2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
I've got a question for anyone with a newer power wagon. I upgraded my 2005 to a 2018 this summer and just had my first chance a couple weeks ago to do some off roading. I've noticed my brakes feel pretty soft/spongey in the new truck as compared to my other one, but didn't think it was an issue. But when I was going down a steep hill off road, I pressed my pedal all the way down and bottomed it out and the truck lurched to a stop slowly. It has continued to do it any time I take it down something steep. My driveway is steep and when I back out, if I press as hard as I can on my pedal the truck lurches to a stop- it's not instant like I would expect it to be. Going like 2mph it'll take a good few feet to stop with the pedal bottomed out. If I'm sitting at a stop light, I can pretty easily bottom my pedal all the way out. I pump it and it gets firm, but if I hold on the pedal it will gradually lose pressure rather quickly. The dealership looked at it today and said it's normal and there are no issues. Just seems to me like when I spend 50k on a truck it should be able to stop appropriately and quickly when I need it to. Anyone else have similar issues with their truck? Is this just how the new ones are? Any thoughts and advice would be helpful. I feel like I'm losing my mind over this. Thanks!
-
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Sat May 31, 2014 9:03 pm
- Model Year: 2013
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
My 16 is like that as well, especially in low range reverse. For a second it makes you wonder if it will stop. If I have to back down a steep hill I usually pop it to neutral to get the brakes to be firm. On the road I don't notice the brakes to be lacking, mine seems to be mostly in low range.
- scoutpappa
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 61
- Joined: Wed Sep 20, 2017 9:05 pm
- Model Year: 2017
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
In the rocks in 4Lo and/or locked up it is definitely a chore. Wish we had hydroboost instead of vacuum. I can't find it but I'm sure I read that it's a two stage booster so at least in my driving, stopping from speed is good up until 10 ish and below, and then it seems the boost comes off acting more like my older trucks with manual master cylinders. Compared to my 2009 half ton Ram (which would throw you through the window) it is definitely a slug. I've read that some have changed out the pads and bedded them (not factory replacement) which dramatically increased the pedal feel and stopping. With my last truck I always pumped and since it's a habit from my Scout's I tend to do it every time which does seem to help with the last 20 feet. I am going to replace the pads here shortly as I tow and as I'm typing this she is getting re-shoed with 35's so I'm sure that won't exactly help with the braking.
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
My 2016 is definitely odd compared to my hydro boost 2500 Chevy. It definitely feels weird. My second gen Dodge even with vacuum boost and my odd combination of brakes (1500 booster/master; 2500 fronts, E350 discs/K20 front calipers in the rear) feels a lot more linear.
Big brakes, and I have never smoke the pads unlike the other two, it's just the feel..
Big brakes, and I have never smoke the pads unlike the other two, it's just the feel..
2016 Laramie; 5.13s, Locker Bypass, WK sliders, 35" Toyo MT, 2Lo Kit, ProCal, Hemifever tune, Airbags/Cradles, Thuren 2.5" King w/ Boogie Bumps, Warn SDP6000
-
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 5431
- Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 4:23 pm
- Model Year: 2008
- Location: Brownsville Pa.
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
I've replaced the rotors with EBC rotors and use EBC YellowStuff pads on my 3G. I can lock up the brakes at will. Getting ready to change out the brake lines with stainless. You guys with the newer 4G's. I would start with a pad change. Stay away from a lifetime pads. Go with EBC's, or Carbotech's.
PWOC #53
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
2008 POWER WAGON RC
My build thread. http://forum.powerwagonregistry.org/vie ... =13&t=2826
Moab '09, '10, '12, '14.
Rausch Creek - Summer '10, Spring-Fall '11, Spring '12, Summer '13, Summer '14, Summer '15, Summer '16, Summer '17, Summer '18, Summer '20, Summer '22,
AOAA Summer '19.
Russ
NRA - Benefactor, Golden Eagle.
- DamageWagon
- Vendor
- Posts: 2303
- Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:21 am
- Model Year: 2011
- Location: Portland, OR
- Contact:
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
If your foot is going to the floor, you almost for sure have air in your lines. Buy a Mity-Vac (even harbor freight sells them, made in USA if I remember right) and suck your brake lines. Having soft brakes is one thing, that is downright dangerous. I can still lock my brakes with 37’s.
If the brakes still feel soft you could get some stainless braided lines made.
Good pads help a lot too. EBC yellowstuff or Powerstop Z36 are good picks I think.
If the brakes still feel soft you could get some stainless braided lines made.
Good pads help a lot too. EBC yellowstuff or Powerstop Z36 are good picks I think.
