Best Brake Pads For Dodge Ram 1500 – 2021 Guide

| Last Updated: December 25, 2021

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When driving something as heavy-duty as the Dodge Ram 1500, you’ll need to do thorough research before getting a brake pad for it. Not only to ensure safety but since the vehicle is a huge one, it’s better to look for something high quality. In this article, we’re going to list the best brake pads for the Dodge Ram 1500.

Comparison Chart of the Best Brake Pads For Dodge Ram 1500

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • The rubber core and multilayered shim provide top strength and superior noise insulation
  • Designed with advanced earospace engineered alloys made from copper fre ceramics
  • Constructed with a protective transfer layer to extend brake pad and rotor life
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  • Made with Wagner specific OE21 low-copper friction formulations
  • Laser cut design evenly spreads heat and friction to reduce noise level production
  • The superior design dissipates heat quicker and easier for longer lasting durability
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  • Best for the Money
  • Dedicated Bosch engineering with premium materials offer reliable performance
  • Made with a copper-free ceramic for improved friction regulation
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  • Constructed from a low-copper ceramic formulation for improved performance
  • Fully cured for optimum braking performance
  • Includes noise reduction technology and lubricant for convenient installation
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  • Made from a carbon-fiber ceramic formulation for premium performance braking
  • Pad surface is thermal scorched to improve run-in time and braking power
  • Chamfered with stainless steel shims and powder-coated back plating for noise reduction
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Will Any Set of Brake Pads Work on a Dodge Ram 1500?

We’ve gone over the fact that the Dodge Ram 1500 is a heavy-duty vehicle, and therefore, you have to be very selective when getting a set of brake pads for it. Not any brake pad available on the market will help.

For a Dodge Ram 1500, you’ll need efficient brake pads that can perform in any kind of driving conditions. They should not accumulate dust as that can negatively affect the performance and generate the need to clean frequently. Furthermore, a good set of braking pads will not make loud noises and will last a good amount of time.  

Review of the Best Brake Pads For Dodge Ram 1500

Getting a set of brake pads can be quite overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the market. Don’t worry because we’ve got you covered. Here are the top brake pads you could use with ease. We’ve listed the pros and cons of each and explained why we like them.

We hope you find one to your liking!

Best Overall:
Bosch BC1084

PROS

  • Known to be corrosion-resistant  
  • Comes with a QuietCast hardware kit for easy installation
  • OE-style rubber core shim reduces noise and increases strength
  • Uses advanced ceramic friction formula with an aluminum-based alloy
  • For greater longevity, a protective layer forms on the rotor and pad surface

PROS

  • Can produce a lot of dust
  • Installation kit can be difficult to use

What Recent Buyers Report 

Buyers love the performance of this unit. The best part is that it has reduced noise and fits perfectly in the Dodge Ram 1500. Users say that these brake pads last the longest and are a great bang for their buck. They highly recommend them for anyone with a Dodge Ram 1500.

Why it Stands Out to Us

These sets of brake pads are made with an excellent ceramic friction formula and a protective layer between the rotor and pad surface for greater longevity. Thanks to the OE-style rubber core shim, the brake pads make minimal noise and have increased strength. They also come with slots and chamfers that improve the quality of the brake pads.   

Who Will Use This Most 

Anyone with a Dodge Ram 1500 can use these brake pads. The price tag is quite nominal as well, and it has all the features one could ask for in a brake pad. Ideally, it fits in the Dodge Ram 1500.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for something that performs smoothly without making a screeching noise, this one is ranked our best overall Dodge Ram 1500 brake pad. Using the latest technology, Bosch has outdone itself with this masterpiece, so take our word for it and get it now!

