I haven't been able to find a step by step how to on changing the brake pads on our cars. While I've done alot of work on cars, this is one type of job that I've always paid for (and felt like a loser because I always hear people say how easy it is.)

I don't feel like dropping $300+ at some shop, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

You'll need a special tool for the rears as the piston doesn't just "push in" like the fronts. You need to rotate them them in clockwise using the tool. It kind of looks like a 1 inch square cube. It's cheap, about $8.00 but it'll work. Or buy this complete kit:

Disc Brake Caliper Tool

 

Good to see ya around Jimmy - it's been a while!

Grampa is right about the tool needed to compress the piston in the rear calipers. I've only changed out brake pads on one S197, and it was the rear. I will be doing the fronts tomorrow on DelStang86's 2006 coupe. When I did the rears, I did not disconnect the brake line from the cailper, and used a cord to tie up the caliper to keep tension off the flexible brake line while working on the brakes. That kept me from having to bleed the brakes. The fluid level in the master cylinder did rise up slightly when we compressed the piston, so check your level to make sure you don't overflow. It really is a simple job. Use quality jack stands to support the vehicle - don't want to hear about the car falling off the floor jack.

 

The FORD way.