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
It's not travel. You just have to push harder at random times. It's more force related. I always felt silly for putting two feet on the brake pedal on the second gen as it was likely traction related. On the 4.5 gen, its needed. Two feet, literally standing on it, will stop better. No air. Travel not weird. Just pressure.
2016 Laramie; 5.13s, Locker Bypass, WK sliders, 35" Toyo MT, 2Lo Kit, ProCal, Hemifever tune, Airbags/Cradles, Thuren 2.5" King w/ Boogie Bumps, Warn SDP6000
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
My 16 doesn't seem any different than my 07.
2007 and 2019 Power Wagons
- olyelr
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 3658
- Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2014 9:00 pm
- Model Year: 2016
- Location: Kewadin, MI
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
Ive had the same brake issues with my 16 also.
2016 Ram Power Wagon Laramie - Granite Crystal Metallic - Ramboxes - 35” AT3W - TazerRAM
- scoutpappa
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 61
- Joined: Wed Sep 20, 2017 9:05 pm
- Model Year: 2017
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
I hear you on the feel, heavy initially and then tapering off as opposed to the linear feel of hydroboost or single stage/single diaphragm vacuum assist. Of course the transmission downshifting the way it does assists (and still feels weird) but I think better biting pads to start, and then when it comes time, new rotors and pads that are designed to stand you up. Of course considering how much the brakes play into the payload and towing calculations and in fact I have locked the brakes up (especially when I first got her) I'm sure that my perceptions of the brakes were coming from driving a half ton (relatively basic in model) to a fully loaded (much heavier) vehicle.
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
In my mind, it's just weird. They always work. But my Chevy with 2" smaller brakes had better feel. Until they smoked. So the quality is good, just throws me off. Snow/Ice is good. Just dry.
2016 Laramie; 5.13s, Locker Bypass, WK sliders, 35" Toyo MT, 2Lo Kit, ProCal, Hemifever tune, Airbags/Cradles, Thuren 2.5" King w/ Boogie Bumps, Warn SDP6000
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
the 18 powerwagons are 100% not lacking on brake power. could they be better, yes please.
they are spongy just like any truck, but they react linear enough and perform admirably for a stock set.
they have brought me to a stop when i needed them most...maybe a few too many times. and i dont need to stand on it.
must be air or a bad fill.
they are spongy just like any truck, but they react linear enough and perform admirably for a stock set.
they have brought me to a stop when i needed them most...maybe a few too many times. and i dont need to stand on it.
must be air or a bad fill.
2018 Powerwagon-6.4 Hemi
Nanny kill switch and Locker Bypasses
Thuren Tuned King 3.0 & 2.5 Pintop Stage 3/2
17 Method NV-Toyo RT 37
Evo On-Demand Air Swaybar Disconnect
S&B Intake-Mufflex-Magnaflow/resonator delete
SPOD Bantam
On-Board air ARB CKMTA12
Baja design and Rigid Industries
Purple Cranium Spider dif guards
Pedal Commander
Nanny kill switch and Locker Bypasses
Thuren Tuned King 3.0 & 2.5 Pintop Stage 3/2
17 Method NV-Toyo RT 37
Evo On-Demand Air Swaybar Disconnect
S&B Intake-Mufflex-Magnaflow/resonator delete
SPOD Bantam
On-Board air ARB CKMTA12
Baja design and Rigid Industries
Purple Cranium Spider dif guards
Pedal Commander
- Bill2014
- 1000_Posts
- Posts: 1540
- Joined: Fri May 09, 2014 9:03 pm
- Model Year: 2014
- Location: Northern NY
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
The pedal should never get to the floor (by design) unless you have a problem! You said no air... but consider bleeding them Again.
2014 Power Wagon Laramie
Titan V5 2.5" Receiver Pintle Hook
Warn wireless winch controller
.188" DOM White Knuckle Rock Sliders
Locker Bypass & Nanny Kill Switch
Moab 2006
Titan V5 2.5" Receiver Pintle Hook
Warn wireless winch controller
.188" DOM White Knuckle Rock Sliders
Locker Bypass & Nanny Kill Switch
Moab 2006
- DamageWagon
- Vendor
- Posts: 2303
- Joined: Tue Oct 11, 2016 1:21 am
- Model Year: 2011
- Location: Portland, OR
- Contact:
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
Yeah that’s why you yank the ABS Pump fuse haha
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
My ‘16 acted this very way when I was wheeling it in Moab.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2016 RAM 2500 Power Wagon SLT
NR6E
NR6E
- Retired BLM Rig
- 1000_Posts
- Posts: 1118
- Joined: Sun Jan 31, 2016 6:51 pm
- Model Year: 2008
- Location: State of Jefferson
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
I agree . Try this and see if it feels better.
