Easy Brake Job on '03 S

[Coffinhunter]

Well, I did it, and feel stupid for every questioning the ease in which it was done. For those still on the fence, mind you I have really basic tools, and no real garage experience. I did a photo shoot during the process and it goes a little like this:

1st:

Take off the wheels

Just for information purposes, this is going to be a dirty job:



Now the real part of the job.



For this part I used an old screwdriver and mallet. It doesn't take a lot of pressure and is even easier if you push down on the spring clip:





This part freaked me out a little, because I was afraid of breaking the wires, but they are pretty strong. Don't strong arm it, but they come out with needle nose pliers pretty easy.



The clip really just lifts off.



This part confused me at first. There is a part that is glued (not strongly) to the brake pads. I couldn't get a good picture, but you can see and feel it. I used a plastic paint scraper and separated the two pieces. Until it is separated the pads will not come out.



then:


Repeat for the other pad, then reverse the procedure to put the brakes "back together. When re-inserting the support bar (don't know what it is really called), it is really helpful to clean it off, and push down on the spring. It will slide in pretty easily that way.

Now do the same to the other side, and.........


Tada, new brakes.

Thanks to this board for the gentle push to do it myself.