Runner-up:
Wagner ThermoQuiet QC966B

PROS

  • Does not accumulate dust
  • Made with premium stainless steel
  • Has reduced rotor wear thanks to its proprietary formulation
  • Backing plate, insulator and friction material are all integrated into the brake pad using IMI technology
  • Unique formulation design disintegrates heat for better friction performance and reduced brake fade

PROS

  • Lacks shim plates 
  • Does not fit all Dodge Ram models (only fits those made after 2010)

What Recent Buyers Report 

Buyers have loved this brake pad for its smooth and efficient performance. There are no jerks when the brakes are applied, nor any screeching noises. Moreover, there is much less brake dust accumulated with this unit than with most other brake pads, which has impressed many of its users as well.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Offering a super thermos resilient build, this is an excellent choice for most Dodge Ram models. The IMI technology integrates the breaking pad, insulator, and friction material altogether, enhancing the longevity and performance of the brake pad. The best part is that it is made of premium quality stainless steel hardware.

Who Will Use This Most 

We find this to be suitable for all Dodge Ram 1500s and its other models too. However, it does not fit well with Dodge Ram models made before 2010 and hence is not recommended for them. It is an affordable option, so if you’re on a budget, this is a great pick.

Bottom Line 

Affordable and efficient, this unit has it all. Made with high-quality materials, this brake pad performs its best. It dissipates heat and reduces friction efficiently, giving its user a smooth and efficient drive. If you’re looking for affordable options, this is the one to go with!

Best for the Money:
Bosch BC967

PROS

  • Installation is quite simple
  • Copper-free (as per the law of 2025)
  • Corrosion-resistant and has reduced noise 
  • Uses advanced aerospace alloy for better friction 
  • Comes with a QuietCast hardware kit for easy installation

PROS

  • Won’t fit in all types of vehicles
  • Does not prevent dust accumulation very well

What Recent Buyers Report

When it comes to automobile parts, it can be a really complicated business trying to understand how to use and install them. Luckily, many users are pleased with their purchase of this model. Not only is it easy to install, but it lasts long and uses top-notch technology to give you every worth of your penny.  

Why it Stands Out to Us

Bosch has done it again with exceptional braking power and a smooth ride. Using excellent quality material, these brake pads use a semi-metallic friction formula for a smooth and quiet operation. The OE-style rubber core shim reduces noise and increases the strength of the brake pads.

Who Will Use This Most

You’ll be getting the best value for your money with these brake pads. They are great for everyday driving towing and fit the Dodge Ram pretty well. Also, if you’re a beginner at this and aren’t exactly pro at anything mechanic-related, these brake pads are relatively easier to install.

Bottom Line

Overall, this has everything you’d need in a brake pad. We love it since it’s so affordable but uses premium quality materials and technology so that the brakes can be applied smoothly and without any noise. Many of its users highly recommend it and have had a great experience using it.

4. Wagner QuickStop ZD1084

PROS

  • Available for all types of vehicles
  • Great pulling and stopping power 
  • Made in a way to reduce vibration and noise
  • Curated specifically for each vehicle it is used for
  • Includes an OE style lubricant and is made with stainless steel

PROS

  • Produces brake dust
  • Coating on the rotors is said to wear off with time

What Recent Buyers Report

It doesn’t matter what vehicle they own; each user has praised these brake pads and claimed it to fit like a glove. Many were pleasantly surprised by the quality and swift operation. They are easy to install and made with stainless steel to ensure optimum quality is maintained throughout. Users highly recommend this for the Dodge Ram 1500.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because it promises longevity and delivers. These brake pads work consistently throughout their lifespan and are formulated to reduce vibration and noise as much as possible. We love that they can be installed easily, which makes it great for newbies and are impressed with its pulling and stopping power.  

Who Will Use This Most

These are specifically designed for any kind of vehicle. They work well with all Dodge Ram models. However, since dust does accumulate, you’ll have to clean them quite often, so keep that in mind when purchasing.   

Bottom Line

If you’ve been sleeping on the Wagner QuickStop ZD1084, it’s time to wake up. These are some of the best brake pads on the market and deliver what they promise. Made with high-quality stainless steel, they last a long time. So if you’re looking for long-lasting brake pads, so you don’t have to buy new ones again, this is your best bet.  

