10 Best Brake Pads For Dodge Ram 1500 Review With Buying Guide 2023

This article reviews 10 of the Best Brake Pad for Dodge Ram 1500 that is capable of providing superior performance over traditional stock braking systems.

The ability to stop quickly when it’s needed is a feature experienced drivers crave for.

High performing braking systems are a requirement to save lives so you must make efforts to do some background research before committing to any.

You need high-quality brakes, that aren’t noisy and can last for a long time.

Our experts have done all the hard work for you; collating the very best in the industry.

Furthermore, there is a buying guide section dedicated to providing background information on what to be on the lookout for.

Best Brake Pads For Dodge Ram 1500 Review [Awesome Picks For 2021]

What is the Best Brake Pad for Dodge Rams?

The Power Stop K2164-36 Truck and Tow Brake Kit have been voted by our team of experts as the best brake pad for Ram 1500.

If this doesn’t suit your requirement, be sure to look at close alternatives on our list

Why the Power Stop K2164-36 is the best brand to buy for Ram 1500

Our team picked the Power Stop K2164-36 Truck and Tow Brake Kit as the best in the industry because of its performance and the engineering craftsmanship that went into its design.

It produces less noise, fewer vibrations, strong stopping power and is built to last.

Our review of best running boards for dodge ram 1500 & 2500 improve your dodge performance.

Top 10 Best Brake Pads for Dodge Ram 1500 Review

This section reviews some of the best brake pads for dodge ram 1500 vehicles.

We are confident that this list should address the needs of customers who are on the lookout for a better aftermarket alternative to the traditional stock brake model.

01. Power Stop K2164-36 Truck and Tow Brake Kit – Best Ram 1500 Brake Upgrade For Towing

 

Highlighted Features

• Carbon-fiber ceramic
• Stainless steel hardware installation
• Low dust braking
• Zinc plated brake rotors
• Rubberized Shin

This braking system is demanded by those who frequently haul heavy loads as well as those who require robust braking performance for off-road activities.

The stoke braking capacity and functionality of a package are changed for every additional hauling load.

More often than not the new operating conditions exceed the capacity of your vehicle this is why you need a brake package capable of withstanding the stress.

Top Performer

The Power Stop K2164-36 makes our list as one of the best performers in the industry because of the engineering ingenuity that went into the construction.

High performer brake rotors work in unison with other hardware components to improve the overall braking system of your vehicle

Dust-free System

A major problem with many braking packages in the market today is the fact that they are unable to effectively deal with dust and particles.

With the Power Stop K2164-36 braking package for dodge ram, users can say goodbye to nasty dust particles because it features a carbon-fiber pad system that is formulated to resist dust.

Precision Drills

Precision drills are an important aspect of any braking package.

The precision holes made on this braking package allows for cooling to help regulate the temperature in instances of extreme use or under hot weather.

Additionally, this brake package is fitted with rounded slots to wipe out dust from the pads.

Pros

• Noiseless operation
• Sufficient for hard braking
• OEM certified

Cons

• May contain slight imperfections

02. Bosch BC967 Brake Pad Set – Best Budget Brake Package

 

Highlighted Features

• Premium materials
• Advanced aerospace alloy
• Protective layers
• Hardware kits and slot
• Increased strength

Bosch braking system is one of the most popular braking packages in most vehicles today.

One of the reasons for this is that Bosch was one of the first pioneers of braking technology and designs.

The brand was the first to introduce the antilock braking system as well as the innovative stability control system popular with many of their packages today.

Advanced Design

The advanced design features of the Bosch BC967 Brake Pad Set places it heads and shoulders above a lot of competitive variants.

Design material features aluminum-based alloy constructed by using aerospace technology.

The best part is that they are copper free which makes them compliant with legislative laws.

Protective Layer

Protection is a core feature of most Bosch braking package.

They use a variety of chemical formulas that are immobilized to the surface of the brakes to protect the rotor and pads of the brake.

Chemical protective layers on Bosch brakes extend the lifespan of rotors and pads.

Certified Design

Bosch brakes have been certified and made to perform at optimal conditions.

The enhanced manufacturing design results in a high-quality shim which increases the strength of the brakes for haulage application. More, the brakes are also corrosion resistant as well as noiseless during operation.

Pros

• High-quality brakes
• Noiseless operation
• Great grips and improved strength
• Perfect fit and function

Cons

• Brake clips too tight

03. Wagner QC965 Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set – Top Brand

 

Highlighted Features

• IMI technology
• One-piece brake pad
• Premium stainless steel design
• Ceramic disc brakes
• Laser shaped friction

Wagner is a brand with renowned expertise in the brake pad industry.

