How to Replace Brake Pads on an 03 Lancer

The brake pads on the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer are the main components in the vehicle's braking system. The brake pads are applied to the front and rear sides of the brake rotor when the brake pedal is pushed inward. As the wheels are turning, the brake pads compress to the sides of the brake rotor. The resulting friction is what brings the Lancer to a halt. If you can, replace the brake pads before the pads wear down to the wear indicators; these thin pieces of metal attached to the pads will emit an audible squeal when they have been reached.

Instructions

1

Park the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer and set the parking brake. Be sure to park the Lancer in a safe area with plenty of working room that also has a level surface.

2

Loosen each lug nut on both front wheels by turning the lug nuts counterclockwise with a tire tool or a lug wrench.

3

Slide the jack under the front cross frame under the engine. Jack the Lancer up and position a safety stand under the side frame on both front sides. Lower the jack until the Lancer is sitting evenly on top of the safety stands. Leave the jack under the front of the car.

4

Unscrew and remove all of the lug nuts on both front wheels with the tire tool. Pull each front wheel off the wheel hubs and place the wheels near the front of the car on each side.

5

Move to the driver-side wheel hub and locate the small opening on the top of the brake caliper. Slide the large flat-head screwdriver between the back 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 caliper housing.

6

Locate the lower caliper mounting bolt on the back of the caliper. Completely remove the bottom caliper bolt with the 1/2-inch drive ratchet and a socket.

7

Locate the top caliper mounting bolt on the back of the caliper. Loosen, but do not remove, the top mounting bolt, using the ratchet and socket.

8

Swivel the bottom part of the brake caliper upward. Remove the brake pads from the retaining clips while holding the caliper up.

9

Position the new brake pads into the retaining clips inside of the brake caliper. Lower the bottom part of the brake caliper back onto the brake rotor. Screw the lower mounting bolt back into the back of the caliper and tighten it tight with the ratchet and socket. Then, finish tightening the top mounting bolt on the back of the caliper with the ratchet and socket.

10

Slide the wheel back on and screw the lug nuts onto the wheel studs. Tighten the lug nuts with the tire tool until the wheel begins to turn.

11

Follow the same steps above for replacing the brake pads on the other three wheel hubs. When finished, crank the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer and pump the brake pedal a few times to position the new brake pads to the brake rotors. Then, turn the engine off.

12

Jack the front of the Lancer back up and pull the safety stands out. Remove the jack. Finish tightening the lug nuts down very tight with the vehicle on the ground.