5. Power Stop Z36-898

PROS

  • Employ a dust-free friction formula
  • Long-lasting with updated ceramic build
  • Made with stainless steel shims for noise reduction 
  • Features a thermal scorched pad surface for fast break-in
  • Uses carbon-fiber ceramic formula for maximum stopping power

PROS

  • Installation isn’t the easiest
  • Does not work well with all Dodge Ram models

What Recent Buyers Report

Users are highly impressed with these brake pads. With enhanced braking performance, these have maximized the stopping power without any dust accumulation. What users love most about it is how the powder-coated backing plate enhances the efficiency of these brake pads, unlike with any other they’ve used. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

Highly strong and durable, these brake pads are just what you need for a heavy-duty vehicle like the Dodge Ram 1500. They are made with a carbon-infused ceramic build for better longevity and stronger performance. But what we love most is the chamfered and slotted design, which reduces any noise.  

Who Will Use This Most

The Power Stop Z36-898 cannot just be used on any vehicle. They are particularly made for the Dodge Ram models, especially for the Dodge Ram 2500. They aren’t the easiest to install, so if you’re looking to do that yourself, you might need some help.

Bottom Line

Power Stop has never failed us with any of their brake pads, and this time is no different. The performance is exceptional, so there isn’t much that could go wrong with these. Highly durable and made with premium quality materials, if you’re looking for something that’ll ensure a smooth ride without any noise, these brake pads are your way to go.

How to Change Brake Pads on Dodge Ram 1500

Changing brake pads is no child’s play. Before you do something like it, make sure you thoroughly go through instructions and watch video tutorials that might help. We have summarized what you might need to do generally.

  1. The first thing you’ll have to decide is whether you’re changing the brake pads alone or the rotor as well. The instructions for both scenarios are different.  

  2. If you plan on just changing the brake pads, spot the mil head bolts and remove them from the tire. (There will be two 13 mil bolts).

  3. You may need a wrench to remove the mil head bolts. 

  4. Now, retract the pistons so that you are able to install the new brake pads.  

  5. Now that you have removed the pistons, you need to take the caliper off while keeping the caliper bracket intact. 

  6. Keep the calipers aside and do not allow them to suspend from the rubber line.

  7. The old brake pads are now exposed. Remove them.

  8. Use a wire brush to clean up. Remove the pins as well and put new slider grease on them.

  9. Install your new brake pads. 

  10. Put the caliper back on. 

  11. Screw back the 13 mil bolts.

That is just a gist of what you need to do to change your brake pads. Make sure to watch the video below for visual aid because that can guide you better.

Conclusion

We hope we rounded everything in this article. Buying brake pads can be daunting, especially because it could compromise your safety. Therefore, you need to look for the best of the best and invest in something that promises nothing but exceptional performance. We hope you found that in this article!

People Also Ask

If you’re new to this, there might be some questions buzzing in your mind before you decide to make your purchase. Fret not, for we shall not leave you in the dark. We rounded up some questions, and well, here are some of the most frequently asked ones answered. 

How Much Are Brakes For a Dodge Ram 1500?

On an average, good quality brake pads for a Dodge Ram 1500 could cost you anywhere between $190 and $210. This is exclusive of labor costs. If you want to get them installed, labor could cost you approximately $64 or above $80.       

How Long Should Ram 1500 Brakes Last?

How long brakes last depends on a number of factors. These could be your driving habits, the environment, or simply the quality of your brake pads. The average life of Ram 1500 brakes should be around 25,000 to 65,000 miles, depending upon the above-mentioned factors. As long as you drive safely, your brakes will last you a good while.

Sean comes from the forums actually and drives an OBS Ford. He writes fantastic DIYs and knows his way around a camera, too. We keep him caffeinated and away from DPF filters to avoid another rant about recent emissions restrictions.