I need to change my brakepads and i would rather do it my self if i can. Im planning on ordering the pads from hardtopguy, but my question is do i need the caliper rebuild kits or is that something else? Also can someone give me some instructions on how to do it myself? Thanks

 

You don't need the caliper rebuild kit.

Here's a cliffnotes version of doing the pads yourself:

1) Lift car off ground and remove wheel.

2) Open hood and remove cap from master cylinder.

3) Remove two caliper bolts on back of caliper and remove caliper.

4) Remove old pads from rotors. Remove shims from back of pads and use them on the new pads.

5) Push caliper back in. In rear you need to rotate the caliper to get it to retract. In the front the caliper just pushes in. A C-clamp sometimes helps with this.

6) As caliper is retracted monitor brake fluid level in master cylinder. As the caliper retracts the fluid level will rise and may overflow. If it gets close to overflowing stick a rag or paper towel into master cylinder to soak up some of the excess fluid. Be careful not to get fluid on paint as it will eat through it.

7) Put new pads on rotor, put caliper back on and tighten.

8) put cover on master cylinder.

9) Put wheel back on car.

10) Before trying to move vehicle pump brakes. You may not have any brakes immediately after changing pads until you pump them a few times to push the caliper against pads against rotors.

If I missed anything I'm sure someone will chime in.

 

The alternative to opening the master cylinder is to just loosen the bleed screw on the caliper you're working on while you push the pistons back in. Makes things a little easier.

 

What you are saying makes sense but I would be afraid of drawing air into the system!

 

Since I have topped off my master cylinder as the pads have worn down, I have used a turket baster to draw out fluid after taking the cap off and before trying to compress the caliper. Much easier to do it this way when you're working by yourself. If you have never topped off, then you should only need to draw a little bit out to be safe.

Good luck!