2003 DODGE RAM brakes

CAUTION: Use of alternative grease may cause
damage to the boots seals.
(9) Install the boot seals into the caliper seal bores
and center the seals in the bores.
(10) Install mounting bolt bushings into the boot
seals and insure seal lip is engaged into the bushing
grooves at either end of the bushing.
(11) Install caliper bleed screw.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - REAR
(1) Install caliper to the caliper adapter.
(2) Coat the caliper mounting slide pin bolts with
silicone grease. Then install and tighten the bolts to
15 N´m (11 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install the brake hose banjo bolt if removed.
(4) Install the brake hose to the caliper withnew
seal washersand tighten fitting bolt to 31 N´m (23
ft. lbs.).
CAUTION: Verify brake hose is not twisted or
kinked before tightening fitting bolt.
(5) Remove the prop rod from the vehicle.
(6) Bleed the base brake system,(Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE) OR (Refer to
5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
(7) Install the wheel and tire assemblies (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(8) Remove the supports and lower the vehicle.
(9) Verify a firm pedal before moving the vehicle.
INSTALLATION - FRONT
NOTE: Install a new copper washers on the banjo
bolt when installing
(1) Install the disc brake caliper (Fig. 19) or (Fig.
20).
CAUTION: Verify brake hose is not twisted or
kinked before tightening fitting bolt.
(2) Install the banjo bolt with new copper washers
to the caliper. Tighten to 27 N´m (20 ft. lbs.)
(3) Install the caliper slide pin bolts. tighten to 32
N´m (24 ft. lbs.)
(4) Remove the prop rod.
(5) Bleed the base brake system, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
(6) Install the tire and wheel assembly, (Refer to
22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PRO-
CEDURE).
(7) Lower the vehicle.
DISC BRAKE CALIPER
ADAPTER
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - REAR
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
(3) Drain a small amount of fluid from master cyl-
inder brake reservoir with acleansuction gun.
(4) Bottom the caliper pistons into the caliper by
prying the caliper over.
(5) Remove the caliper mounting bolts (Fig. 30).
(6) Remove the disc brake caliper from the mount.
CAUTION: Never allow the disc brake caliper to
hang from the brake hose. Damage to the brake
hose will result. Provide a suitable support to hang
the caliper securely.
(7) Remove the inboard and outboard brake pads
(Fig. 30).
(8) Remove the anti-rattle clips (Fig. 30).
(9) Remove the caliper adapter mounting bolts
(Fig. 30).
REMOVAL - FRONT
(1) Raise and support the vehicle.
(2) Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
Fig. 29 Seating Dust Boot
1 - HANDLE
2 - CALIPER
3 - DUST BOOT INSTALLER
5 - 16 BRAKES - BASEDR
DISC BRAKE CALIPERS (Continued)

(3) Remove the disc brake caliper (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the bolts securing the caliper adapter
to the steering knuckle (Fig. 31)
(5) Remove the caliper adapter.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - REAR
(1) Install the caliper adapter mounting bolts.
Tighten the mounting bolts to 135 N´m (100 ft.lbs)
(Fig. 30).(2) Install the anti-rattle clips (Fig. 30).
(3) Install the inboard and outboard pads (Fig. 30).
(4) Install the caliper mounting bolts.
(5) Install the tire and wheel assembly
INSTALLATION - FRONT
(1) Install the caliper adapter to the steering
knuckle (Fig. 31).
(2) Install the caliper adapter mounting bolts and
tighten to 176 N´m (130 ft.lbs.) (Fig. 31).
(3) Install the disc brake caliper (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION).
(4) Install the tire and wheel assembly (Refer to 22
- TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE).
(5) Remove the support and lower the vehicle.
DISC BRAKE CALIPER
ADAPTER MOUNT
REMOVAL - REAR
(1) Remove wheel and tire assembly.
(2) Remove the disc brake caliper (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the caliper adapter (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the rotor (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the axle shaft (Refer to 3 - DIFFER-
ENTIAL & DRIVELINE/REAR AXLE - 9 1/4/AXLE
SHAFTS - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the park brake shoes (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/SHOES - REMOVAL).
(7) Remove the parking brake cable from the
brake lever.
(8) Remove the bolts attaching the support plate to
the axle and remove the support plate (Fig. 54).
