New Brake pads on a 96

[offtheline]

Hey guys, Tomorrow is the day I will be changing my brake pads which I have never done before and I have a few questions. The FSM talks quite a bit about always changing the shims when you change your pads. Is this necessary? I only bought pads from the store and was hoping to do it tomorrow.

Also, do I need to bleed my brakes when I do this? I bought russell speed bleeders but have never bled brakes before and really don't want to damage anything or mess anything up. Since I am only working by myself, I could forsee doing something wrong and hosing my brake system. Thanks.

[chandler]

well speed bleeders are the shiznit man, but the shims ya really dont need......, and for replacing the pads, just pt the speed bleeders in first, the loosten the the bleederand take a screwdrive, a big flat blade one, and put it in between the rotor and the inner pad, and slowly force the pad back, with the bleeder in it shouldnt let any air in the system, replace the pads, close the bleeders, and test the pedal before you go and seat the pads..... enjoy

[navysnail]

you dont need to bleed brakes when just replacing pads, just make sure the master cylinder doesnt overflow, i will go up when you push the piston in. also use a c-clamp to push piston back, on rears you have to screw it back in with pliers or a tool that looks like a cube, you can get it at napa