How to Replace Mitsubishi Brakes Yourself: Everything You Need to Know

Put off regular service for your Mitsubishi, and it can mean the car, truck, or SUV you love ending up on the side of the road waiting for a tow to the nearest dealer. Worse yet, it can mean a serious accident -- especially when it's just being able to slow down and stop that's become the trouble lately.

If that's what's happening, it's a good thing you came to us to diagnose the problem. Rule out other issues, like bad tires (say, flat or uneven treads making getting traction tougher), and most likely -- you guessed it -- the brakes are the culprits. The thing is, brake systems have a lot of proverbial moving parts -- anything could be faulty: the calipers, the rotors, the pads, you name it.

The bottom line: don't worry; we'll help you figure out what's going on, and more importantly, we'll tell you how to go about fixing it. Here's the shorthand.

1. Look for Signs the Brakes Need Replacement

The best way to start diagnosing is to take stock of the symptoms you're seeing. Things like brake warning lights on the dash, shuddering when braking, grinding noises, pulling sideways, and brake pressure and pedal problems -- they all tell you the brakes are going bad (if they haven't failed already). From there, which part needs replacing depends on the details.

For example, if you notice buildup or corrosion around seals, you hear squealing, or brake fluid's leaking, then the brake calipers are probably defective. See visible surface wear, though, and feel vibrating when braking, and start taking longer to slow down and stop, and it's the brake pads that have worn out, most likely. Bad brake rotors, on the other hand, you'll know from obvious warp and damage.

2. Run an Inspection

Now that you've got a good idea which brake parts need replacing, you should plug in a code reader or advanced scan tool, if you have one, and, working with your owner's manual, take a look at the error codes it feeds back; they'll give you a better idea of what maintenance needs doing. Afterward, visually inspect everything, right down to the hoses, lines, and parking brake cable, and depending on what the results say, do one or more of the following.

2a. Change Brake Rotors

You usually do this every 70,000 miles, and what to do is straightforward. Just grab a pair of safety goggles and work gloves before you start, plus a jack and jack stands, some tools (a lug wrench or socket set, a torque wrench, and a C-clamp or brake piston tool), and some brake cleaner, anti-seize compound, and brake lubricant. For best results, you'll want to put on new brake pads also. Afterward, it's just a matter of following any bed-in process Mitsubishi recommends for making the most of your rotors and pads.

2b. Swap Out Brake Calipers

Do this every 75,000 to 100,000 miles. You'll need a vehicle jack and jack stands for the job, plus a tire iron, ratchet, flathead screwdriver, some shop cloths, a clear plastic hose and a bottle for "bleeding" the brakes (draining the brake fluid), and a spanner wrench. Be sure to rinse or wipe any areas where the fluid might've leaked or spilled; it can corrode both paint and metal.

2c. Put in New Brake Pads

For this job (done every 40,000 to 50,000 miles otherwise), you'll need a jack and jack stands, a lug wrench, and a C-clamp or caliper spreader tool, plus a basic tool set with Torx or Allen bits. Don't forget fresh brake fluid, too, in case the tank needs topping off.

Key Takeaways

Whatever the repair, be sure to doublecheck your owner's manual for the specifics on what to do for your model. If something else is going on, and you're not sure what it is or how to deal with it, feel free to schedule appointment at a Mitsubishi dealership to have your ride looked at by a certified mechanic.

Be sure to use OEM brake parts, too. Not only will they be genuine Mitsubishi -- namely, top-quality. They'll come with both a fitment guarantee (that they'll work right the first time) and manufacturer warranty coverage. Most importantly, they won't void your factory warranty, putting you on the hook for fixes otherwise covered by it, like some aftermarket brake parts can.

You're in luck; we stock a huge selection of OEM Mitsubishi replacement parts, shipped fast, anywhere in the US; order today, and your brakes will be back up to speed -- and your ride, back on the road -- in no time. Contact us if you have any questions.