A majority of their designs feature a one-piece braking system that integrates molded sound insulation for improved functionality.

The Wagner QC965 is one of a kind, with braking features that are capable of providing the right power for your dodge ram 1500 vehicle.

One-Piece Design

The Wagner QC965 comes in a one-piece design feature that incorporates an IMI technology to improve the functionality of the brakes.

This technology integrates some sort of frictional material, insulators, and a backing plate for selected applications.

The backing plates hold the system together and get to work when the brake pedals are pressed.

Noiseless Operation

To produce noiseless brakes that still gets the job done, a series of features are crafted into the core material.

They work in unison with one another to ensure that the brakes have adequate friction when the pedals are pressed.

A laser shaped friction is an application-specific design that facilitates the noiseless operation of the brakes.

“Be advised that these brake pads have a low friction rating of FE meaning that they fade away easily when hot. You should be sure these suit your requirement before you purchase them”

Premium Quality

For selected applications, this brake model includes the required hardware made in premium quality stainless steel material.

Also, it has a superior formulation that helps the brake pad dissipate heat evenly for long-lasting performance.

Pros

• Quiet operation
• Laser-friction design
• One-piece design
• Premium quality stainless steel

Cons

• Low friction rating

04. Power Stop K2164 brake Kit – Recommended kit

 

Highlighted Features

• Carbon-fiber ceramic material
• Zinc plated rotors
• Stainless steel hardware
• New pin bushing
• Low dust upgrade

Shop with confidence from Power Stop a leading brand in the brake system industry.

This kit comes with all you need to step up braking power to the next level.

To make the most from new brakes, it is advised that the rotors of the system are also changed.

This kit has it all, with new zinc plated rotors the brakes are protected from dust.

Increased Braking Power

Power Stop Z23 has features geared towards increasing the braking power needed for off-road users and large haulage.

The simplicity at which users can upgrade their system comes from engineering ingenuity that provides a no-dust and noise-free operation over exiting stock brake systems.

Easy Installation

Everything you need for a stress-free installation comes with this kit.

It makes the job very easy, although you may also need to have some DIY skills to correctly pull off.

The drills and slotted rotors are perfectly matched and will fit in properly with the braking mechanism.

Furthermore, there are carbon-fiber brake pads plus upgraded hardware that can all be installed with the help of a high-performance lubricant.

Ruggedly Built

Making use of the finest Metallurgy and production around strict OE tolerances, the Power Stop Z23 offers a rugged appearance that should last for a very long time.

For maximum cooling and temperature regulation, the braking system has precision drill holes and rounded slots to wipe out debris.

Pros

• Increased braking power
• Dust-free
• Noiseless operation
• Easy installation

Cons

• There might be rotor issues

05. Detroit Axle – All (4) Front and Rear Drilled and Slotted Disc Brake Kit Rotors

 

Highlighted features

• Ceramic brake pads
• Installation hardware included
• Quality brake system
• Stainless steel rotors
• Drilled and slotted Disc

Detroit Axle gets it right with this braking kit system with fully functional features that are expected from a big brand.

Braking kits are an ideal choice if you are looking to upgrade the braking system of your vehicle.

It is advised that the rotors are changed along with the brakes to get the most friction out of them.

High-Quality Kits

Braking kits from Detroit Axle have all been crafted to extend the strictest of standards to ensure that they are safe to use and optimally work for a long time.

The kit is made from a solid ceramic material with all features that make for a high-quality braking system.

Easy to install

The kit comes with the installation hardware needed for a safe and seamless installation of the braking system.

Kits come with 2 front disc rotors that are drilled and slotted, 2 rears drilled and slotted disc brake rotors, 2 front and 2 rear ceramic brake pads, and lubricants for installation.

The brakes should sit securely as long as you are using them with a compatible vehicle.

Top-notch Performer

This Detroit Axle brake pad kit performs better than the average brake pads in the market.

We believe that it is a deal too good to pass.

All 4 rotors, pads, clips, and a can of brake fluids will ensure that the user gets the best out of them

Pros

• Easy to install
• Full kitted package
• Strong grip and friction
• Top-notch ceramic make

Cons

• May be noisy

06. Power Stop Z36-1084

 

Highlighted features

• Carbon-fiber ceramic pads
• Low dust brake pads
• Stainless steel shims
• Powder-coated backing plate
• Dust resistance

The superior stopping power from this brake makes them one of the most favorable choices for those who tow and haul.

This model makes it to our top 10 list of brake pad for ram 1500 because of the attention to detail that went into the production.

