Brake Pads Guide
Best Brake Pads for the
2011 – 2018 Ram 3500: Every Pad Compared
A complete comparison of brake pads for the 2011–2018 Ram 3500 — covering Cummins diesel, 5.7L Hemi, 6.4L 392, and all trims. Ceramic and ferro-carbon options from PowerStop, Brembo, and Hawk. Stopping power, noise, dust, pricing, and fitment notes for daily driving, towing, and heavy-duty use.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Pad | Pad Material | Stopping Power | Noise | Performance Over Stock | Dust | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brembo OE Premium | Ceramic | Moderate | Quiet | Moderate | Low | Rear (09–18) | $86 | SHOP → |
| PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport | Ceramic | Moderate | Quiet | Good | Low | Front (09–18) |
|
SHOP → |
| Brembo OE Premium | Ceramic | Moderate | Quiet | Moderate | Low | Front (09–18) | $109 | SHOP → |
| Hawk LTS | Ferro-Carbon | Very Good | Quiet | Very Good | Low | Rear (09–14) |
|
SHOP → |
| Hawk Performance Street | Ferro-Carbon | Very Good | — | Good | Low | Front (09–10) |
|
SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Pad Compound: Ceramic vs Ferro-Carbon
Ceramic pads (PowerStop, Brembo) produce less dust and are quieter. Ferro-carbon (Hawk LTS, Hawk Street) offers stronger bite and fade resistance for towing and heavy payloads.
Towing & Heavy-Duty Use
Ram 3500 owners often tow heavy. Hawk LTS and Hawk Street are formulated for light trucks with excellent fade resistance. Match front and rear pad compound for balanced feel.
Front vs Rear
Many products are front-only or rear-only. Replace in pairs. The front axle does most of the braking work. Heavy-duty trucks benefit from quality pads on both axles.
Bedding Procedure
New pads require a proper bedding procedure. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: typically 6–10 moderate stops from 40–50 mph, then cool-down. Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles.
Brembo OE Premium NAO Ceramic Brake Pad (REAR): Dodge Ram 1500 (12) / Ram 2500 / Ram 3500 (09-18)
Brembo OE Premium NAO Ceramic rear pads deliver OE-equivalent performance with quiet operation and low dust. Engineered for 2009–2018 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 rear axle. Ideal for daily driving and light towing.
Fits 2009–2018 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500. Also fits 2012 Ram 1500. Brembo’s NAO ceramic formulation ensures smooth braking and minimal dust. Best budget option for 2011–2018 Ram 3500.
Pros
- Lowest price; Brembo OE quality
- Quiet; low dust
- 09–18 Ram 2500/3500
Cons
- OE-level stopping power
- Rear only
PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport Brake Pads (FRONT): Dodge Ram 2500 / Ram 3500 (09-18) w/ Hardware
PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport front pads offer carbon-fiber-infused ceramic for improved stopping power. Low-dust formula with hardware included. Fits 2009–2018 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 front axle.
Engineered for trucks that tow or haul. Reduces brake dust and virtually eliminates noise. Includes stainless-steel hardware and ceramic lubricant. Best value for front pads on 2011–2018 Ram 3500.
Pros
- Best value; includes hardware
- Low dust; quiet
- Carbon-fiber ceramic
Cons
- Front only
Brembo OE Premium NAO Ceramic Brake Pad (FRONT): Dodge Ram 1500 / Ram 2500 / Ram 3500 (09-18)
Brembo OE Premium NAO Ceramic front pads deliver OE-equivalent performance with quiet operation and low dust. Engineered for 2009–2018 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500. Ideal for owners who want a refined, quiet braking experience.
Fits 2009–2018 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500. Brembo’s NAO ceramic formulation ensures smooth braking. Premium shims minimize noise. Quietest option in this guide.
Pros
- Quietest option; Brembo OE quality
- Low dust; ceramic
- 09–18 Ram 2500/3500
Cons
- OE-level stopping power
- Front only
Hawk Performance LTS Brake Pads (REAR): Dodge Ram 2500 / Ram 3500 (09-14)
Hawk LTS Rear Brake Pads are engineered for light trucks and heavy-duty use, delivering enhanced stopping power and fade resistance. The ferro-carbon compound excels in towing and heavy payloads. Fits 2009–2014 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 rear axle.
Hawk’s LTS compound offers 20–40% more stopping power than standard pads. Low dust for a performance compound. Limited lifetime warranty. Best overall for 2011–2014 Ram 3500 owners who tow.
Pros
- Best stopping power; fade resistant
- Low dust; quiet; lifetime warranty
- Ideal for towing
Cons
- Premium price
- Rear only; 09–14 fitment
Hawk Performance Street Brake Pads: Dodge Ram 2500 / Ram 3500 09-10
Hawk Performance Street Brake Pads deliver maximum stopping power for 2009–2010 Ram 2500 and Ram 3500. The ferro-carbon compound provides 20–40% more stopping power than factory pads. Ideal for heavy towing and severe-duty use.
Fits 2009–2010 Ram 2500/3500 front axle. Shares brake system with 2011–2018 models where applicable. Superior fade resistance. Limited lifetime warranty. Best stopping power in this guide.
Pros
- Highest stopping power
- 20–40% over stock
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Premium price
- Front only; 09–10 listed
Fitment Reference
Which Pads Fit Your Ram 3500?
| Product | Front | Rear | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brembo OE | ✓ | ✓ | 09–18 |
| PowerStop Z23 | ✓ | ✗ | 09–18 |
| Hawk LTS | ✗ | ✓ | 09–14 |
| Hawk Street | ✓ | ✗ | 09–10 |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded • Verify fitment for your model year
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceramic vs ferro-carbon brake pads: which is best for my use?
Ceramic pads (PowerStop, Brembo) produce less dust and are quieter. Ferro-carbon (Hawk LTS, Hawk Street) offers stronger bite and fade resistance for towing. For daily driving, ceramic is ideal; for towing, consider Hawk.
Do ceramic pads produce less dust?
Yes. PowerStop Z23 and Brembo OE produce significantly less dust than performance compounds. Hawk LTS produces low dust for a performance pad.
How do I bed in new brake pads?
Follow the manufacturer’s procedure. Typically: 6–10 moderate stops from 40–50 mph, then cool-down. Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles.
When should I replace my brake pads?
Replace when the pad material reaches the wear indicator or 3–4 mm thickness. Heavy towing accelerates wear. Inspect at each tire rotation. Replace in pairs.
Will aftermarket pads void my warranty?
Modifying brakes may affect warranty coverage if a brake-related failure occurs. The Magnuson-Moss act limits voiding unrelated warranties. Check with your dealer if concerned.
I tow heavy with my Ram 3500. Which pads are best?
Hawk LTS or Hawk Performance Street offer the best stopping power and fade resistance for towing. PowerStop Z23 is suitable for daily driving and light towing. Match front and rear pad compound.
Ready to Upgrade Your 2011–2018 Ram 3500 Brakes?
Compare all pads above, pick the right fit for your towing needs, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
