Getting ready to do my very first brake pad replacement job and had a question or two. The fronts (apparently having been done before I bought the car) are in good shape, so I'm doing just the rears.
1) Is it particularly necessary to replace the spring clips, retaining pins and retaining pin clips? I'm not a cheapskate by nature, but the 'kits' that contain all of the above are, at Pelican, like $76. Just seems silly to throw away money if it's unnecessary, but I can certainly buy them if it's highly recommended.
2) In Wayne's book (101 Projects), he just pushes the pistons back with a piece of wood. Is this generally successful, or is there a tool needed? Would this (on sale) item work?
Thanks for any help!