High-performance

Power Stop Z36-1084 is a brand of ceramic brake pads with hardware kits that is an ideal replacement for older or worn-out brake parts.

They are guaranteed to work optimally with very little to no noise.

Look no further because these brakes are exactly what is needed for very high-performance operation making them great for daily driving, regular commuting, and budget-conscious customers.

High-Quality Shims

The shims fit between the brake pads and the rotor.

They are a thin layer of rubberized materials that help to correct little imperfections that cause noise making them very important components of the brake system.

The Shims from the Power Stop Z36-1084 are made from premium high grade rubberized material that helps to reduce noise to the barest minimum.

“Be sure that these brake pads are compatible with you dodge Ram 1500 model because there have been some compatibility concerns from customers”

Meets Regulatory Standards

This braking system has been crafted to meet the strictest of regulations.

The ceramic pads low dust formula is a feature that is made to conform with industrial wide standards and has been validated from third party tests in the United States of America.

Pros

• High-quality shims
• Noiseless operation
• Certified product
• Optimum performer

Cons

• Compatibility issues

07. Bosch BC1084 QuietCast Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set – Budget Alternative

 

Highlighted Features

• Premium materials
• Aerospace alloys
• Hardware kit included
• Insulation against noise
• Ceramic pad material

The Bosch BC1084 is the second model from the brand that is listed in this review article because they are made from high-quality materials.

This brake model is compatible with Chrysler Aspen, Ram 1500, Dakota, Mitsubishi Raider, and a host of other vehicles.

This brake pad is the number one choice for many customers with very high ratings.

Advance Ceramic Formula

One of the prominent features of the Bosch BC1084 is that it is constructed using one of the most advanced aerospace engineering techniques.

It features an aluminum-based alloy only seen in aerospace engineering projects.

Additionally, this Bosch model has a patented QuietCast copper-free breaking system that is compliant with new braking legislative laws.

Premium Rubberized Shims

An OE-Style rubberized shim positions the brake pads securely to prevent or reduce annoying noise that is characteristic of many other low-quality brakes.

The shims were created using an enhanced engineering technique to provide long-lasting shims with increased strength and low noise.

Protective layer and Hardware

Additionally, the Bosch BC1084 model has a chemical layer on the surface of the rotor and the pads to form a protective shield.

The protective layer extends the life of the rotors and pad by resisting rust and dust.

Finally, it comes with a Bosch hardware kit that has all the requirements needed for seamless installation.

Pros

• Aerospace engineering
• Protective chemical layer
• Advanced ceramic formula
• Hardware part included

Cons

• Compatibility issues

08. Power Stop K2163 Brake Kit

 

Highlighted Features

• Carbon-fiber ceramic
• Zinc plated rotors
• Stainless steel rotors
• Low-dust
• Noise-free

Power Stop K2163 is a quality brake kit that makes it easy to quickly improve the braking power of vehicles.

It is engineered to perfection, providing great value for money well spent.

It serves to dramatically provide an upgrade over your traditional stock brake pads providing all the features only seen in top-end models.

Increased Power

Power Stop K2163 Brake Kit is recommended for those who desperately need a power upgrade from their traditional braking system.

For cars, SUVs, trucks, and other compatible vehicles, the Power Stop K2163 is a better alternative than many brake models in the market today.

It combines high performance with a complete set of cross-drilled and slotted rotors to bring out the best without spending too much.

All you need

If you are in the market for a power stop brake kit then choosing this model will prove to be one of the best decisions you’d ever make.

All upgrade kits contain a front and rear Axle with complementary rotors.

It includes installation hardware to secure in the complementary rotors and pads.

Furthermore, you will find new pin bushings and lubricants a helpful addition.

Evolution +Features

Power Stop K2163 has all features expected from a regular brake kit plus additional upgrades only seen in high-end brands.

Say Goodbyes to braking dust, because this brake model has an advanced carbon-fiber pad formula that takes care of the dust.

More we can say, it is designed to be noise-free as well as provide increased stopping power over traditional brakes.

Pros

• Advanced braking system
• Noiseless operation
• Aesthetically appealing
• Low-dust retention

Cons

• Fitting issues during installation

09. Callahan CDS02156 Brake Kit

 

Highlighted Features

• Ceramic brake pads
• High-quality hardware
• Low dust
• Improved heat dissipation
• Stronger Friction

The Callahan CDS02156 Brake Kit model is compatible with several vehicles including Chrysler Aspen, Dodge Durango, Dodge Ram, and a host of other car models.

