Changing front brake pads question?

[JDM S13]

Is it there anything special or different about changing the pads on a S13 compared to a Honda for example?  Just making sure cause I gotta change them tonight.

thanks!

[tnord]

no idea....never changed honda pads. but i've done fronts on the 240 and it's not difficult, just make sure you have a big channel lock wrench to force that inside pad in snug.

[jdkruger4]

when i changed mine i had a ton of excess brake fluid that came pooring back out in the engine compartment. STUPID ME. So make sure you bleed them properly to make for the extra opening required by thicker pads. Other than that it was really simple, 30min job and it was my first time changing brake pads.

[JDM S13]

ok thanks guys.

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[HippoSleek]

They are the same. &nbsp;

Remove wheel; two pad/caliper bolts; slide up the top of the caliper; pull out pads; open M/C; (remove excess fluid w/ turkey basetor or dip and hold a paper-towel until if is full as many times as necessary - if required); compress piston w/ special tool or C-clamp; reinstall pads; reinstall caliper section; bleed and add fluid as required; reinstall tire.

Travis - what the hell to you use channel locks for? &nbsp;To compress the piston?

[bbp]

Thats what I use to compress the piston (channel locks).

Also... don't add fluid in between brake pad changes or you will overflow the resevoir when the piston is compressed. &nbsp;Brake fluid is very harmfull to painted surfaces.

[tnord]

brake fluid is harmful to everything. and yes, i use channel locks to compress the inside pad into the piston, otherwise with the new pad on there i can't get it to fit over the rotor.

[HippoSleek]

Ahh - I always use a piston compressor or C-clamp w/o problems. &nbsp;

Another reason not to add brake fluid is b/c brakes are a closed hydrualic system. &nbsp;They shouldn't leak fluid (and you'll feel it if they do) so the only time the fluid goes down is when the pistons extend farther. &nbsp;Which only happens when your pads wear/are worn. &nbsp;Most M/C's are made so that when the fluid appears low, it is time to add pads - whether they squeal or not (wear indicators break off).