Hey guys my first post here. Just reached 55k mi's on my 2002 protege ES and the brakes are squealing on the right side so I'm guessing time to change the pads out. I've read a few threads here and sounds like lots of folks are saying it's soooooooooo easy to change out the pads on our cars. Exactly how easy is it for a guy like me who's never done it before. I mean I know how to change a tire and oil but never messed with brakes before. Can someone give some detailed step by step instructions so I don't have to be cheated by the dealer or Midas? Thanks!

 

d0od its like two bolts its wicked easy, ill try and find pics.

 

Thanks. I've never changed out pads before so that's why I want to find out from you guys what the steps are. I don't wanna pull something out wrong... brakes are kinda important.

 

yeah it's really easy, I did it to mine. Like THEGOLDPRO said it's 2 bolts, no pulling of anything, if you alreay know how to get the caliper to swing up out of the way to get to the pads, then you're golden. just do that and unlock the rotor then you're good. Just remember to put the dustcover hangers back in the right place and to compress the piston back into place to get the caliper back on. Good luck and I hope someone can give you better instructions than me. lol

 

I never unbolted the caliper before to get it to swing up. How about the brake line hose? Do I have to worry about that? Also I know once I get it up I will have to remove like some clips and stuff holding the pads in right? then pull the pads out and compress the pistons with a C clamp? I think I'll need some pics and better step by step before I do it on my own. I don't have another car so if I do it and get stuck half way I'm screwed, look like an idiot and will need it towed to the shop.

I think you guys on this board should have like a mod/tech section where you all do your commonly performed maintainence and mods section like they have on other forums. Brake pads would be a good starting one along with exhaust, suspension, etc..

 

I have thought about going and doing a few in-depth how-to's with pictures for people.

I would however tell you that when you replace your pads you should have your rotors turned at least so that you are putting pads and rotor surfaces flush together. Rotors warp with time and heat and putting flat pads on wavey rotors is going to cause brake pulsing. Most local shops can turn rotors for $15-25 a set.

Taking the rotors off involves removing another 2 bolts but nothing a novice with a service manual couldn't accomplish.

 

My rotors aren't damaged though. They look smooth as new. Do I still need to turn them? I'd still like if someone could give me instructions on changing out the pads only.

 

you should be fine, yes compresse the piton with a c-clamp, i always use the old pad for this, just leave it on, c-clamp right in the middle of pad, and go to town, their are no clips holding in the pads, they kinda slide into the housing like a puzzle piece, real easy, just watch how you take them off, then reverse it.

 

you can't visably see rotor warpage. You'll need a micrometer to measure the thickness across the contact range.

The reason people charge $130 for brake service (when pads only cost $30) is for the labor to remove and turn the rotors. It's kinda important. You'll be pretty uset of you spend all this time doing this only to drive the car and realize you've got pulsating and shaking.

 

Eh If I need to bring em to the shop to get them turned then maybe I'll just pay them to do the whole job then. Not worth all the effort to go back and forth.

What we need is one of these on the forum though for 3rd gen brakes.

http://www.protegeclub.com/showthread.php?t=8628

 

LOL. Wait until you see what they charge you to turn rotors and replace pads...You can DIY MUCH MUCH cheaper.....

 

I know it's much cheaper to do it myself but I don't have the info I need, this is what I'm dealing with right now. I don't have the repair manual so I don't know how much to torque the bolts back in. I never replaced brakes before so I will be going in pretty much blind especially since none of you folks gave me any detailed instructions or pictures. I don't have a C clamp so I'll have to go buy one. Rodimus says I need to turn the rotors so I'll need to make a trip to the shop anyway and wait till they can get to turning my rotors. I only have one car and work full time and have all the holiday errands to run on the weekends so I can't afford to have my car down for like a whole day while i "figure everything out". I want piece of mind knowing that I'm not putting others who ride in my car in danger by my iffy workmanship. I know it costs like a hunrded something bucks for the job but I think it's worth it given how little info I have to work with right now.

 

C-clamp is good for life, torque bolts until snug (shops won't use a torque wrench either), AutoZone usually has rotors done in a few hours and it's a good learning experience, plus you do save a LOT of money. I'm sure someone you know has done some automotive work, or if worst comes to worst, get a buddy and figure it out together.