How to Replace Brake Pads on a 2001 Galant

The brake pads on the 2001 Mitsubishi Galant are responsible for stopping the vehicle. The brake pads are enclosed inside of the brake caliper. When the brake pedal is applied, the cylinder inside of the brake caliper pushes the brake pads to the sides of the brake rotor. The friction form the brake pads being compressed against the turning brake rotor is what stops the Galant. Replace or turn the brake rotors each time that the brake pads are replaced.

Instructions

1

Park the 2001 Mitsubishi Galant on a level area and pull the emergency brake out.

2

Loosen each lug nut from the front wheels with a tire tool or the lug wrench that comes with the 2001 Mitsubishi Galant.

3

Slide the jack under the Galant so that the jack is positioned under the cross frame that is located under the engine. Jack the front of the Galant up and place the safety stands under the frame behind each front wheel. Slowly lower the jack so that the Galant is sitting evenly on top of the safety stands.

4

Unscrew the lug nuts from both front wheels. Pull the wheels off and place them flat on the ground.

5

Move back to the driver-side front wheel and locate the small opening on the side of the brake caliper. Insert the flat-head screwdriver into the opening between the back side of the brake rotor and the outer brake pad. Pry the outer brake pad against the caliper cylinder until the cylinder has fully retracted inside of the brake caliper.

6

Remove the lower slide pin bolt from the back of the brake caliper with the 3/8-inch drive ratchet and a socket. Then, loosen the top slide pin bolt from the back of the brake caliper with the ratchet and socket. Just loosen the top bolt.

7

Pull the bottom of the brake caliper upward. Then, wrap the bungee strap around the brake caliper and hook the other end of the bungee strap to the front strut or the frame rail. This will keep the brake caliper in the up position while replacing the brake pads.

8

Remove the brake pads along with any brake pad accessories. Position the new brake pads into the brake caliper along with any brake pad accessories.

9

Remove the bungee strap from the caliper and position the brake caliper back onto the side of the brake rotor. Screw the bottom slide pin bolt back into the rear of the caliper. Tighten the bottom and top slide pin bolts back down tight with the ratchet and socket.

10

Slide the wheel back onto the wheel studs. Screw the lug nuts onto the lugs and tighten down with the tire tool. Replace the brake pads on the other wheel hubs by following the preceding instructions.

11

Crank the 2001 Mitsubishi Galant and let the engine run for approximately 30 seconds. Pump the brake pedal a couple of times to properly seat the brake pads against the brake rotors. Turn the engine off.

12

Jack the 2001 Mitsubishi Galant back up and remove the safety stands. Lower the Galant to the ground and remove the jack.