(9) Remove the caliper adapter mount from the
axle housing (Fig. 32).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the caliper adapter mount on the axle
housing (Fig. 32).
(2) Install support plate on axle flange (Fig. 55).
Tighten attaching bolts to 115 N´m (85 ft. lbs.).
(3) Install parking brake cable in the brake lever.
(4) Install the park brake shoes (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/SHOES - INSTALLA-
TION). (Fig. 55).
(5) Install axle shaft, (Refer to 3 - DIFFEREN-
TIAL & DRIVELINE/REAR AXLE - 9 1/4/AXLE
SHAFTS - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 30 CALIPER MOUNT
1 - DISC BRAKE PADS
2 - ANTI-RATTLE CLIPS
3 - CALIPER ADAPTER
4 - MOUNTING BOLTS
Fig. 31 CALIPER ADAPTER
1 - CALIPER ASSEMBLY
2 - MOUNTING BOLT
3 - DISC BRAKE ROTOR
DRBRAKES - BASE 5 - 17
DISC BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER (Continued)

(6) Adjust brake shoes to drum with brake gauge
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/PARKING BRAKE/SHOES -
ADJUSTMENTS).
(7) Install the rotor (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/ROTORS - INSTALLA-
TION).
(8) Install the caliper adapter (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC
BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER - INSTALLATION).
(9) Install the caliper (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HY-
DRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC BRAKE CALIPERS
- INSTALLATION).
(10) Install wheel and tire assembly.
FLUID
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BRAKE FLUID
CONTAMINATION
Indications of fluid contamination are swollen or
deteriorated rubber parts.
Swollen rubber parts indicate the presence of
petroleum in the brake fluid.
To test for contamination, put a small amount of
drained brake fluid in clear glass jar. If fluid sepa-
rates into layers, there is mineral oil or other fluid
contamination of the brake fluid.
If brake fluid is contaminated, drain and thor-
oughly flush system. Replace master cylinder, propor-
tioning valve, caliper seals, wheel cylinder seals,
Antilock Brakes hydraulic unit and all hydraulic
fluid hoses.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - BRAKE FLUID
LEVEL
Always clean the master cylinder reservoir and
caps before checking fluid level. If not cleaned, dirt
could enter the fluid.
The fluid fill level is indicated on the side of the
master cylinder reservoir (Fig. 33).
The correct fluid level is to the MAX indicator on
the side of the reservoir. If necessary, add fluid to the
proper level.
SPECIFICATIONS
BRAKE FLUID
The brake fluid used in this vehicle must conform
to DOT 3 specifications and SAE J1703 standards.
No other type of brake fluid is recommended or
approved for usage in the vehicle brake system. Use
only Mopar brake fluid or an equivalent from a
tightly sealed container.
CAUTION: Never use reclaimed brake fluid or fluid
from an container which has been left open. An
open container of brake fluid will absorb moisture
from the air and contaminate the fluid.
CAUTION: Never use any type of a petroleum-based
fluid in the brake hydraulic system. Use of such
type fluids will result in seal damage of the vehicle
brake hydraulic system causing a failure of the
vehicle brake system. Petroleum based fluids would
be items such as engine oil, transmission fluid,
power steering fluid, etc.
Fig. 32 CALIPER ADAPTER MOUNT - REAR
1 - CALIPER ADAPTER MOUNT
2 - AXLE TUBE
3 - MOUNTING STUDS
Fig. 33 FLUID LEVEL
1 - FLUID RESERVOIR
2 - MAX LEVEL MARK
5 - 18 BRAKES - BASEDR
DISC BRAKE CALIPER ADAPTER MOUNT (Continued)

FLUID RESERVOIR
REMOVAL
(1) Install the prop rod on the brake pedal to keep
pressure on the brake system.
(2) Remove the reservoir cap and siphon fluid into
a drain container (Fig. 34).
(3) Remove the electrical connector from the fluid
level switch in the reservoir (Fig. 34).
(4) Remove the reservoir mounting bolt (Fig. 34).
(5) Remove the reservoir from the master cylinder
by pulling upwards.
(6) Remove old grommets from cylinder body (Fig.
34).
INSTALLATION
CAUTION: Do not use any type of tool to install the
grommets. Tools may cut, or tear the grommets cre-
ating a leak problem after installation. Install the
grommets using finger pressure only.
