Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safe vehicle lifting.
* Wheel chocks: For added safety.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket wrench set (metric): Various sizes will be needed.
* Torque wrench: Crucial for proper tightening of bolts.
* C-clamp or rotor compressor: To compress the caliper piston.
* Hammer (rubber mallet preferred): Possibly needed to gently tap parts loose.
* Penetrating lubricant (PB Blaster or similar): To help loosen rusted or seized bolts.
* Clean rags or shop towels: To clean up brake dust and fluid.
* Gloves: To protect your hands.
* Safety glasses: To protect your eyes.
Procedure (General Steps):
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks on the wheels that remain on the ground. Raise the vehicle securely using the jack and support it with jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Compress the Caliper Piston: You'll need to retract the caliper piston to allow the rotor to slide off. Use a C-clamp or a specialized caliper piston compressor tool. Be careful not to damage the piston seal. As you compress the piston, brake fluid will be displaced. Have a rag ready to catch any spills and check your brake fluid reservoir level. Top off if necessary.
4. Remove the Caliper: Once the piston is compressed, you may need to use a wire or zip tie to secure the caliper out of the way so it doesn't hang by the brake line. Some calipers can be carefully removed from the mounting bracket, while others require removing the caliper mounting bolts. Consult your repair manual for your specific model.
5. Remove the Parking Brake Cable (If Applicable): Depending on the design, you might need to disconnect the parking brake cable from the caliper or the rotor backing plate.
6. Remove the Rotor: The rotor should now be able to slide off the wheel studs. If it's stuck, gently tap it with a rubber mallet to loosen it. Avoid damaging the rotor's surface if possible, as you may be able to reuse it.
7. Clean Up: Clean the mating surfaces of the hub and the new rotor.
8. Install New Rotor: Install the new rotor, ensuring it slides smoothly onto the wheel studs.
9. Reassemble: Reinstall the caliper, reconnect the parking brake cable (if applicable), and ensure the caliper is properly seated. Tighten all bolts to the manufacturer's specifications using your torque wrench.
10. Bleed Brakes (Important!): After working on the braking system, it's crucial to bleed the brakes to remove any air that might have entered the system. This is usually done at each wheel, starting with the furthest wheel from the master cylinder. Follow the procedure outlined in your repair manual.
Important Considerations:
* Rust and seized components: If bolts are rusted or seized, apply penetrating lubricant and allow it to soak before attempting to remove them. Use caution to avoid stripping the bolt heads.
* Brake fluid is corrosive: Wear gloves and clean up any spills immediately.
* Torque specifications: Adhering to the correct torque specifications is critical for safe and proper operation.
This is a general guide; always refer to a repair manual specific to your 1996 Mitsubishi 3000GT for detailed instructions and torque specifications. If you're uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Incorrectly performing this repair can lead to brake failure, a very serious safety hazard.