Be sure to check the compatibility of the vehicle’s manufacturing year before investing in this model otherwise you may run into issues during the installation process.

Enhanced Stopping Power

Callahan CDS02156 is like many other models listed in this review because it also serves to provide advanced braking power to your vehicle over the traditional stock models.

It is the improved power offered by aftermarket brake parts that make them popular among those who tow or haul heavyweights.

 High-quality parts

We wouldn’t have included this brake kit if we weren’t sure of the quality of the parts.

It is guaranteed to last (at least better than the stock model that came with your vehicle) even under extreme usage conditions.

The brake pads are made from ceramic which is the industry-wide standard and the installation hardware is made from stainless steel.

“This model has no protective chemical coating, so we cannot grantee its resistance to dust or corrosion and will do not have information on the nature of the shims”

Quiet Operation

Improved heat dissipation from well-drilled and slotted holes in the rotor helps the braking system perform at optimal conditions.

The manufacturer and product detail page state that the brakes are capable of performing better than or at least equal to what is obtainable with OE parts.

Pros

• Quite braking system
• Enhanced stopping power
• Noiseless
• Complete kit sets

Cons

• No chemical coating

10. Bosch BC1399 Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set

 

Highlighted features

• Multilayer rubber shim
• Copper-free
• Premium quality
• Aerospace alloy
• Protective layer

Finally, another Bosch model makes it to the top 10 list of Best Brake pads for Dodge Ram 1500.

The Bosch BC1399 model is the third from this brand to make our list and it’s a strong sign that they are one of the best brands for brakes in the industry.

We employ you to strongly consider a Bosch brake model because they represent great value for money.

Premium Materials

As with other Bosch brakes, this model is no exception to the brand’s dedication to only used dedicated and advanced engineering technology to produce brakes that can rival any other model in the industry.

Top-notch materials ensure that the brakes have exceptional stopping power and optimal performance

Quite/Noiseless

Noisy brakes are one of the major problems that customers complain about.

We have been there; you can’t help but wonder why some brakes are so noisy either under extreme heat or when they have been working for long hours.

With an innovative multilayer rubberized shim, the Bosch BC1399 effectively takes can of the annoying noise that is a negative characteristic feature of another low-grade model.

Protective layer feature

Unlike many other brake models that don’t incorporate a protective layer, the Bosch BC1399 is protective by an advanced chemical transfer system to elongate the lifespan of the rotors and pad.

Furthermore, the ceramic brake pads are constructed to be 2025 copper-free compliant in line with legislation.

Pros

• Certified and copper-free compliant
• Noiseless
• Ceramic brake pads
• Protective chemical layer

Cons

• May be too tight on some vehicles

 The Best Brake Pads For Dodge Ram 1500: Buying Factors

In this section, we will go over some buying considerations you need to take to heart before investing in an aftermarket brake pad.

This buying guide will save you a lot of stress especially if you are shopping for a brake pad for the first time.

Brake Pad Types

Knowing the different brake pad types in the market can help streamline your choices to options that are best suited for the vehicle.

While a majority of brake pads are made from ceramic there are other variants worth considering:

Semi-Metallic:

Just as the name implies, semi-metallic brake pads are constructed from metals and non-metal materials in different proportions.

It’s commonplace to find a brake pad that is 30% metal and 60% non-metal with the remaining components as organic fillers.

While these types of brakes have very strong stopping power the fact that they are made from metal makes them noisy during operation.

Metallic:

Metallic brakes have a higher proportion of metal materials than non-metals.

Therefore generally have stronger stopping power than their non-metallic counterparts.

Metallic brakes have found use in hard streets and tracks where stopping power is of the essence.

Be advised though, that metallic brakes can quickly ruin a rotor.

Ceramic:

Ceramic brakes are the most popular type of brakes in the open market.

They are also the most expensive of the lot and are made from very thick and dense material.

The major advantage of ceramic brakes over metallic and non-metallic brakes is that they are noiseless.

A majority of ceramic brakes are also fitted with rubberized shins to further mitigate noisy operation.

Organic:

Just as the name suggests, this type of brakes is made using organic materials.

The main advantage of organic brakes is that they do not pollute the environment when they wear out.

They feature weaker friction and thus are the least likely to ruin the rotors.

Key Features to be on the lookout for

Material Make:

The choice of brake pad material must be tailored to your specific needs.

Those who want strong stopping power, durability, and longevity at the expense of a little noise can go for semi-metallic and metallic brakes.

If the life of the rotor is important, look for organic brakes to buy but we’d strongly recommend any of the ceramic brakes listed in this review for optimum performance.