(1) Lubricate the new grommets with clean brake
fluid and Install new grommets in cylinder body. Use
finger pressure to install and seat grommets.
(2) Start the reservoir in grommets. Then rock the
reservoir back and forth while pressing downward to
seat it into the grommets.
(3) Install the mounting bolt for the reservoir to
the master cylinder.
(4) Reconnect the electrical connector to the fluid
reservoir level switch.
(5) Remove the prop rod from the vehicle.(6) Fill and bleed base brake system,(Refer to 5 -
BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
BRAKE JUNCTION BLOCK
REMOVAL
(1) Remove the brake lines from the junction block
(Fig. 35).
(2) Remove the junction block mounting bolt and
remove the junction block from the bracket (Fig. 35).
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the junction block on the bracket and
install the mounting bolt. Tighten the mounting bolt
to 23 N´m (210 in. lbs.) (Fig. 35).
(2) Install the brake lines into the junction block
and tighten to 19-23 N´m (170-200 in. lbs.) (Fig. 35).
(3) Bleed the base brake system, (Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL - STAN-
DARD PROCEDURE).
MASTER CYLINDER
DESCRIPTION
A two-piece master cylinder is used on all models.
The cylinder body containing the primary and sec-
ondary pistons is made of aluminum. The removable
fluid reservoir is made of nylon reinforced with glass
fiber. The reservoir stores reserve brake fluid for the
hydraulic brake circuits and has a switch for indicat-
ing low fluid levels. The reservoir is the only service-
able component.
The fluid compartments of the nylon reservoir are
interconnected to permit fluid level equalization.
However, the equalization feature does not affect cir-
Fig. 34 FLUID RESERVOIR
1 - MASTER CYLINDER CAP
2 - FLUID RESERVOIR
3 - FLUID LEVEL SWITCH
4 - MASTER CYLINDER
5 - MOUNTING BOLT
6 - GROMMETS
Fig. 35 JUNCTION BLOCK
1 - BRAKE LINES
2 - JUNCTION BLOCK
DRBRAKES - BASE 5 - 19

cuit separation in the event of a front or rear brake
malfunction. The reservoir compartments will retain
enough fluid to operate the functioning hydraulic cir-
cuit.
Care must be exercised when removing/installing
the master cylinder connecting lines. The threads in
the cylinder fluid ports can be damaged if care is not
exercised. Start all brake line fittings by hand to
avoid cross threading.
The cylinder reservoir can be replaced when neces-
sary. However, the aluminum body section of the
master cylinder is not a repairable component.
NOTE: If diagnosis indicates that an internal mal-
function has occurred, the aluminum body section
must be replaced as an assembly.
OPERATION
The master cylinder bore contains a primary and
secondary piston. The primary piston supplies
hydraulic pressure to the front brakes. The secondary
piston supplies hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - MASTER
CYLINDER/POWER BOOSTER
(1) Start engine and check booster vacuum hose
connections. A hissing noise indicates vacuum leak.
Correct any vacuum leak before proceeding.
(2) Stop engine and shift transmission into Neu-
tral.
(3) Pump brake pedal until all vacuum reserve in
booster is depleted.
(4) Press and hold brake pedal under light foot
pressure. The pedal should hold firm, if the pedal
falls away master cylinder is faulty (internal leak-
age).
(5) Start engine and note pedal action. It should
fall away slightly under light foot pressure then hold
firm. If no pedal action is discernible, power booster,
vacuum supply, or vacuum check valve is faulty. Pro-
ceed to the POWER BOOSTER VACUUM TEST.
(6) If the POWER BOOSTER VACUUM TEST
passes, rebuild booster vacuum reserve as follows:
Release brake pedal. Increase engine speed to 1500
rpm, close the throttle and immediately turn off igni-
tion to stop engine.
(7) Wait a minimum of 90 seconds and try brake
action again. Booster should provide two or more vac-
uum assisted pedal applications. If vacuum assist is
not provided, booster is faulty.
POWER BOOSTER VACUUM TEST
(1) Connect vacuum gauge to booster check valve
with short length of hose and T-fitting (Fig. 36).(2) Start and run engine at curb idle speed for one
minute.
(3) Observe the vacuum supply. If vacuum supply
is not adequate, repair vacuum supply.
(4) Clamp hose shut between vacuum source and
check valve.
