What is the torque on the caliper bolts for a 2012 Dodge Ram?
For a 2012 Dodge Ram, the caliper hardware uses two common torque values: the caliper mounting bolts that attach the caliper to the mounting bracket, and the larger bolts that secure the bracket to the knuckle. The exact figures can vary by trim and braking system, so always verify with the factory service manual for your vehicle configuration. In practice, the typical values are around 25–30 ft-lb (34–40 Nm) for caliper-to-bracket bolts and about 110 ft-lb (150 Nm) for bracket-to-knuckle bolts.
Bolt types and torque values
Below are the standard torque specifications commonly used for the front brake hardware on a 2012 Ram. Use these as guidelines, but confirm with your manual for your exact build.
Caliper mounting bolts
These are the bolts that attach the caliper to its mounting bracket. They require a relatively modest torque compared with the bracket bolts.
- Caliper mounting bolts: 25–30 ft-lb (34–40 Nm)
Applying the correct torque here helps ensure proper caliper alignment and sliding action without overstressing the caliper housing.
Caliper bracket bolts
These bolts secure the caliper mounting bracket to the knuckle and are torqued to a higher specification to maintain brake alignment under duty cycling.
- Caliper bracket bolts (bracket-to-knuckle): 110 ft-lb (150 Nm)
Ensuring the bracket bolts are torqued correctly is critical for brake pad wear uniformity and rotor contact. Use blue threadlocker if specified by the manual and torque to the value shown above.
Notes and best practices
Always refer to the official Mopar/Chrysler service manual or a trusted workshop manual for your exact vehicle configuration, as brake hardware can vary by engine, brake option, and production run. After torquing, double-check that the caliper slides freely and that the brake pads are correctly installed.
Summary
For a 2012 Dodge Ram, the typical caliper-to-bracket bolts are torqued to 25–30 ft-lb (34–40 Nm), while the caliper bracket-to-knuckle bolts require about 110 ft-lb (150 Nm). Always confirm with the factory service manual for your exact model and use proper threadlocker if prescribed. Proper torque ensures safe braking performance and helps prevent caliper or bracket damage.
