Changing my own brakes...

[akarol]

Well, as some fo you know, I have been marked with the dreaded wear sensor indicator. I guess it is time to go through and get it done. Some people here convinced me to change the pads myself, which I am beginning to feel more and more confident the more research I do.

I went ahead and purchased the front and back sets of the Hawk HPS Performance Ceramic pads from tirerack.com. Should be arriving late this week which will be perfect.

Now, I have some questions I'd like cleared up before undergoing this adventure.

1. Do or should I replace my rotors as well?

2. How can I tell if I need to? My car has about 49,000 miles.

3. Do I really need to replace anything else? I don't have much money to spend on this project, heance why I went with the Hawk HPS pads.

4. What tools will I need to get this done? I heard something about a special tool to remove the rear pads? Where can I find that?

Thanks in advance guys and wish me luck!

[B6driver]

Well, as some fo you know, I have been marked with the dreaded wear sensor indicator. I guess it is time to go through and get it done. Some people here convinced me to change the pads myself, which I am beginning to feel more and more confident the more research I do.

I went ahead and purchased the front and back sets of the Hawk HPS Performance Ceramic pads from tirerack.com. Should be arriving late this week which will be perfect.

Now, I have some questions I'd like cleared up before undergoing this adventure.

1. Do or should I replace my rotors as well?

2. How can I tell if I need to? My car has about 49,000 miles.

3. Do I really need to replace anything else? I don't have much money to spend on this project, heance why I went with the Hawk HPS pads.

4. What tools will I need to get this done? I heard something about a special tool to remove the rear pads? Where can I find that?

Thanks in advance guys and wish me luck!

1. not necessarily -- refer to #2

2. caveman way of checking: run your finger on the rotor's surface from the inside all the way out... if there is a significant ridge or "lip" around the rotor then its a good indication of wear. Also, does your brake pedal vibrate a lot when braking? thats also a sign of a warped rotor.

3. get B5S4 front brakes if you can afford them (usually around $250 will get you a set in the classifieds)

4. not sure. dealer did my rear brakes under warranty.

[Undisputed]

^^+1 on #3.

[Ill 3.0]

4. What tools will I need to get this done? I heard something about a special tool to remove the rear pads? Where can I find that?

ECS sells the rear piston compression tool. Pads are easy and there are a few DIYs floating around to help you out. You'll be glad you decided to DIY.

[B6driver]

ECS sells the rear piston compression tool. Pads are easy and there are a few DIYs floating around to help you out. You'll be glad you decided to DIY.

you can also use clamps and muscle to push the pistons... actually check autozone too, they might have some brake tools there too

[akarol]

What's B5S4 fronts? And do they only have them for fronts?

[samaritano]

3. get B5S4 front brakes if you can afford them (usually around $250 will get you a set in the classifieds)

I wish they were easier to find. I've been after a set of these but no such luck yet.

[Papachristou]

easy DIY... i would go ahead and get some new rotors from adam in the classifieds