Front caliper issues

[grayunlimites]

I have a 2012 ram 1500 express, I have owned this truck since new. Currently the truck has 189,000 miles on it. it gets used as a truck everyday hauling tools, pulling trailers etc. Every time I put new front brakes on I have to replace rotors and calipers. I had one of the oem calipers actually break apart. I understand I use this truck to the extent of it's capabilities on a regular basis but have always had GM trucks and very seldom did I have to replace everything every time I do front brakes. Is this a common issue? Is there a more severe duty caliper I can use? I am planning to replace the brake hoses up front this time in case it's coming apart inside but I need something thats going to hold up better. I was thinking maybe drilled and slotted rotors to cut down heat when braking? any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

 

[KeepRight]

I have a 2012 ram 1500 express, I have owned this truck since new. Currently the truck has 189,000 miles on it. it gets used as a truck everyday hauling tools, pulling trailers etc. Every time I put new front brakes on I have to replace rotors and calipers. I had one of the oem calipers actually break apart. I understand I use this truck to the extent of it's capabilities on a regular basis but have always had GM trucks and very seldom did I have to replace everything every time I do front brakes. Is this a common issue? Is there a more severe duty caliper I can use? I am planning to replace the brake hoses up front this time in case it's coming apart inside but I need something thats going to hold up better. I was thinking maybe drilled and slotted rotors to cut down heat when braking? any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

Let's see if we can figure this out. You know the front brakes do work harder than the rear. While I am a huge fan of drilled and slotted rotors... I perfer PowerStop with EBC pads.

Anyway, have you replaced the calipers on either side? Does both sides show even wear - pads - rotors? I wonder if you have one caliper pulling or grabbing more. How often do you replace front and rear pads? Front ones, probably double compared to the rear.

I do like the idea of heavy duty brakes, esp maybe 4 piston calibers... I doubt that'll fix your problem but can't hurt. You have a great and heavy truck.

Holler, I'd like to help.

 

[Gary2]

Something wrong there . I don't care how great the truck is, no way should you need to replace calipers each time you need pads. Most of the time I replace the OE rotors the first pad change and never have to replace them again . Calipers , I have never had to replace on a Ram and I almost always run 35-12.50 tires so my brakes don't get babied . Granted the most miles I have had on a Ram was about 155,000 but I have had 5, 1500s so far

 

[KeepRight]

Something wrong there . I don't care how great the truck is, no way should you need to replace calipers each time you need pads. Most of the time I replace the OE rotors the first pad change and never have to replace them again . Calipers , I have never had to replace on a Ram and I almost always run 35-12.50 tires so my brakes don't get babied . Granted the most miles I have had on a Ram was about 155,000 but I have had 5, 1500s so far

Hey, you make a terrific point. Though, things do go bad. I work on $50 million dollar fighter Jets... You'd figure I'd never have to replace a thing...but if that were true, then I'd be out of a job.

I had a wonderful 98 suburban, we put 210000 miles it. For brakes, I replaced brakes often, not over the top... Too include, 2 sets of front calipers and 1 set of rotors. The rear drums, prob needed replaced,...

Calipers are a known item, that do go bad. Gary you are right, rotors don't need to be changed with each brake pad. The guys at the auto shop might not know how to correctly 'mic' check the rotors - - it's easier to say they are out of tolerance. If needed I can explain how to mic ck them.

For OP if like to hear a few answers to help figure this out.

Thanks STKR

 

[Firetruck41]

You might explain why you have to replace the rotors and calipers every time you change the pads. What makes it necessary to do so? It is very unusual that you would have to do that. I have my doubts that drilled/slotted will provide an improvement in durability over a quality coated rotor.

 

[KeepRight]

You might explain why you have to replace the rotors and calipers every time you change the pads. What makes it necessary to do so? It is very unusual that you would have to do that. I have my doubts that drilled/slotted will provide an improvement in durability over a quality coated rotor.

There's too what type of replacement rotors are being used... OEM or the $25.00 Chinese rotors made of tin foil...

 

[Gary2]

Every Ram I have had gets a pulsating in the brakes with the OE rotors eventually and usually before the first set of pads wore out . I doubt even the cheap rotors would be any worse than that . Once changed I never got the pulsating again and never changed rotors again only pads. Some OE parts are better than aftermarket and personally I don't feel OE rotors are one of them by a long stretch. Just changed rotors and Pads on a " used to be mine" 2014 yesterday with 50,000 miles and she mentioned the pulsating so OE rotors are in the recycle pile . Pads were replaced same time naturally but far from worn out. My 17 only has 40,000 miles is still fine so far but rotors are nothing any way but Calipers would have me pissed if I had to change each time to the point I would have an F-150 or super duty before I did that. OP Are the replacement calipers all the same brand , are they lifetime warranty . I have found most auto parts with lifetime warranty and Faucets in home are almost guaranteed to need to use the warranty if it has a lifetime warranty. I usually avoid them if thats their advertisement .

 

[KeepRight]

Every Ram I have had gets a pulsating in the brakes with the OE rotors eventually and usually before the first set of pads wore out . I doubt even the cheap rotors would be any worse than that . Once changed I never got the pulsating again and never changed rotors again only pads. Some OE parts are better than aftermarket and personally I don't feel OE rotors are one of them by a long stretch. Just changed rotors and Pads on a " used to be mine" 2014 yesterday with 50,000 miles and she mentioned the pulsating so OE rotors are in the recycle pile . Pads were replaced same time naturally but far from worn out. My 17 only has 40,000 miles is still fine so far but rotors are nothing any way but Calipers would have me pissed if I had to change each time to the point I would have an F-150 or super duty before I did that

You are RIGHT ON TARGET. I'll add, that any new rotor and/or brake pads... Really need to be broke in properly! So I don't have to type, search under PowerStop's site... they instruct exactly how brakes are too be broke in...

When anyone adds new rotors, pads and shoes, if they aren't broke in properly - - you will condition the rotors to any uneven wear of the pad. Even more so, adding new pads to serviceable but old rotors. In fact I'll almost always recommend to have rotors/drums turned when replacing pads/drums.

The cheapest tin foil rotors will warp much quicker than quality rotors. Nope, drilled/slotted will not prevent this... all rotors are subject to warping in the right conditions.

Buy quality parts, that's not necessarily OEM. Break them in correctly... turn rotors when installing new pads. Break them in correctly also...

Brakes that pulse can be normal or not - - maybe anti skid... or warped rotors etc.

AWESOME DISCUSSION!

 

[bm02tj]

Silly question are your rear brakes working properly and doing there share of the job
If not you are over working fronts