This has been a continuous issue with my 2010 Dodge Ram 3500. I use this vehicle, primarily to haul a 5th wheel camper and when there is a brake failure, it's a significant danger to myself and others on the roadway. The brake calipers have been seizing on the front brake discs and not releasing, causing extreme heat build up to the point where the rims and the tires are so hot you can actually burn your hand if touched to the rim. I have replaced the brake pads and brake calipers 3 times, purged the brake lines to remove any trapped air and replaced the brake fluid during each repair. I have replaced the brake discs twice, due to excessive wear by the brake calipers. I also have the mechanics lube the moving parts on the calipers. Two days after my last service, my brakes on the front, passenger side failed. The repair facility I frequent is very conscientious and honest about their repair work. It's becoming obvious that there is a serious design flaw, or under engineered brake and suspension systems being installed on Dodge Ram pick up trucks. This problem has existed for more than 7 years on these trucks. I read a lot of customer reviews not only on Dodge trucks, but other manufactures too. They all refer to the same problems. Manufacturers are building their truck products under-engineered to save cost, but to barely meet their specifications. Consumers are literally trusting in blind faith that Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet and GMC are building their products to the "Tough" standards they claim. Folks, it ain't happening! My Dodge truck only has 39530 miles on it. Not hard miles, by any standard. I will give Dodge credit on one thing, their use of Cummings 6.7 Diesel engines was a great move.
Dodge! Step up to the plate and build your trucks to the tough claims you imply! Don't wait until a tragic incident happens, causing serious injury, or loss of life! DO IT NOW!
Update from Jun 26, 2017: Good news! After multiple attempts to fix the "Seizing Brake Calipers", I visited my local repair center on the 13 of June, 2017. Knowing that we just replaced brake discs, calipers and pads, plus lubing the moving parts on the calipers, the mechanic went a step further. He disconnected the fluid line on the passenger side front wheel. After close inspection he noticed a tight bend in the line where it loops to a connection on the break caliper assembly. The break line appeared to have been over heated. He took an air hose and blew air into the supply side of the break line. It appeared normal, a good amount of air blew through the short line. He then, turned the fluid line around a blew air into the opposite end of the break line. The air was being trapped and would not flow through the break line in the opposite direction. Which means, the return fluid flow, (when releasing pressure on the brake pedal), was not returning to the fluid reservoir, causing the calipers not to retract. We decided to replace both lines. Now, the brakes are working normal. Apparently, the diesel engine and normal driving use of breaks caused enough heat to deteriorate the inside of the fluid hose, in turn, causing the hose material to act like a valve and stop the return flow of fluid when releasing the brake pedal. The driver side brake hose was not as serious as the passenger side. However, air flow was reduced significantly while performing the same test in the "Return" direction. Of course, we do not know how long the hose replacement will last. The heat source is still the same and will eventually fail, as did the original break lines.
Hope this fix will solve other Dodge Ram owners break problems.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
This has been a continuous issue with my 2010 Dodge Ram 3500. I use this vehicle, primarily to haul a 5th wheel camper and when there is a brake failure, it's a significant danger to myself and others on the roadway. The brake calipers have been seizing on the front brake discs and not releasing, causing extreme heat build up to the point where the rims and the tires are so hot you can actually burn your hand if touched to the rim. I have replaced the brake pads and brake calipers 3 times, purged the brake lines to remove any trapped air and replaced the brake fluid during each repair. I have replaced the brake discs twice, due to excessive wear by the brake calipers. I also have the mechanics lube the moving parts on the calipers. Two days after my last service, my brakes on the front, passenger side failed. The repair facility I frequent is very conscientious and honest about their repair work. It's becoming obvious that there is a serious design flaw, or under engineered brake and suspension systems being installed on Dodge Ram pick up trucks. This problem has existed for more than 7 years on these trucks. I read a lot of customer reviews not only on Dodge trucks, but other manufactures too. They all refer to the same problems. Manufacturers are building their truck products under-engineered to save cost, but to barely meet their specifications. Consumers are literally trusting in blind faith that Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet and GMC are building their products to the "Tough" standards they claim. Folks, it ain't happening! My Dodge truck only has 39530 miles on it. Not hard miles, by any standard. I will give Dodge credit on one thing, their use of Cummings 6.7 Diesel engines was a great move.
Dodge! Step up to the plate and build your trucks to the tough claims you imply! Don't wait until a tragic incident happens, causing serious injury, or loss of life! DO IT NOW!
Update from Jun 26, 2017: Good news! After multiple attempts to fix the "Seizing Brake Calipers", I visited my local repair center on the 13 of June, 2017. Knowing that we just replaced brake discs, calipers and pads, plus lubing the moving parts on the calipers, the mechanic went a step further. He disconnected the fluid line on the passenger side front wheel. After close inspection he noticed a tight bend in the line where it loops to a connection on the break caliper assembly. The break line appeared to have been over heated. He took an air hose and blew air into the supply side of the break line. It appeared normal, a good amount of air blew through the short line. He then, turned the fluid line around a blew air into the opposite end of the break line. The air was being trapped and would not flow through the break line in the opposite direction. Which means, the return fluid flow, (when releasing pressure on the brake pedal), was not returning to the fluid reservoir, causing the calipers not to retract. We decided to replace both lines. Now, the brakes are working normal. Apparently, the diesel engine and normal driving use of breaks caused enough heat to deteriorate the inside of the fluid hose, in turn, causing the hose material to act like a valve and stop the return flow of fluid when releasing the brake pedal. The driver side brake hose was not as serious as the passenger side. However, air flow was reduced significantly while performing the same test in the "Return" direction. Of course, we do not know how long the hose replacement will last. The heat source is still the same and will eventually fail, as did the original break lines.
Hope this fix will solve other Dodge Ram owners break problems.
- Lawrence K., Stratham, NH, US