Pads stuck - can't replace
 

I tried to replace the pads on my 986 today and encountered a problem - the pads wouldn't come out. I pushed the pistons back but there seemed to be other parts between the piston and the pad - the picture attached. That was the rear one. Even using the hammer and quite a bit of force didn't work. Is it normal ? What's the best way of removing them without damaging anything?

Those are anti rattle / anti vibration disks, they are likely stuck to the back of the pad. Take a putty knife and slide it between the back of the pad and the disk on the anti rattle device and it should seperate allowing you to remove the pads.

This is what they look like http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=996-352-086-00-M260&catalog_description=Rear%20Brake%20Pad%20Vibr ation%20Damper%20%2D%20Round%2C%20%33%30mm%2C%20%2 8%34%20per%20car%2C%20sold%20individually%29%2C%20 Boxster%20S%20%28%32%30%30%30%2D%30%34%29%2C%20Eac h%20%20

That makes sense, thanks a lot, will try that :)

if you can't separate them you'll have to remove the calipers.