I need to change the pads on my '04 3i.

How difficult a job will it be?
Does it require any special tools?
Should I be aware of anything in particular?

Thanks for any help or advice you guys can throw my way. (I just want to make this as painless as possible. lol)

Wes.

 

My best advice that I can give you is find the mechanics PDF book to the 3. Its what all the dealerships have for them mechanics. Give you a breakdown of everything and what tools you will need. But I havent changed mine yet, but I am told its relatively simple.

 

The fronts are straight forward: Loosen, pull the old pads, compress the pistons and reinstall... after having the rotors trued of course.
The rears require a piston "tool." It compresses and twists the piston in At the same time. W/O that, you won't get anywhere. Some have used needle nosed pliers and Vise-grips, but I don't know about that? The tool can be rented at some parts places. Auto Zone requires a deposit, they give you the tool and when you return it, you get the deposit back.

 

Thanks Mr. Spike and Virgin1, you both have given much appreciated, sound advice.

 

I really believe in that guide...it helped me out a lot. I try to buy them on all of my cars. I used the needle noise pliers and they worked on my 05 mazda 6 but be really careful. You can get the part at autozone, but I tried with the pliers and it worked fine. Good luck! Let us know how it works!

 

I picked up the pads today for all four wheels. There is only 1 pad per wheel? Strange. Instead of pinching like normal disc brakes, wouldn't the one pad push the rotor against its axis? Wouldn't that be real hard on the wheel bearings?

 

Something is not right there. Two pads per wheel.

 

I asked for a full set, paid $65 + tax, took the box home, opened it: 4 pads.

(Virgin 1; wouldn't $65 for only 2 wheels' pads be kinda expensive?)

 

It depends what pads you've bought, but sadly, no. i.e. I've seen the Hawk pads for $95 F/ $85 R. I am running EBC Greens and waited for a deal, but they were still over $50/axle set.
It sounds like you have one axle set there... either front or rear.

 

I wonder why when I asked for a full set, they only gave me 4 pads? Maybe they thought that this model only had disk brakes in the front, with drums in the rear?
I'll have to check with the parts store tomorrow.
Thanks for your help