Dodge 3/4 Ton Truck Brake Dust

[SteveH]

My '12 3/4 ton Dodge Ram truck is real bad about producing copious amount of brake dust on the front wheels only, even though it has disc brakes in the rear also.

Wondering if a different type of brake pad would possibly help remedy the problem and maybe even improve the braking performance. Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[TinTin]

I'm not an expert, but since front brakes work harder than rear brakes, this is probably completely normal.

[r carl]

I'm thinking ur driving style as you can wear out Michelins in 38k miles.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by r carl

I'm thinking ur driving style as you can wear out Michelins in 38k miles.

Actually, the truck had 20+K miles on it when I got it, the tires had never been rotated, and were rounded badly in the front. So, the tire wear is mostly not my fault, and contrary to some people's beliefs on here, I do need to use the brakes to stop from time to time.

[GCinSC2]

Steve,

I've owned my 2500 Cummins since new '07. Brakes are original. I have about 170K on it and almost zero brake dust. I bet we have different pad material.

[jcl]

I have changed pads on several new vehicles to reduce brake dust. The manufacturer chooses pad composition based on initial bite, stopping power, fade resistance, pad life, cost, pad noise, and dust. There are probably more factors, but those are on the list. Dust may have come in last in their analysis, but it might count for more in yours. See if they have changed pads and have two part numbers. If not, consider aftermarket pads but consider the other factors as well. Aftermarket suppliers that offer multiple pad compositions will compare them on the above factors. Not sure what is available for your specific vehicle.

Jeff

[GCinSC2]

My bad, truck is a 2005 not '07 bought in 2005.

[perryg114]

Ceramic pads will produce the least dust.

Perry

[jcl]

Steve H:

Here is an example comparison of the performance of various pad compounds, with all pads from the same manufacturer (Centric, in this case). The metrics are relative, not absolute, but provide some insight into the sorts of trade-offs you can make. I know Centric produces pads for the RAM 2500 in at least four of these compositions, but not sure about your specific model year.

Centric Parts Brake Pads - Comparison

I had great results with Axxis Deluxe Advanced pads (pads which Axxis called ceramic) used on several cars to reduce black dust, but I traded off some pad noise (first stop of the day, then they were quiet). No increased fade, change in pedal feel, or lack of bite, in that case. Centric say that their ceramic pads have less dust than their long life fleet pads, but less fade resistance.

I would say the pads with less tendency to produce visible dust are the ones that don't use carbon black as a filler material.

Jeff

[slowmover]

Stick with MOPAR Premium linings. My first set went 120k, and there is yet no need to replace at 197k. Dust is unremarkable.

None of these trucks should be going through brakes or tires prior to 70k miles. Stick with factory original, not "value" MOPAR parts (as most dealers push).