Two problems related to brake disc caliper have been reported for the 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Ever since 50000 miles I have been having issues with the braking performance of the truck. Lately it has gotten scary bad. After a few stops either hard or mere traffic light stops the brakes start to over heat. I start to smell the pads cooking as if I were trying to stop a freight train. I get huge amounts of brake fade and the abs for the front does not work any more. The rear abs still kicks on but not as frequently. The stopping distance dramatically increases. After a few stops the brake pedal starts to sink to the floor board. During hard panic stops when the brakes are hot the brake pedal goes to the floor board and I lose most of the braking. I have replaced the brake pads, rotors, and calipers and still no change. I have taken the truck in to the dealer and they said they could not find any issues saying that it was normal or I could have the entire braking system replaced to attempt at solving the problem. Truck is at 142k miles now and still with the same issue got used to driving slow and replacing the brakes ever 30k miles.
While coming to my destination,as I let off the accelerator,I noticed a pull to the side,and felt increased drag without foot on brakes. While exiting vehicle,I noticed a burning/metallic smell from front of vehicle and saw steam/smoke coming from front drivers side wheel. I looked close and saw discoloration of brake caliper and knew that it could not be driven until corrected. Aluminum alloy wheel was too hot to touch. There was no warning that was going to happen(breakdown). These were the original brakes from when purchased new on truck from me. It had 42,227 on it when this occured. Was flat-bed towed to Dodge dealer who said both sides needed replacement of rotors,pads,brake hoses,calipers which came out to $1200. 00 which is crazy for the low mileage. Dealer acted like this is normal maintenance.