Best Brake Pads for Dodge Ram 2500: The Top 8 Picks for 2021

Whether you are commuting or towing, you need the best brake pads for Dodge Ram 2500 to ensure optimal stopping power. The trouble is, with so many Ram models and years to cover, it can be difficult to determine which ones are right for your Dodge truck.

To help you out, we look at the top models from the most reputable brands. There are some Ram brakes that help you stick to a budget and others that offer the best performance. With the right selection, you notice dramatically lower stopping distances and times.

What are Dodge Brake Pads?

Your truck’s braking system is made of many parts working in harmony together to provide stopping power. One of the critical components of this system is the brake pads. Ram brake pads are needed to put pressure on the rotors, which causes the wheel to stop turning.

You might notice that the brake pad simply looks like a piece of steel. On one side, there is friction material that pushes into the rotor when you push the brake pedal. Of course, there are different materials used with brake pads, which we will discuss in a little bit.

Signs You Need to Change Your Ram 2500 Brake Pads

Other than when the mechanic tells you it is time for brakes, you need to know the warning signs that something is wrong. Here are a few symptoms that your Ram 2500 brake pads are bad.

• Strange Sounds: When the pads begin to wear down, you will start to hear a squealing or squeaking sound. This can happen naturally after a lot of rain but should not continue. If you allow these sounds to continue, you might eventually hear grinding as metal makes contact with metal. This is also a sign that you are damaging the brake rotor.
• Dashboard Warning Light: Modern trucks contain a brake pad indicator light that tells you when the material is getting low. If you respond as soon as you see the light, you may avoid other repairs down the road.
• Vibrating Brake Pedal: If the brake pedal begins to vibrate, the pads might be worn out. You should never drive your truck with pads that don’t have enough material.
• Thin Pad Material: Look through the Ram wheels to see the brake pad thickness. If it is less than ¼-inch, you want to replace them. If you aren’t sure how to tell, take it to your local auto repair shop for a brake check.

Best Dodge Ram 2500 Brake Pads: Buying Guide

Before you purchase any new brake pads, there are several factors you must consider.

Compatibility

If your daily driver is a 2007 Ram 2500, there’s no reason to look at 2020 Ram 2500 brake pads. Instead, you want to search the options based on your truck’s model year and drivetrain (2WD or 4WD).

Driving Goals

Are you looking for a long-lasting set of brakes or do you need high-performance pads for towing? The way you drive and what your goals are will dictate the type of Ram brake pads that work best for your pickup.

Front or Rear

The Ram brakes you need will be different depending on if you are putting them on the front or rear wheels. If you choose the wrong set, you won’t get the right fit.

Pad Material

There are a variety of materials used to make brake pads. Some are better for towing, while others create less dust. Read through our Dodge Ram brake pad material guide toward the bottom to learn which one is right for you.

Manufacturer

There are plenty of knock-off brands out there trying to scam you out of money. Don’t take a chance with one of these companies when there are so many reputable ones. Check the brand’s ratings and look for a warranty for more protection.

OEM/Aftermarket

If you want the same quality as you got when the truck was new, you are looking for an OEM set of brake pads. However, you can upgrade and get more for your buck when you choose a high-quality set of aftermarket brake pads.

Price

Buying cheap Ram brake pads sounds like a good idea, but consider what you give up to save some money. Instead of going cheap, look for high-quality brake pads that provide a superior value. You will be thankful when that first accident is prevented.

8 Best Dodge Ram 2500 Brake Pad Replacement: Top Choices Reviewed

1. Wagner ThermoQuiet QC965 Review – Best Brake Pads for Dodge Ram 2500

If you can’t stand the sound of the brakes on your Ram truck, this set of pads from Wagner might appeal to you. Because of the unique friction design, there is less opportunity for noises as the heat gets spread out better. Plus, Wagner ensures a long life with very few brake fade issues.

The front brake kit comes complete with stainless-steel hardware for a quick installation. Plus, the special IMI technology on the friction material, insulator and backing plate ensures superior stopping ability.

