
The rear drum brakes are equipped with a self-ad-
justing mechanism. Under normal circumstances, the
only time adjustment is required is when the shoes
are replaced, removed for access to other parts, or
when one or both drums are replaced.
Adjustment can be made with a standard brake
gauge or with adjusting tool . Adjustment is per-
formed with the complete brake assembly installed
on the backing plate.
ADJUSTMENT WITH BRAKE GAUGE
(1) Be sure parking brakes are fully released.
(2) Raise rear of vehicle and remove wheels and
brake drums.
(3) Verify that left and right automatic adjuster
levers and cables are properly connected.
(4) Insert brake gauge in drum. Expand gauge
until gauge inner legs contact drum braking surface.
Then lock gauge in position (Fig. 61).
(5) Reverse gauge and install it on brake shoes.
Position gauge legs at shoe centers as shown (Fig.
62). If gauge does not fit (too loose/too tight), adjust
shoes.
(6) Pull shoe adjuster lever away from adjuster
screw star wheel.(7) Turn adjuster screw star wheel (by hand) to
expand or retract brake shoes. Continue adjustment
until gauge outside legs are light drag-fit on shoes.
(8) Install brake drums and wheels and lower
vehicle.
(9) Drive vehicle and make one forward stop fol-
lowed by one reverse stop. Repeat procedure 8-10
times to operate automatic adjusters and equalize
adjustment.
NOTE: Bring vehicle to complete standstill at each
stop. Incomplete, rolling stops will not activate
automatic adjusters.
Fig. 60 Shoe Contact Surfaces
1 - ANCHOR PIN
2 - SUPPORT PLATE
3 - SHOE CONTACT SURFACES
Fig. 61 Adjusting Gauge On Drum
1 - BRAKE GAUGE
2 - BRAKE DRUM
Fig. 62 Adjusting Gauge On Brake Shoes
1 - BRAKE GAUGE
2 - BRAKE SHOES
5 - 34 BRAKESBR/BE
DRUM (Continued)

ADJUSTMENT WITH ADJUSTING TOOL
(1) Be sure parking brake lever is fully released.
(2) Raise vehicle so rear wheels can be rotated
freely.
(3) Remove plug from each access hole in brake
support plates.
(4) Loosen parking brake cable adjustment nut
until there is slack in front cable.
(5) Insert adjusting tool through support plate
access hole and engage tool in teeth of adjusting
screw star wheel (Fig. 63).
(6) Rotate adjuster screw star wheel (move tool
handle upward) until slight drag can be felt when
wheel is rotated.
(7) Push and hold adjuster lever away from star
wheel with thin screwdriver.
(8) Back off adjuster screw star wheel until brake
drag is eliminated.
(9) Repeat adjustment at opposite wheel. Be sure
adjustment is equal at both wheels.
(10) Install support plate access hole plugs.
(11) Adjust parking brake cable and lower vehicle.
(12) Drive vehicle and make one forward stop fol-
lowed by one reverse stop. Repeat procedure 8-10
times to operate automatic adjusters and equalize
adjustment.
NOTE: Bring vehicle to complete standstill at each
stop. Incomplete, rolling stops will not activate
automatic adjusters.
PARKING BRAKE
DESCRIPTION ± 2500/3500 WITH REAR DISC
BRAKES
The parking brakes are operated by a system of
cables and levers attached to a primary and second-
ary shoe positioned within the drum section of the
rotor.
The drum-in-hat design utilizes an independent set
of shoes to park the vehicle (Fig. 64).
DESCRIPTION - (1500 Models)(Early
2500/3500 models with rear drum brakes)
The parking brakes are operated by a system of
cables and levers attached to the rear brake shoes.
The rear drum brake shoes serve as the parking
brakes. The shoes make contact with the brake drum
surface by a cable and lever mechanism attached to
the secondary brake shoe.
The front parking brake cable is connected to the
parking brake pedal and to an intermediate cable.
The intermediate cable connects the front cable to
the rear cables.
The parking brake pedal assembly is mounted on
the driver side cowl panel. The front cable is directly
attached to the assembly. The pedal assembly con-
tains a spring loaded, torsion-type mechanism that
will hold the cable in the applied position and allow
the pedal to return. A rod used to release the torsion
mechanism and return the pedal to normal position.
Fig. 63 Brake Adjustment
1 - STAR WHEEL
2 - LEVER
3 - BRAKE SHOE WEB
4 - SCREWDRIVER
5 - ADJUSTING TOOL
6 - ADJUSTER SPRING
Fig. 64 SHOES REMOVAL
1 - Park Brake Shoes
2 - Adjuster
3 - Return Springs
4 - Splash Shield
5 - Hold Downs
BR/BEBRAKES 5 - 35
DRUM (Continued)