Optimum operating temperature: 

Depending on the weather condition and usage, the temperature of the rakes and rotors can get close to 400 Fahrenheit on normal street days.

However, temperatures can exceed this by a long mile on track days. So you must consider the condition in which the brakes will perform before making an investment decision.

Installation ease:  

Closely inspect the brake pads you intend to buy to find out if the manufacturer included the installation hardware.

Brake pads are sold as either a set (front and rear) or as complete kits with the rotors.

For easy installation, other essentials like lubricants are necessary for seamless fitting.

Additionally, some brake pads come as a plug-and-play set and are preferred by some shoppers.

Noise Level:

You will want to avoid noisy brake sets at all costs.

Immediately return any new brake set that is noisy during operation or better still prevent this from happening by reading other customer reviews about their experiences.

Application:

Critically consider what the brake pads will be meant for before committing to any.

Some brake pads are only suited for lighter economy cars while others are more suitable for heavy-duty haulage vehicles and trucks.

Many of the brake pads listed in this review are all suited for Dodge ram 1500.

Most Online Search For Dodge Ram 1500 Brake Rotors

Q: When should I replace my brake pads?

Ans: Manufacturers recommend that old brake pads be replaced at 20 percent.

That is when the brake pads have been used until 2 percent of the original thickness remains.

The recommended percentage thickness that warrants a brake pad change will vary from one manufacturer to another.

Q: Are semi-metallic brakes any better than ceramic brake pads?

Ans: Your choice of brake pads will depend on the use case. How often and in what terrain will the brakes be used?

If you drive a sports car or you drive your vehicle like a sports car, you’d be better off with a semi-metallic brake pad.

However, ceramic brake pads are ideal for regular commute in urban centers.

Q:  Do ceramic brakes have the greatest stopping power?

Ans: No, ceramic brakes do not have the greatest stopping power.

The greatest stopping power can be found with semi-metallic and metallic brakes but they are too noisy.

With ceramic brakes, you have less noise and dust on your brake.

Q: What is the major advantage of ceramic brakes over all other types of brakes?

Ans: When compared with other types of brakes, ceramic brakes are known to be less abrasive on the rotors.

This means that they will last longer but on the backdrop of lesser stopping power.

Additionally, ceramic brakes are known to be less messy and more resistant to heat than their metallic counterparts.

Q: Can I use any type of braking system for my car?

Ans:  No you can’t. Each vehicle is modeled to peculiar specifications so only compatible brake pads must be used for them.

Furthermore, brake pads have been engineered and tested to fit into specific vehicles.

Please, seek the advice of a professional or consult the manufacturer’s manual for more details.

Q: Is it right to replace all brake pads at once?

Ans:  Ideally, brake pads are sold in pairs so it’s recommended that all pads be replaced at once to make the most from each pad.

Some professionals advise against replacing both sets at the same time but we feel it’s best they are replaced.

Q: How can I tell when my vehicle’s brake pads need to be replaced?

Ans: It’s easy to tell when the brake pads are due for a replacement.

Continues metallic grinding and growling are the most popular signs that the brake pads need to be replaced.

Q: Why are my newly bought ceramic brake pads squeaking?

Ans: There are many reasons why this can happen. The first trouble-shooting will be to reanalyze how they were installed in the first place.

It could be that a brake lining shin wasn’t used during the installation process or an anti-sat squeak lubricant wasn’t placed where the pad touches the caliper.

Q: What damage can ceramic brake pads have on my vehicle’s rotor?

Ans: Not really. Ceramic brakes are soft and gentle and shouldn’t cause significant damage to the rotors of a vehicle.

They produce less dust and wear down slower than metallic or semi-metallic brakes.

Q: Is it compulsory that I also change my rotors when I change the brake pads?

Ans:

Professional installers recommend that you also change the rotors along with the brake pads but it’s not necessary.

If the rotors aren’t showing any signs of extensive damage, then it’s not necessary to have them changed.

However, if you need to achieve the best braking performance then new brake pads must be burnished with new rotors.

Q:  What are the most important things to look out for before purchasing a brake pad?

Ans: Noise and vibrations are some of the most important aspects of a brake to be on the lookout for.

Nevertheless, how long the brakes were made to last, plus the dust levels are also important aspects to be on the lookout for.

Conclusion

This article reviews 10 of the best brake pads for dodge ram 1500 and our best performer is the Power Stop K2164-36.

It’s one of the long-lasting brake pads in the market that should consistently offer great performance with strong stopping power.

There is a brake pad reviewed in this write-up for every need and budget requirement.

If you feel lost, be sure to read through the buying consideration section before making an investment decision.