How to Change Disc Brake Pads on an Eclipse

The Mitsubishi Eclipse has been around since 1990. The vehicle features front disc brakes and may feature either rear disc brakes or rear drum brakes, depending on the series of the model. After normal wear and tear, the composition of the brake linings wear down, being softer then the discs they contact to stop the vehicle. Depending on your driving style and braking habits, the front pads can last between 20,000 to 35,000 miles on average. Since the rear pads are smaller and thinner, they too can wear within that mileage interval.

Instructions

1

Remove half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder using a brake fluid siphon and then discard the fluid and replace the cap to the master cylinder.

2

Loosen the lug nuts to the wheel you're replacing the pads on 1/4 turn using the lug wrench before lifting the Eclipse. Lift the Eclipse using the car jack and support it onto a jack stand. If desired, lift the entire axle and support it onto two jacks stands, but one at a time will suffice as well.

3

Remove the lug nuts and then remove the wheel(s).

4

Remove the two caliper lock pins from the caliper using a ratchet and appropriate-sized socket. Size may vary depending on year and model series. Remove the caliper by pulling it off of the rotor and then support it to the suspension with a length of wire. Allowing it to dangle from the brake hose can damage the hose.

5

Compress the caliper piston(s). Some Eclipses feature dual piston calipers on the front disc brakes. Remove one of the brake pads from the caliper bracket and place it against the piston(s). Use a 6-inch C-clamp against the brake pad and the back housing of the caliper to compress the piston(s). Some Eclipse model series feature screw-in caliper pistons on the rear calipers. If so, find the appropriate adapter, place it in the caliper piston tool, and turn the piston clockwise to retract it into the bore.

6

Remove the pads and spring clips from the caliper bracket. If wear sensors are integrated on the pads, take note of their position in order to reinstall the new pads correctly.

7

Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the spring clip seats on the caliper bracket. Replace the clips and add another light coat of the compound to the top of the clips.

8

Apply the shims to the pad replacements if applicable. Some pad sets may feature staked-on shims, but other will employ a stick-on shim. Stick-on shims require removing the inner plastic cover of the shim and then aligning it onto the pad. Place the pads into the caliper bracket.

9

Replace the caliper over the pads and rotor. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the non-threaded section of the lock pins and then align them into the caliper. Tighten the pins snugly and then use the ratcheting torque wrench and appropriate sized socket to tighten the front caliper pins to 54-foot pounds and/or the rear caliper pins to 20 foot-pounds.

10

Replace the wheel and lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts snugly with the lug wrench and then lower the Eclipse to the ground. Retighten the lug nuts in a star pattern using the torque wrench and an appropriate-sized socket to 80 foot-pounds. Repeat the procedure for the opposite wheel on the same axle.

11

Pump the foot brake pedal five to six times or until the pedal feels firm. Recheck the brake fluid in the master cylinder and top it off with new brake fluid. Test-drive the Eclipse to check for braking operation.