(4) Remove the rear cables from the cable connec-
tors.
(5) Compress tabs on cable end fitting on the right
rear cable (Fig. 69) at the equalizer. Then pull the
cable through the bracket.
(6) Compress tabs on cable end fitting on the left
rear cable at the frame bracket and pull both cables
through the frame bracket.
(7) Pull the right rear cable through the brake
hose bracket and remove the cable retainers from the
axle.
(8) Remove rear wheels and brake drums (1500
series only).
(9) Disconnect each cable from the park brake
lever.
(10) Remove the parking brake cable guide spring.
(11) Compress cable tabs on each cable end fitting
at the brake support plate.
(12) Remove the cables from the brake support
plates.
REMOVAL - REAR PARK BRAKE CABLES
2500/3500 SERIES WITH DRUM BRAKES
(1) Release parking brakes.
(2) Raise and support vehicle.
(3) Loosen cable adjuster nut.
(4) Remove the rear cables from the cable ten-
sioner bracket (Fig. 70).
(5) Remove the right rear cable O-ring. Then pull
the cable through the bracket.
(6) Compress tabs on them left cable end fitting.
Then pull the cable through the frame bracket.(7) Pull the right rear cable through the brake
hose bracket and remove the cable retainers from the
axle.
(8) Remove rear wheels and brake drums.
(9) Disconnect each cable from the park brake
lever.
(10) Remove cable guide spring.
(11) Compress cable tabs on each cable end fitting
at the brake support plate.
(12) Remove the cables from the brake support
plates.
INSTALLATION - REAR PARK BRAKE CABLE -
2500/3500 WITH REAR DISC BRAKES
(1) Push each cable end through the brake cable
support plate hole until the cable end fitting tabs
lock into place.
NOTE: Pull on the cable to ensure it is locked into
place.
(2) Push the cable through the frame bracket.
(3) Lock the left cable end fitting tabs into the
frame bracket hole.
(4) Install the rear cables into the tensioner rod
behind the rear of the brake assembly.
(5) Install the cable to the intermediate cable con-
nector.
(6) Release and remove the lock out device.
(7) Perform the park brake adjustment procedure,
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/CABLE
TENSIONER - ADJUSTMENTS).
(8) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
Fig. 69 Cables And Tensioner
1 - EQUALIZER
2 - RIGHT CABLE
3 - LEFT CABLE
4 - CABLE BRACKET
5 - TENSIONER
6 - TENSIONER NUT
Fig. 70 Cables And
1 - ADJUSTER NUT
2 - TENSIONER
3 - CABLE CONNECTOR
4 - 6.35MM
(1/4 IN.)
5 - REAR CABLES
5 - 38 BRAKESBR/BE
CABLES (Continued)

INSTALLATION - FRONT PARKING BRAKE
CABLE
(1) From inside the vehicle, insert the cable end
fitting into the hole in the pedal assembly.
(2) Seat the cable retainer in the pedal assembly.
(3) Engage the cable ball end in clevis on the pedal
assembly.
(4) Route the cable along the top of the wheel well
and clip in place.
(5) Route the cable through the floorpan and
install the body grommet.
(6) Place the carpet down and install the left cowl
trim and sill plate.
(7) Raise and support the vehicle.
(8) Route the cable through the underbody bracket
and seat the cable housing retainer in the bracket.
(9) Connect the cable to the cable connector.
(10) Perform the park brake adjustment proce-
dure, (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/CA-
BLE TENSIONER - ADJUSTMENTS).
(11) Lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - REAR PARK BRAKE CABLES -
1500 SERIES
(1) Install the parking brake cable guide spring.
(2) Install the brake drums.
(3) Pull back on the cable. Then push the cable
through the brake support plate hole to engage the
cable in the park brake lever.
NOTE: Pull on the cable end to ensure it is attached
to the park brake lever.
(4) Push each cable end through the brake support
plate hole until the cable end fitting tabs lock into
place.
NOTE: Pull on the cable to ensure it is locked into
place.
(5) Install the right cable retainers on the axle.
Route the right cable through the hole in the brake
hose bracket.
(6) Push both cables through the frame bracket.
NOTE: The right cable must be installed in the top
hole of the bracket.(7) Lock the left cable end fitting tabs into the
frame bracket lower hole.
(8) Install the right rear cable into the tensioner
cable bracket and lock the cable end fitting tabs into
place.
(9) Install the cables onto the cable connectors.
(10) Install the wheel and tire assemblies, (Refer
to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(11) Perform the park brake adjustment procedure,
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/CABLE
TENSIONER - ADJUSTMENTS).
(12) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - REAR PARK BRAKE CABLE
2500/3500 SERIES WITH DRUM BRAKES
(1) Install cable guide spring.
(2) Install the brake drums.
(3) Pull back on the cable. Then push the cable
through the brake support plate hole to engage the
cable in the park brake lever.
NOTE: Pull on the cable end to ensure it is attached
to the park brake lever.
(4) Push each cable housing through the brake
support plate hole until the cable end fitting tabs
lock into place.
NOTE: Pull on the cable housing to ensure it is
locked into place.
(5) Install the right cable retainers on the axle.
The push the right cable through the hole in the
brake hose bracket.
(6) Push both cables through the frame bracket.
Push the left cable until the cable end fitting tabs
lock into place. Install the O-ring on the right cable.
NOTE: The right cable must be installed in the top
hole of the bracket and left cable in the bottom
hole.
(7) Install the cables onto the cable tensioner
bracket and install the cables into the cable connec-
tors.
(8) Install the wheel and tire assemblies.
(9) Perform park brake adjustment procedure.
(10) Remove supports and lower vehicle.
BR/BEBRAKES 5 - 39
CABLES (Continued)