2008 Quad Cab - Stock RTI = 655, curb weight = 6081 lbs. Abel Components Plug & Play Locker Bypass®, Abel Components Full SmartBar Bypass®, Abel Components Nanny Kill Switch®, 2000 Watt ProMariner TruePower Plus Pure Sine Wave Inverter, Trailer Hitch Storage, MOLLE Door Panels, Wilton Hitch Vice, Locking Under Seat Storage Drawer, Smittybilt 2781 Air Compressor, 14K PullPal, Hi-Lift First Responder Jack, 25' Jumper Cable System, Slip Yoke Eliminator in a Can, Evolution vs. God, Share the Umbrella, Make sure you're right with God before you meet him!
-
- Posts: 43
- Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2017 8:10 pm
- Model Year: 2015
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
Does this work on 2014+ trucks?
2015 Tradesman. 35" Nitto Ridge Grapplers, White Knuckle Sliders/Steps, Abel Components Nanny Delete, Locker Bypass, Swaybar Bypass, Dethloff Skid Plate, Snug Top Rebel Topper, Decked Bed Storage, front and rear Thuren Trackbars, Fox ATS-Steering Stabilizer, Thuren .5 inch coils, Fox 2.0 shocks front and rear
- olyelr
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 3658
- Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2014 9:00 pm
- Model Year: 2016
- Location: Kewadin, MI
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
What, pulling the ABS fuse? Absolutely! And it works great. Kills all the bullshit electronic nannies too. But be prepared for an email update that your truck needs servicing
2016 Ram Power Wagon Laramie - Granite Crystal Metallic - Ramboxes - 35” AT3W - TazerRAM
- Reloaderguy
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 2193
- Joined: Tue Feb 09, 2016 8:06 am
- Model Year: 2016
- Location: Central Oregon
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
-
- 50_Posts
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Fri Aug 03, 2018 1:27 am
- Model Year: 2017
- Location: Alaska
- Contact:
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
Interesting... on my 2017 the brakes were initially pretty soft, then as they broke in that went away and now at around ~9800 miles they are very solid. I wonder if part of it is how they are broke in?
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
Well I can't find an issue anywhere, and the dealer can't either. I called another dealer but since it has already been billed to Chrysler, nobody else can look at it under warranty unless I have more issues. But just like Longbomber said, in low range reverse it is the most noticeable. I don't think the truck is lacking braking power on the road, but definitely is when I'm off road most noticeable going down something steep. I'm not sure why I can bottom the pedal out, I've never been able to do that in any other truck I've driven expect our old farm trucks and my dad's 68' power wagon that requires about 5 pumps to get the brakes to work. Just a weird feeling in a new truck is all. Didn't know if it I was the only one who had these issues, but I see that I'm not. I've been a bit reluctant to hook up my horse trailer to it, but I don't know what more can be done unless more problems show up down the road. Just seems weird to be able to sit there and push on my pedal until it bottoms out with not a lot of effort.
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
is this issue only in 4 low? 4 HI? 2 HI?
2018 Powerwagon-6.4 Hemi
Nanny kill switch and Locker Bypasses
Thuren Tuned King 3.0 & 2.5 Pintop Stage 3/2
17 Method NV-Toyo RT 37
Evo On-Demand Air Swaybar Disconnect
S&B Intake-Mufflex-Magnaflow/resonator delete
SPOD Bantam
On-Board air ARB CKMTA12
Baja design and Rigid Industries
Purple Cranium Spider dif guards
Pedal Commander
Nanny kill switch and Locker Bypasses
Thuren Tuned King 3.0 & 2.5 Pintop Stage 3/2
17 Method NV-Toyo RT 37
Evo On-Demand Air Swaybar Disconnect
S&B Intake-Mufflex-Magnaflow/resonator delete
SPOD Bantam
On-Board air ARB CKMTA12
Baja design and Rigid Industries
Purple Cranium Spider dif guards
Pedal Commander
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
I have only experienced it when in 4 low.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
2016 RAM 2500 Power Wagon SLT
NR6E
NR6E
- olyelr
- 2000_Posts
- Posts: 3658
- Joined: Sun Dec 07, 2014 9:00 pm
- Model Year: 2016
- Location: Kewadin, MI
Re: 2018 Power Wagon Brake Issues
I have only noticed it with mine while in 4-lo. Never had an issue braking otherwise.
2016 Ram Power Wagon Laramie - Granite Crystal Metallic - Ramboxes - 35” AT3W - TazerRAM