2006 Dodge Ram Brakes. Help me repair/upgrade?

[IMaDad]

So here it is. The brakes in my 2006 ram suck. I just replaced the pads, but there are still issues with horrible pedal fade, pedal moving a few inches with little effort and then turning into a brick like manual brake feel.

I checked the fluid. the fluid in the resevoir is like black. I forgot to bleed the fluid the last couple years. oops.

the brake pedal also moves side to side alot if you push it that way. that doesnt seem right.
when i was doing the spark plugs, I noticed the center of the brake booster (around where the MC connects) is wet. Damn. leaking MC.

So I figure I'll replace the MC with a new one, bench bleed it, and then bleed the rest of the system while i am at it.

now, Can i upgrade to a 2500 booster, master cylinder, or both, to get some better/stronger brakes? I know the jeep TJ guys (i used to be one) would upgrade to a dodge 2500 booster and it would make a huge difference. anything I can do for that?

Thanks

 

[woodstock]

The master cylinder size is sized for your system. A larger master cylinder usually results in a harder pedal and less touch,don't recommend it.
Go with stock replacement, and you should relace those almost 10 yr old hoses too. Go with ceramic pads and turn/replace the rotors. Calipers good?bleed the snot out of it using the correct fluid, believe that's a dot 3 or 4, non silicone. Hopefully the trash comes out with the bleed. Use a mityvac at each caliper to bleed, worth the money.

 

[IMaDad]

What's a mityvac? I have a handheld vacuum gun I use for bleeding that does well. Just wish it had a larger reservoir that I didn't have to empty every caliper

 

[Ken Ford]

Two person bleed is still better. If only one person then use the hand held. Never was real happy with the hand held though. May be I wasn't holding my mouth right or something.

 

[IMaDad]

Yeah I didn't know if there is a stronger booster that swaps in, or a smaller piston for stronger brake action

 

[Ken Ford]

The issue you described sounds like master cylinder and/or brake lines. Since you changed the MC I would now do the lines.
Bring it by the house I'll give you a hand.

 

[IMaDad]

wow thanks for the offer.
I havent replaced the MC yet. I'll see if that does it first.

but thanks alot for the offer.

 

[brad sweet]

So here it is. The brakes in my 2006 ram suck. I just replaced the pads, but there are still issues with horrible pedal fade, pedal moving a few inches with little effort and then turning into a brick like manual brake feel.

I checked the fluid. the fluid in the resevoir is like black. I forgot to bleed the fluid the last couple years. oops.

the brake pedal also moves side to side alot if you push it that way. that doesnt seem right.
when i was doing the spark plugs, I noticed the center of the brake booster (around where the MC connects) is wet. Damn. leaking MC.

So I figure I'll replace the MC with a new one, bench bleed it, and then bleed the rest of the system while i am at it.

now, Can i upgrade to a 2500 booster, master cylinder, or both, to get some better/stronger brakes? I know the jeep TJ guys (i used to be one) would upgrade to a dodge 2500 booster and it would make a huge difference. anything I can do for that?

Thanks

I had a master cyclinder from one of the box stores and the rebuild had the wrong plunger installed...also had same problem with a booster..have it vacuum checked..or check vacuum manifold to the booster and or the ck valve at the booster

 

[brad sweet]

Two person bleed is still better. If only one person then use the hand held. Never was real happy with the hand held though. May be I wasn't holding my mouth right or something.

Ken have him upgrade to dot 5 and flush the system..less trouble in future!

 

[woodstock]

Ken have him upgrade to dot 5 and flush the system..less trouble in future!

No not dot 5! unless it calls for that which Im 99% sure it doesn't. The seals are not compatible with this silicone based fluid which is also very hygroscopic