We recommend these Ram brake pads for your 2500 truck if you are looking for a set that will last long. However, despite the company’s claims that they also produce less dust, customers say the opposite. With that said, a little brake dust isn’t much of an issue if you are enjoying solid braking with no unusual noises.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2003-2008 Ram 2500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 2-Year
• Quiet Construction

Pros	Cons
Reasonable cost	Increased brake dust
Quiet operation
Long-lasting
2-year warranty

2. Bosch BC1399 QuietCast Review – Highest Rated Dodge Ram 2500 Brake Pads

When it comes to trusting a brand with your heavy-duty truck brakes, you won’t find much better than what Bosch offers. Just look at the customer reviews on this particular set of front brake pads. It’s hard to compete with reviews such as these.

Because Bosch uses premium materials with the brake construction, you know the pads provide a quiet operation with minimal dust on the wheels. Another reason it is so quiet is because of the rubber core shim that contains multiple layers for improved strength and enhanced insulation.

Bosch uses advanced aerospace alloys with its patented copper-free ceramic friction formula and provides a protective layer to extend the life of your truck rotors. The premium chamfers and slots further ensure solid function with a high-quality fit. While there is a 1-year warranty, some customers did notice that the pads wore prematurely. However, these complaints are few and far between.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2009-2017 Ram 2500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 1-Year
• Advanced Aerospace Alloys

Pros	Cons
Highly rated	Occasionally premature failure
Protective layer
Quiet operation
Less brake dust

3. Power Stop Z36-1399 Review – Best Brake Pads for Towing

The ratings on the Power Stop ceramic brakes are nothing to laugh at either. With these high-performance Ram brake pads, you get the stopping power you are looking for without sacrificing any drivability. It’s the perfect set of front brakes to handle the extremes you put your truck through.

Plus, you will notice less dust after the installation. If you don’t like cleaning your wheels, this is an added benefit. With the premium stainless steel shims, you can expect superior heat dissipation and nearly noise-free operation. They also include a powder-coated backing plate that holds up against corrosion and dust.

With the thermal scorched pad surface, there’s less break-in time. While the price is good and people can’t say enough good about the brakes, the company only offers a 30-day warranty, which simply doesn’t seem adequate.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2009-2018 Ram 2500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 30-Day
• Powder-Coated Backing Plate

Pros	Cons
Superior reviews	Only a 30-day warranty
Reduced brake dust
Better heat dissipation
Corrosion-resistant

4. EBC Brakes DP41650R Review – Best Performance Dodge Brake Pads

Some people use their Ram trucks for more than towing and hauling. If you are traveling at higher speeds, such as during a daily commute on the highway, you want maximum stopping power while traveling at fast speeds. Because these Ram brake pads are meant for racing applications, you know that they will provide the high-speed stopping you need.

The zero-fade compound is reliable and ensures every stop is the same. You can brake just as effectively when you first start the truck as you can at the end of your drive. Plus, the company is happy to provide a limited lifetime warranty.

The biggest downfall to this set of rear brake pads is the price. You aren’t going to buy these if you are looking for a cheap set of brakes. However, if you want the best of the best, the performance won’t let you down.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2003-2008 Ram 2500
• Front or Rear: Rear
• Material: Aramid Fiber
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Zero-Fade Compound

Pros	Cons
High-performance	High price
Long-lasting
Optimal stopping power
Limited lifetime warranty

5. Bosch BC965 QuietCast Review – Best Quiet Ram 2500 Brake Pads

Here’s another option from the Bosch QuietCast lineup, this time for different model years. However, the same quality can be expected as the previous option we reviewed. With these front brake pads, you will gain a premium construction with a quiet operation.

Plus, the pads produce less dust than most other brands, ensuring you don’t have to clean those wheels so often. With these pads, you get the rubber core compound with numerous layers for increased insulation and strength.

With the advanced aerospace alloys and patented copper-free ceramic formula, you know that your brakes are going to last longer than expected. There is a 1-year warranty, but a few people have noticed that the brake pads might wear out prematurely. If this happens, be sure to reach out to the company.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2003-2008 Ram 2500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 1-Year
• Quiet Operation

Pros	Cons
Highly rated	Could fail prematurely
Special rubber compound
Premium construction
Aerospace alloys

6. Hawk Performance HB299P.650 SuperDuty Review – Best Brake Pads for Heavy Towing

If you do a lot of towing, you need superior braking power to ensure the load remains secure. While Hawk Performance might not be as recognizable as some of the other brands we talked about, you don’t want to overlook the benefits of these brake pads, especially while towing.

