Brake Pads Guide
Best Brake Pads for the
2019 – 2024 Ram 1500: Every Pad Compared
A complete comparison of brake pads for the 2019–2024 Ram 1500 DT — covering 3.6L V6, 5.7L Hemi, 6.2L Hellcat (TRX), and all trims. Ceramic, semi-metallic, and performance options from PowerStop, Brembo, Hawk, and EBC. Stopping power, noise, dust, pricing, and fitment notes.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Brand / Pad | Pad Material | Stopping Power | Noise | Performance Over Stock | Dust | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerStop Z16 Evolution | Ceramic | Moderate | — | Minimal | Low | Rear (98–24) |
|
SHOP → |
| PowerStop Z17 Evolution | Ceramic | Moderate | — | Minimal | Low | Rear (02–24) |
|
SHOP → |
| PowerStop Z17 Evolution | Ceramic | Moderate | — | Minimal | Low | 19–25 Ram (rear) |
|
SHOP → |
| Brembo OE Premium | Ceramic | Moderate | Quiet | Moderate | Low | 02–18 / 19–25 | $67 | SHOP → |
| PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport | Ceramic | Good | Quiet | Good | Low | 19–25 Ram (F&R) |
|
SHOP → |
| EBC Ultimax | Ceramic | Moderate | — | Minimal | Low | 19–25 Ram (F&R) |
|
SHOP → |
| Hawk LTS | Ferro-Carbon | Very Good | Quiet | Very Good | Low | 19–20 Ram (F&R) |
|
SHOP → |
| EBC Greenstuff | Semi-Metallic | Very Good | Very Quiet | Good | Moderate | 19–25 Ram (F&R) |
|
SHOP → |
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Pad Compound: Ceramic vs Semi-Metallic
Ceramic pads (PowerStop, Brembo, EBC Ultimax) produce less dust and are quieter. Semi-metallic (EBC Greenstuff) and ferro-carbon (Hawk) offer stronger bite for towing and performance.
DT vs Classic
The 2019 Ram 1500 DT uses a new brake system. Ram 1500 Classic (2019–2022) retained the previous-generation brakes. Verify fitment for your specific model and trim.
Front vs Rear
Many products are front-only or rear-only. Replace in pairs. The front axle does most of the braking work. Match front and rear pad compound for balanced feel.
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.
PowerStop Z16 Evolution Ceramic Brake Pads (REAR): Dodge Durango / Ram 1500 (98-24)
PowerStop Z16 Evolution Ceramic rear pads deliver reliable OE replacement with low dust and quiet operation. The ceramic compound is engineered for daily driving. Fits 1998–2024 Dodge Durango and Ram 1500 rear axle.
PowerStop’s Z16 line offers strong value. Minimal dust and noise. Ideal for daily drivers. Direct bolt-on replacement. Best budget option for 2019–2024 Ram 1500.
Pros
- Lowest price; low dust
- Ceramic; quiet
- Broad 98–24 coverage
Cons
- OE-level stopping power
- Rear only
PowerStop Z17 Evolution Ceramic Brake Pads (REAR): Ram 1500 2019 - 2025 w/ Hardware
PowerStop Z17 Evolution Ceramic rear pads are a Ram 1500 DT-specific fit with hardware included. The ceramic compound delivers reliable OE replacement with low dust and quiet operation. Fits 2019–2025 Ram 1500 rear axle.
Includes stainless-steel hardware. PowerStop’s Z17 Evolution Plus line offers enhanced durability. Minimal dust and noise. Best value for 2019+ Ram 1500 rear pads.
Pros
- Ram 1500 DT-specific fit
- Includes hardware
- Low dust; ceramic
Cons
- OE-level stopping power
- Rear only
Brembo OE Premium NAO Ceramic Brake Pad: Fits Dodge / Ram (02-24) / Durango (03-09)
Brembo OE Premium NAO Ceramic pads deliver OE-equivalent performance with quiet operation and low dust. Ideal for 2019–2024 Ram 1500 owners who want a refined, quiet braking experience.
Fits 2002–2024 Ram 1500 (platform-dependent). Brembo’s NAO ceramic formulation is engineered for street use. Moderate stopping power over stock. Quietest option in this guide.
Pros
- Quietest option; Brembo OE quality
- Low dust; ceramic
- Broad coverage
Cons
- OE-level stopping power
- Verify fitment for DT
PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport Brake Pads: Ram 1500 2019 - 2025 (F&R) w/ Hardware
PowerStop Z23 Evolution Sport pads offer carbon-fiber-infused ceramic for improved stopping power over Z16/Z17. Low-dust formula with hardware included. Available for front and rear on 2019–2025 Ram 1500.
Engineered for daily drivers who want improved stopping power without sacrificing comfort. Reduces brake dust and virtually eliminates noise. Includes stainless-steel hardware and ceramic lubricant. Best ceramic option for 2019+ Ram 1500.
Pros
- Improved stopping power; carbon-fiber ceramic
- Low dust; quiet; includes hardware
- Front and rear available
Cons
- Higher price than Z17
EBC Ultimax Brake Pads: Ram 1500 2019 - 2025 (F&R)
EBC Ultimax brake pads provide a high-quality OEM replacement for 2019–2025 Ram 1500. Manufactured in EBC’s Bristol, UK facility. Reliable stopping power with minimal dust production. Available for front and rear.
Engineered for daily drivers seeking dependable braking without the premium price of performance-grade pads. Balanced compound ensures smooth engagement. ECE R90 approved. Best value OE replacement for 2019+ Ram 1500.
Pros
- UK-made; ECE R90 approved
- Minimal dust; OEM replacement
- Front and rear available
Cons
- OE-level stopping power
Hawk LTS Brake Pads: Ram 1500 2019 - 2020 (F&R)
Hawk LTS Front and Rear Brake Pads are engineered for light trucks, delivering enhanced stopping power and fade resistance. The ferro-carbon compound excels in towing and heavy-load applications. Fits 2019–2020 Ram 1500.
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 2019–2020 Ram 1500 owners who tow or want confident braking.
Pros
- Best stopping power; fade resistant
- Low dust; quiet; lifetime warranty
- Ideal for towing
Cons
- Premium price
- 2019–2020 fitment only
EBC Greenstuff Brake Pads: Ram 1500 2019 - 2025 (F&R) 2WD & 4WD
EBC Greenstuff brake pads deliver enhanced stopping power for 2019–2025 Ram 1500 2WD and 4WD. The semi-metallic compound offers strong bite from cold and progressive brake feel. Available for front and rear.
Engineered for drivers who want improved braking over stock without sacrificing daily drivability. Very quiet operation. Moderate dust. Fits all 2019–2025 Ram 1500 configurations. Best stopping power in this guide.
Pros
- Best stopping power
- Very quiet; strong cold bite
- 2WD & 4WD; front & rear
Cons
- Moderate dust
Fitment Reference
Which Pads Fit Your Ram 1500?
| Product | Front | Rear | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| PowerStop Z16 | ✗ | ✓ | 98–24 |
| PowerStop Z17 (cross-fit) | ✗ | ✓ | 02–24 |
| PowerStop Z17 (Ram-specific) | ✗ | ✓ | 19–25 |
| PowerStop Z23 | ✓ | ✓ | 19–25 |
| Brembo OE | ✓ | ✓ | 02–24 |
| EBC Ultimax | ✓ | ✓ | 19–25 |
| Hawk LTS | ✓ | ✓ | 19–20 |
| EBC Greenstuff | ✓ | ✓ | 19–25 |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded • Verify fitment for your DT vs Classic
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Ceramic vs semi-metallic brake pads: which is best for my use?
Ceramic pads (PowerStop, Brembo, EBC Ultimax) produce less dust and are quieter. Semi-metallic (EBC Greenstuff) and ferro-carbon (Hawk) offer stronger bite for towing. For daily driving, ceramic is ideal; for towing, consider Hawk or EBC Greenstuff.
Do ceramic pads produce less dust?
Yes. PowerStop Z16, Z17, Z23, Brembo OE, and EBC Ultimax produce significantly less dust than performance compounds. Hawk LTS produces low dust for a performance pad.
What's the difference between Ram 1500 DT and Classic?
The 2019 Ram 1500 DT uses a new platform and brake system. Ram 1500 Classic (2019–2022) retained the previous-generation brakes. Verify fitment for your specific model before purchasing.
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.
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 have a Ram TRX. Which pads fit?
Ram TRX (6.2L Hellcat) uses a unique brake system. Check product fitment for TRX-specific applications. Some pads in this guide may not fit TRX.
Ready to Upgrade Your 2019–2024 Ram 1500 Brakes?
Compare all pads above, pick the right fit for your driving style, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