CABLE TENSIONER
ADJUSTMENT
NOTE: Tensioner adjustment is only necessary
when the tensioner, or a cable has been replaced or
disconnected for service. When adjustment is nec-
essary, perform adjustment only as described in the
following procedure. This is necessary to avoid
faulty park brake operation.
(1) Raise the vehicle.
(2) Back off the cable tensioner adjusting nut to
create slack in the cables.
(3) Remove the rear wheel/tire assemblies. Then
remove the brake drums.
(4) Verify the brakes are in good condition and
operating properly.
(5) Verify the park brake cables operate freely and
are not binding, or seized.
(6) Check the rear brake shoe adjustment with
standard brake gauge.
(7) Install the drums and verify that the drums
rotate freely without drag.
(8) Install the wheel/tire assemblies, (Refer to 22 -
TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(9) Lower the vehicle enough for access to the park
brake foot pedal. Then fully apply the park brakes.
NOTE: Leave park brakes applied until adjustment
is complete.
(10) Raise the vehicle again.
(11) Mark the tensioner rod 6.35 mm (1/4 in.) from
edge of the tensioner (Fig. 71).
(12) Tighten the adjusting nut on the tensioner rod
until the mark is no longer visible.
CAUTION: Do not loosen, or tighten the tensioner
adjusting nut for any reason after completing
adjustment.
(13) Lower the vehicle until the rear wheels are
15-20 cm (6-8 in.) off the shop floor.
(14) Release the park brake foot pedal and verify
that rear wheels rotate freely without drag. Then
lower the vehicle.
RELEASE
REMOVAL
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Reach under the driver side outboard end of
the instrument panel to access and unsnap the plas-
tic retainer clip that secures the park brake release
linkage rod to the park brake mechanism on the left
cowl side inner panel.
(3) Disengage the park brake release linkage rod
end from the park brake mechanism.
(4) Lift the park brake release handle to access
and unsnap the plastic retainer clip that secures the
park brake release linkage rod to the lever on the
back of the park brake release handle.
(5) Lower the park brake release handle and reach
under the driver side outboard end of the instrument
panel to disengage the park brake release linkage
rod end from the lever on the back of the park brake
release handle.
(6) Lift the park brake release handle to access the
handle mounting bracket.
Fig. 71 Adjustment Mark
1 - TENSIONER CABLE BRACKET
2 - TENSIONER
3 - CABLE CONNECTOR
4 - 6.35mm
(1/4 IN.)
5 - ADJUSTER NUT
5 - 40 BRAKESBR/BE

(7) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry each of the park brake
release handle mounting bracket latch tabs away
from the retaining notches in the instrument panel
receptacle (Fig. 72).
(8) With both of the park brake release handle
mounting bracket latches released, slide the handle
and bracket assembly down and out of the instru-
ment panel receptacle.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the park brake release handle to the
instrument panel.
(2) Slide the handle and bracket assembly up into
the instrument panel receptacle until both of the
park brake release handle mounting bracket latches
are engaged with the notches in the instrument
panel receptacle.
(3) Lower the park brake release handle and reach
under the driver side outboard end of the instrument
panel to engage the park brake release linkage rod
end with the lever on the back of the park brake
release handle.(4) Lift the park brake release handle to access
and snap the plastic retainer clip that secures the
park brake release linkage rod to the lever on the
back of the park brake release handle over the link-
age rod.
(5) Reach under the driver side outboard end of
the instrument panel to access and engage the park
brake release linkage rod end to the park brake
mechanism.
(6) Snap the plastic retainer clip that secures the
park brake release linkage rod to the park brake
mechanism on the left cowl side inner panel over the
linkage rod.
(7) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
SHOES
REMOVAL - REAR DRUM IN HAT PARK BRAKE
SHOES - 2500/3500
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
(3) Remove the disc brake caliper, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL)
(4) Remove the disc brake rotor, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS -
REMOVAL)
(5) Lockout the parking brake cable (Fig. 73).
Fig. 72 Park Brake Release Handle Remove/Install
1 - CLIP
2 - ROD
3 - MOUNTING BRACKET
4 - TRIM STICK
5 - LATCH TABS
6 - PARK BRAKE RELEASE HANDLE
Fig. 73 LOCK OUT PARKING CABLE
1 - LOCKING PLIERS
2 - PARKING BRAKE CABLE
BR/BEBRAKES 5 - 41
RELEASE (Continued)