How to Replace the Rear Brake Pads on a 1997 Mitsubishi Mont

Proper brake functionality is essential to the safety of the driver and the passengers in a Mitsubishi Montero. The brakes themselves last from 3 to 5 years, depending on the amount you drive and how rough you drive. Brakes are sold with a life expectancy in miles, not time, which is why there is such variability. Changing all four brakes on a 97 Montero, will only take around 2 hours for the average at-home mechanic.

Difficulty: Moderately EasyInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Tire iron
Wood blocks (2)
Jack
Jack stands (2)
Socket wrench
Twine

Step 1
Loosen the lug nuts on the rear tires with the tire iron, two full rotations. Set the wood blocks in front of the front tires. Put the car in park, but do not apply the parking brake.
Step 2
Set the jack under the rear axle of the car and jack the car up until the tires are 2 inches off of the ground. Set the jack stands under the same axle to provide support and safety. Remove the tires from the rear axle.
Step 3
Unbolt the caliper mounting bracket from the rotor with the socket wrench. The caliper mounting bracket is the crescent shaped bracket bolted to the rotor. Tie the bracket to the underside of the car with the twine so that there is no strain or stress on the brake line.
Step 4
Pull the brake pads out of the mounting bracket by hand. They are simply sitting in there and will easily slip out.
Step 5
Compress the brake caliper cylinder (the cylinder is in the center of the mounting bracket) by pressing against it with your thumbs or palm.
Step 6
Slide the new brake pads into the grooves that the old ones were in.
Step 7
Bolt the mounting bracket back on to the rotor. Place the tire back on the rotor and screw the lug nuts on with your hands. Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.