Are brakes simply brakes?

Get a manual .

On one of my cars you have to remove the calipers to change the pads. And it needed a big screwdriver like bit , I think was a torq wrench or something.

You are going to need to know the minimum thickness of the rotors before you attempt to machine them. Too thin would be bad for your liability should there be an unfortunate event/accident in the future.

Some ABS systems do not tolerate the brake fluid being pushed back through the system when you compress the caliper pistons back in to accommodate the new pads. A mucked up ABS pump or controller would be an expensive lesson.

thanks for the warning. appreciate it.

i'll get the manual as someone suggested!

I'm sure there are plenty of weird exceptions out there but basically if you have done one you can figure out how to do them all. At least look at a service manual before you try it.

If the car has antilock brakes I would open the bleeders and push the pistons in. I have heard folks say that pushing the pistons back in the "old way" can physically damage the pumps or push crap back up the lines and damage the pumps. Other folks have said that is not true but when compared with wasting $1 worth of brake fluid or damaging $1k worth of ABS system I'll continue to waste the $1 and open the bleeders. Depending on how the brake fluid has been in there this might be a good time to flush anyway.

Steve B.

thanks! but then i have to bleed the brakes right, since i opened the system? not a biggie.

Seriously, are you a Troll?

Mike