Brake job

Step 4 Back off pads

Using a screwdriver, VERY GENTLY pry between a pad and the disc, or better yet between the back of the pad and the piston.

Your objective is to compress the piston very slightly, so you can easily slip the old pads out.

Comments

[ruadrift]

cheap jack stands should be used once the car is jacked up instead of the jack or a rim. A crushed rim could cost $45 for replacement + tire mounting. Cheap jack stands cost $10-$15.

[Prometheus]

I'd opt for a crushed rim because cheap jack stands can cause the vehicle to sway to one side as they collapse. Better still, use both, you can never be too safe, just make sure that the stands meet a frame rail. I prefer to use the method of dividing the weight between the stands and the jack, with a wheel as an emergency standby. Furthermore, just keep your body parts away from areas of the car that would hit ground first should all measures fail. Set a simple plan to "push the car away from you" in case you have time to react. In reality, you're pushing yourself away, but acting on the contrary will move you away faster.

NEVER use a concrete block or brick as a standby, as it will likely just shatter if not perfectly-loaded. Wood can work, but is still not preferable as it can also just split. At least it takes well over 20,000 lbs to crush a "safety-wheel" (generic-type rim) flat.

Just my 2 cents...

[miamor]

Junky fluid in there. Get a hose on bleeder and purge direcly from caliper as you compress piston.

I don't know if necessary, but I first clean piston off with alcohol too.

[imasuperhero]

I find it easier to compress the whole piston at this point. Use a big C-clamp, I use a 13 inch clamp, and place it on the outside of the caliper behind the piston and the other part on the outside pad. I can't tell looking here if it's possible or not with the type of caliper you have, but it makes life easier. Just remember to remove the fluid cap or you're going to be turning for a really long time with minimal impact.