These front brakes have a severe-duty truck brake compound installed to handle braking while hauling massive payloads and towing. The high coefficient of friction ensures less fade resistance and more durability.

Yes, these Ram 2500 brakes do cost a little more than most of the others on our list. However, the performance and durability you receive actually end up making this set a superior value. After all, if you have to replace the cheaper brakes two times before you put these on again, you would have spent more over the long haul.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2000-2008 Ram 2500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ferro-Carbon
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Severe-Duty Truck Brake Compound

Pros	Cons
Meant for heavy loads	Expensive
Limited lifetime warranty
Long-lasting
Superior braking performance

7. Power Stop K5411-36 Front Z36 Review – Best Complete Ram 2500 Brake Kit

If you plan to replace the rotors with the brake pads, this complete kit might be your best option. Power Stop is a top brand in the truck brake industry, so you know that the pads and rotors will be made of top quality materials. The carbon-fiber ceramic enhances the strength of the pad to handle larger loads with ease.

Plus, there is less dust, as shown with third-party testing. When you combine these pads with the slotted and drilled performance rotors, you get better cooling to the braking system. This ventilation allows for gases, water, dust and debris to escape safely.

Your kit comes with the stainless steel hardware and lubricant you need for installation. However, you will need to pay a higher price for this kit since it includes the rotors. On the downside, it also only comes with a 30-day warranty, which can be disappointing to some customers.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2009-2010 Ram 2500
• Front or Rear: Front
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 30-Day
• Complete Front Brake Kit

Pros	Cons
Includes everything for installation	Expensive
Strong and durable	Only 30-day warranty
Less dust
Quick installation

8. Detroit Axle Brake Pads Review: Cheap Dodge Ram 2500 Brake Pad Replacement

You don’t have to spend a lot to get a complete brake pad replacement on your Dodge Ram 2500 truck. With this kit from Detroit Axle, you get brake pads for the front and back of the pickup for less than some other kits that are only one or the other.

This kit includes both the front and rear pads along with brake cleaner and fluid. With the ceramic brake construction, you get a longer-lasting guarantee with a quieter operation, making these better than regular metallic pads. Because they have been tested, you know they are durable and will withstand the stress you throw at your truck.

Detroit Axle might not be as well-known as some other brands, but the company does offer a 10-year warranty. When you look at the customer reviews, it’s clear that this complete set of brake pads will not disappoint.

Features:

• Compatibility: 2009-2017 Ram 2500
• Front or Rear: Front & Rear
• Material: Ceramic
• Warranty: 10-Year
• Complete Brake Pad Kit

Pros	Cons
Comes with all brake pads	Not as well-known
Long-lasting
Quiet operation
10-year warranty

Types of Dodge Brake Pads

There are several types of Ram brake pads, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Semi-Metallic Ram Brake Pads

You will find the semi-metallic pads used on most vehicles. While 30-65% of the pad material will be metal, the rest is made from steel wool, wire or copper. Organic resin is used to bind the materials together before they are molded into shape. Then, they are baked in a furnace for maximum durability.

Pros	Cons
Superior braking ability	Noisy
Work in all temperatures	Create brake dust
Resistant to brake fade
Ideal for most applications

Ceramic Ram Brake Pads

In many circumstances, the ceramic Ram pads are going to be a better choice. While they are the most costly of the options, they absorb heat better. These pads are constructed from ceramic and some other types of fill. This construction creates a clean and quiet operation.

Pros	Cons
Quiet	Expensive
Longer lifespan	Not good in colder climates
Stable under a variety of temperatures
Less brake dust

Non-Asbestos Organic Ram Brake Pads

These Ram pads are going to include lots of organic material for the construction. Sometimes, the materials include rubber, cellulose, Kevlar and fiberglass. This type of brake pad is quiet and great for daily driving, but it does wear out much quicker than the others.

Pros	Cons
Quiet	Wear down quickly
Gentle on brake rotors	Create a mushy brake pedal
Low cost	Not meant for performance driving
Less brake dust

Maintain Your Dodge Ram 2500 Brake Pads

You can replace your Ram brake pads less often if you maintain them properly. Here are a few tips to consider.

