how in the world do you get the rear brake pads out? there seems to be two pins holding them in and no way to remove the pins without taking the entire caliper apart. Do I have to take the caliper apart? Also, there does not appear to be any sort of shim between the brake piston and the pad, should there be? Other vehicles I own have a thin shim that goes on the back of the brake pad.

 

No, you tap the pins out and then remove the pads. I use to use the jack bar to pry the poston back before removing the pad.

There doesn't have to be a shim between the pad & poston but it helps reduce the squeeling when greased.

 

Exactly, those pins come out very easily. Just though I would add that you tap them from the outside. Meaning your punch (or whatever you use to hit them out) is pointing towards the middle of the car.

 

thanks guys, I'm embarrassed now...yep I was able get them out using a nail punch. One down, three more to go and the car that started out underneath the shade of the trees is now right smack in the middle of the sun on a lovely 85 degree day. The light gray t-shirt is now dark gray...note to self - a ratchet sitting in the sun for an hour is hot enough to cook and egg on.

thanks for all the help