(5) Stop engine and observe vacuum gauge.
(6) If vacuum drops more than one inch HG (33
millibars) within 15 seconds, booster diaphragm or
check valve is faulty.
POWER BOOSTER CHECK VALVE TEST
(1) Disconnect vacuum hose from check valve.
(2) Remove check valve and valve seal from
booster.
(3) Use a hand operated vacuum pump for test.
(4) Apply 15-20 inches vacuum at large end of
check valve (Fig. 37).
(5) Vacuum should hold steady. If gauge on pump
indicates vacuum loss, check valve is faulty and
should be replaced.
STANDARD PROCEDURE - MASTER CYLINDER
BLEEDING
A new master cylinder should be bled before instal-
lation on the vehicle. Required bleeding tools include
bleed tubes and a wood dowel to stroke the pistons.
Bleed tubes can be fabricated from brake line.
Fig. 36 Typical Booster Vacuum Test Connections
1 - TEE FITTING
2 - SHORT CONNECTING HOSE
3 - CHECK VALVE
4 - CHECK VALVE HOSE
5 - CLAMP TOOL
6 - INTAKE MANIFOLD
7 - VACUUM GAUGE
5 - 20 BRAKES - BASEDR
MASTER CYLINDER (Continued)

(1) Mount master cylinder in vise.
(2) Attach bleed tubes to cylinder outlet ports.
Then position each tube end into reservoir (Fig. 38).
(3) Fill reservoir with fresh brake fluid.
(4) Press cylinder pistons inward with wood dowel.
Then release pistons and allow them to return under
spring pressure. Continue bleeding operations until
air bubbles are no longer visible in fluid.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL - ALL EXCEPT HYDROBOOST
(1) Remove the brake lines from the master cylin-
der (Fig. 39).
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector for the low
fluid level.
(3) Remove the mounting nuts from the master
cylinder (Fig. 39).
(4) Remove the master cylinder.NOTE: Using care remove the master cylinder
directly forward in order not to dislodge the output
rod from its seat inside the booster.
REMOVAL - HYDROBOOST
(1) Remove the brake lines from the master cylin-
der (Fig. 40).
(2) Disconnect the electrical connector for the low
fluid level.
(3) Remove the mounting nuts from the master
cylinder (Fig. 40).
(4) Remove the master cylinder.
Fig. 37 Vacuum Check Valve And Seal
1 - BOOSTER CHECK VALVE
2 - APPLY TEST VACUUM HERE
3 - VALVE SEAL
Fig. 38 Master Cylinder Bleeding±Typical
1 - BLEEDING TUBES
2 - RESERVOIR
Fig. 39 MASTER CYLINDER
1 - MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR
2 - POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
3 - BRAKE LINES
4 - MASTER CYLINDER
Fig. 40 HYDROBOOST MASTER CYLINDER
1 - HYDROBOOST UNIT
2 - MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR
3 - MASTER CYLINDER
4 - MOUNTING NUTS
DRBRAKES - BASE 5 - 21
MASTER CYLINDER (Continued)

NOTE: Using care remove the master cylinder
directly forward in order not to dislodge the output
rod from its seat inside the booster.
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION - ALL EXCEPT HYDROBOOST
NOTE: If master cylinder is replaced bleed cylinder
before installation.
NOTE: Make sure the output rod of the brake
booster is in position before mounting of the mas-
ter cylinder ªThis position will enable the output
rod to enter inside of the master cylinder plunger
sleeve during installationº. Proper position is
obtained when the output rod is centered perpen-
dicular to the master cylinder mounting hole (Fig.
41).
NOTE: Before installing the master cylinder, pump
the brake pedal several times with the engine off to
remove vacuum from the booster.
(1) Install the master cylinder on the booster
mounting studs.
(2) Install new mounting nuts and tighten to 25
N´m (221 in. lbs.)
(3) Install the brake lines and tighten to 19 N´m
(170 in. lbs.)(4) Reconnect the elctrical connector for the low
fluid level switch.
(5) Fill and bleed the base brake system. (Refer to
5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
INSTALLATION - HYDROBOOST
NOTE: If master cylinder is replaced bleed cylinder
before installation.