• Watch Your Speed: Think about how much more braking power you need to stop while driving 55 mph compared to 35 mph. By going slower, you wear down the brake pads far slower.
• Avoid Riding the Brake: You should operate your Ram truck with one foot. Don’t use your left foot to press down the brake or you could be riding it and causing premature wear.
• Coast Often: Pay attention to the flow of traffic occurring in front of you and coast when cars are slowing down. Don’t brake unless you need to. If you are traveling up a hill, you can use the incline to slow you down.
• Lighten the Load: If your truck bed is full of gear that you aren’t using, it’s time to take some weight off. Lighten the truck to remove excess work from the braking system. Plus, this simple step also improves fuel economy.
• Get your truck checked out: If you start to notice any signs that something might be wrong with the brakes, it’s important to have the problem checked out. By getting the brake pads replaced immediately, you can avoid more costly replacement of the rotors.

How to Change Brake Pads on Dodge Ram 2500

Performing a Dodge Ram 2500 brake pad replacement isn’t complicated if you have some basic knowledge and the right tools. Before you get started, you want to ensure you have all the equipment you need. Here are some items you might want to have on hand.

• Floor jack
• Brake flaring tool
• Jack stands
• Complete automotive toolset
• Lug wrench
• Rags
• Air compressor
• Brake cleaner

Once all of the supplies are nearby, you can continue with these brake pad replacement steps.

1. Remove the Wheels

If you want to access the brake pads, you will first need to remove the wheels from your Ram 2500. Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the truck off of the ground. Once you secure your truck on jack stands, you can fully remove the wheel.

2. Take off the Old Brake Pads

Once you have the wheel off, you can clean the area with your brake cleaner and air compressor. While you remove the components needed to get to the brake pads, take note of how it will all go back together.

You will need to remove the brake caliper assembly but shouldn’t need to take off the lines. It’s also important that you treat the lines with care. Don’t twist them or bend them while working on the system. Clean the caliper assembly once it is removed.

Clamp the piston in the down position to make more space for your job. Once this is complete, you can remove the old, worn-out brake pads.

3. Put on New Brake Pads

With the older pads removed, you have the space to put your new ones in. Now is the best time to inspect the Ram 2500 rotors. If they are looking thin, you should replace them. Otherwise, you might be able to have them resurfaced. If you don’t do this, you could destroy the new brake pads prematurely.

Once the brake pads are seated correctly, you can install all the components you took off. Just work in the reverse order from your removal. During this time, you will retract the pistons, reposition the brake caliper and monitor the fluid levels.

4. Take the Ram 2500 for a Test Drive

You should always drive your truck after any type of replacement. Take your time and test out the brakes to ensure everything will work when needed. If you can’t seem to get the feel right, you should speak with a professional mechanic for more support.

If you need more help, consider watching this video that illustrates a 2011-2015 Ram 2500 front brake pad replacement.

Dodge Brake FAQs

Is it difficult to learn how to change rear brake pads on Dodge Ram 2500 trucks?

If you have some basic mechanical knowledge and automotive tools, you should be able to replace the brake pads on your Ram 2500.

How often do Dodge Ram 2500 brake pads need to be changed?

It all depends on the type of brake pads you run and your driving style. Most manufacturers recommend changing the brake pads on the Ram 2500 every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, but there are ways to make them last longer. Additionally, if there is a problem with the braking system, you may need to change them more often.

Is it okay to use the same Dodge Ram 2500 brake rotor?

When the brake rotor gets worn out, you need to either resurface it or replace it. If the material gets too thin, you will have no option but to replace it. In fact, many manufacturers recommend replacing the newer style of rotors anyway because they are naturally thinner.

What is the cost to replace my Ram 2500 brake pads?

You might spend between $150 and $350 per axle, depending on the type of brake pads you choose. The parts might cost $50 to $150 and labor will make up the rest of your expense. Of course, if you can change the pads yourself, you will save a lot of money.

Do I need to upgrade my Dodge Ram 2500 brakes for towing?

If you use your truck for towing, you want to upgrade to better brakes. Depending on how heavy the loads are, you may quickly exceed the ability of cheap braking components to keep you safe, thereby increasing your truck’s stopping distance. By upgrading the Ram brake pads, you will help the truck react faster for more on-road safety.

Conclusion

With some due diligence, you can find the Dodge Ram 2500 brake pads that fit your needs. We’ve picked some of the top options, offering a little something for everyone. Change your brake pads on your Ram 2500 truck and drive with more peace of mind.

Here’s a recap of our top 8 picks: