2015 Dodge Challenger Brake Pad Replacement Guide

The 2015 Dodge Challenger is a heavy car — the SXT and R/T weigh in at 3,900–4,200 lbs — and that weight puts real demands on the front brakes. Replacing the front pads yourself saves $150–$250 over shop pricing, and the job is well within reach for any home mechanic with basic tools. I'll walk through the full procedure including the break-in bedding process, which most guides skip.

Brembo vs. Standard Caliper — Know Before You Buy

• SXT, SXT Plus, R/T base: Single-piston sliding caliper (standard)
• R/T Plus and above with Performance Handling: Optional 4-piston Brembo calipers (red, visually obvious)
• SRT 392, Hellcat: Standard Brembo or Brembo Hi-Performance

Look at your front calipers through the wheel spokes before buying pads. Different calipers require completely different pads.

What You'll Need

• Standard caliper pads: Akebono ASP1374ACT ceramic
• Brembo pads (if equipped): Brembo P11023N
• 12mm socket (caliper slide pin bolts), 15mm socket (carrier bolts)
• C-clamp or brake piston cube tool, turkey baster, brake parts cleaner
• Silicone brake lubricant, torque wrench, jack stands

Step-by-Step (Standard Caliper)

1. Loosen lug nuts with tires on ground.
2. Raise and support on jack stands.
3. Remove wheels.
4. Remove brake fluid from reservoir — turkey baster, remove 1/3.
5. Remove caliper bolts — 12mm, hang caliper with wire. Do NOT let it hang by the brake line.
6. Remove old pads — Note orientation.
7. Clean caliper carrier abutment areas — wire brush.
8. Apply silicone lubricant to pad contact areas — not on friction material or rotor.
9. Lubricate slide pins — Clean old grease, apply fresh silicone grease.
10. Retract piston — C-clamp + old pad face against piston. Press fully back.
11. Install new pads.
12. Reinstall caliper — Torque slide pin bolts to 32 ft-lbs (43 Nm).
13. Reinstall wheels — Torque lug nuts to 110 ft-lbs (149 Nm) star pattern.
14. Pump brake pedal — 10–15 times until firm.
15. Top up brake fluid to MAX.

Break-In Bedding Procedure

From 30 mph, moderate braking to 5 mph (don't stop fully). Repeat 6–8 times. Allow 5–10 minute cool-down. Repeat from 45 mph. This transfers pad material evenly to the rotor for better bite and reduced fade.

Troubleshooting

Pulling during braking: Seized slide pin. Remove, clean, re-lube.

Squealing after 200 miles: Check that no lubricant contacted the friction surface.

Final Thoughts

Know your caliper type before buying parts, torque everything correctly, and do the bedding. Save $200+ every brake service. For more Challenger guides, browse all articles at /blog or get the full library with an OwnerDrop Starter plan at $29.99/mo.