NOTE: Make sure the output rod of the brake
booster is in position before mounting of the mas-
ter cylinder ªThis position will enable the output
rod to enter inside of the master cylinder plunger
sleeve during installationº. Proper position is
obtained when the output rod is centered perpen-
dicular to the master cylinder mounting hole (Fig.
41).
(1) Install the master cylinder on the booster
mounting studs (Fig. 40).
(2) Install new mounting nuts and tighten to 25
N´m (221 in. lbs.)
(3) Install the brake lines and tighten to 19 N´m
(170 in. lbs.)
(4) Reconnect the elctrical connector for the low
fluid level switch.
(5) Fill and bleed the base brake system. (Refer to
5 - BRAKES - STANDARD PROCEDURE).
PEDAL
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: The brake pedal is serviced as a complete
assembly including accelerator pedal and the
bracket.
A suspended-type brake pedal is used. The pedal is
attached to the pedal support bracket with a pivot
shaft pin and bushings. If the bushings become dry a
spray lubricant can be used to eliminate noises. The
booster push rod is attached to the pedal with a clip.
The pedal, bushings, pivot pin and support bracket
are not serviceable components (Fig. 42).
OPERATION
The brake pedal is attached to the booster push
rod. When the pedal is depressed, the primary
booster push rod is depressed which move the booster
secondary rod. The booster secondary rod depress the
master cylinder piston.
Fig. 41 OUTPUT ROD ORIENTATION
1 - MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR
2 - CHECK VALVE
3 - BOOSTER
4 - BOOSTER MOUNTING STUDS
5 - INPUT ROD
6 - OUTPUT ROD
7 - MASTER CYLINDER MOUNTING STUDS
8 - MASTER CYLINDER
9- ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
5 - 22 BRAKES - BASEDR
MASTER CYLINDER (Continued)

REMOVAL
NOTE: The brake pedal is serviced as a complete
assembly including accelerator pedal and the
bracket.
(1) Disconnect the negative battery cable.
(2) Remove the steering column opening cover(Re-
fer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/STEERING
COLUMN OPENING COVER - REMOVAL).
(3) Remove the brake lamp switch and discard(Re-
fer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTE-
RIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).
(4)On vehicles equipped with adjustable ped-
als.Disconnect the adjuster cable to the pedal (Fig.
43).
(5) Remove the steering column (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL).
(6) Remove the brake booster (Fig. 44)(Refer to 5 -
BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/POWER
BRAKE BOOSTER - REMOVAL).
(7) Disconnect the electrical connectors.
(8) Remove the module mounting bolts.
(9) Disconnect the accelerator pedal cable.
(10) Remove the pedal assembly mounting nuts/
fasteners (Fig. 44).
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the pedal assembly to the vehicle (Fig.
44).
(2) Install the mounting bolts (Fig. 44) and tighten
to 28 N´m (21 ft. lbs.).
(3) Reconnect the accelerator cable to the pedal.(4) Install the module mounting bolts and tighten
to 38 N´m (28 ft. lbs.).
(5) Reconnect the electrical connectors.
(6) Install the brake booster (Refer to 5 - BRAKES/
HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/POWER BRAKE
BOOSTER - INSTALLATION).
(7) Install the steering column (Refer to 19 -
STEERING/COLUMN - INSTALLATION).
(8) Install a new brake lamp switch. (Refer to 8 -
ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/
BRAKE LAMP SWITCH - REMOVAL).
(9)On vehicles equipped with adjustable
brake pedal.Reconnect the electrical connector to
the motor and the adjuster cable at the pedal.
Fig. 42 BRAKE PEDAL
1 - CLIP
2 - BUSHINGS
3 - PIVOT SHAFT PIN
4 - PEDAL ASSEMBLY
ADJUSTABLE PEDAL SHOWN
NON ADJUSTABLE PEDAL IS SIMILIAR
5-PAD
Fig. 43 PEDAL/CABLE
1 - CABLE
2 - BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY
Fig. 44 PEDAL ASSEMBLY (ADJUSTABLE PEDALS
SHOWN)
1 - ADJUSTABLE PEDAL MOTOR
2 - PEDAL ASSEMBLY BRACKET
3 - MOUNTING NUT
4 - BRAKE & ACCELERATOR PEDAL
5 - BRAKE BOOSTER MOUNTING STUDS
DRBRAKES - BASE 5 - 23
PEDAL (Continued)