Spider brakes...yo!

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In #3097 Ms. Tessie McMillan asks: Lemme add another question: If I
wanted to attack the project of replacing the brake pads myself -- a job
I've never attempted on any car before,
and this is of course assuming I can figure out what pads I need to buy,
is this something I could realistically expect to be able to do myself
(without help)? I have pretty much all the *standard* tools, but no cool
circlips tools, pullers, or anything of that nature.

********

Biba answers: I'm sorry Ms. Tessie, you're merely a girl and could never
be expected to undertake such a task.

Hmmmm, funny, it's suddenly getting cloudy. Lightening. Oops, instead of
the low voice I'm getting one an octave or so above. Oy, vey.

(Whaszzat? Repent? Pshaw! You're kidding? No way! Okay...).

My dear Ms. McMillan, first remove the tire.

Okay, little shiska chick, it really is self evident. Get a big can of
brake cleaner and spray the heck out of the pads you're thinking of
replacing. It would be best to have new pads at the ready. There are
simple clips on the pad's retaining rods which can be easily removed
with a pair of needle nosed pliers. Generally the pads can be wiggled
out. If not, use a largish screwdriver to pry the pads apart. Drop in
the new ones.

Often I apply some yucky orange stuff on the back of the pads. I bought
said yucky orange stuff years ago from Pep Boys to prevent brake squeal.
Your call.

Get comfortable. It's not all that hard, except you have (up to) four
corners to deal with.

Being a Guy, I strongly suggest Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale as a major
item in your tool box. However, since you're just a...oops, since you
are a woman of exquisite refinement, perhaps I might recommend a
refreshing and incredibly boring white wine (circa 2001) to help get you
through the project.

Your pal, really,

Biba, Irwindale, CA USA

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