Got around to doing my front brake pads today. Extremely easy to do, took about 15 minutes per side (not counting time spent jacking car up and getting the wheels off).
A note, do each side one at a time. You don't want the pistons to compress without anything stopping them.
First off, spray the area down with some brake cleaner. Try to avoid getting any rubber bushings wet with the brake cleaner, it just isn't good for them. You'll probably find out that your calipers are kind of shiny, not the black you thought they were (unless I stripped some coating off... hmm). Also, it's a lot easier to do this job if you turn the steering wheel, so that the caliper is sticking out (less time spent squeezing into the wheel well to access it from behind).
Now you need to remove the brake pad wear sensors. Needle nose pliers do the trick.
Using some sort of punch and a hammer to pop the pins out. It's really easy to do if you can hold down the anti rattle clip with something.
After I got them through about half way, I just used pliers to pull the pins out. The anti rattle spring should pop out once the pins are gone.
Using some nicely sized channel locks, push the pad back away from the rotor. This makes it really easy to pull the pads out without damaging the dust shield around the piston.
Grab some pliers and yank the pads out, should slide out easily.
Grab the new pads and some brake pad grease, and apply a bead around the edges and back of the pad
Fit some tubing over the bleeder screw and make sure it goes vertical, up from the caliper. I used this handy little device with a magnet on the back. Couple bucks at the local auto parts store. Crack open the bleeder screw. This makes it a lot easier to compress the pistons without letting air enter the system.
Now grab those channel locks again, and with the bleeder screw slightly open, compress the pistons so they go all the way back in. Using a large, dull flathead screwdriver also helps. Be mindful of the dust shields.
Insert one of the new pads. If it's too large, try compressing the piston more. Try not to force the pad in if you don't have to.
Repeat again for the other side. Remember to close and cap the bleeder screw.
Replace the anti rattle clip and two pins. It's very easy to insert the two pins if you hold the clip down with something. Might have to fiddle around with the pads location a bit if the holes don't line up perfectly.
Put the wear sensors back in, throw the wheels back on (with proper torque!), lower the car, and you're all set.
Good luck!
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