Rear Brake Pads: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: After brake pads have been replaced and/or rotors have been resurfaced, it is recommended new braking surfaces be broken in or burnished. While test driving vehicle, perform 20 stops from 30 MPH using medium to firm pedal pressure. DO NOT allow the brakes to lock. Ensure brakes do not overheat. Allow sufficient cooling periods between stops in order to properly burnish the brake pads and rotors.

Inspect fluid level in brake master cylinder.
If brake fluid level is midway between maximum-full point and minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from reservoir before proceeding. If brake fluid level is higher than midway between maximum-full point and minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to midway point before proceeding.
Raise and support vehicle.
Mark wheel in relation to hub. Remove wheel and tire assembly.
Install and finger-tighten 2 lug nuts with flat side toward rotor to hold rotor when caliper is removed.
Install large "C" clamp over body of brake caliper with "C" clamp ends against rear of caliper body and against outboard brake pad. See Figure.
Tighten the "C" clamp until the caliper piston is compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
Remove the "C" clamp from the caliper.
Remove caliper guide pin bolts.
Remove the brake caliper from the caliper bracket and support the caliper out of the way with heavy mechanic's wire or equivalent. Ensure that there is no tension on the hydraulic brake flexible hose. Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.
Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket.
Remove and inspect the brake pad retainers from the caliper bracket.