I have a 1996 bmw 318 and I need to change the rear brake pads. Is it easy to do it yourself or is it best to just take it to a shop and have it done by professionals? Thanks for the help.|||It%26#039;s not difficult...it%26#039;s not even complicated. If you can change a tire and swing a rubber mallet, you can change disc brakes. (You said brake pads...I%26#039;m therefore assuming you have discs on the back.)
You%26#039;ll need:
All the tools required to remove a tire (jack, stand, lug wrench)
Rubber mallet (not essential but very handy)
Brake caliper spreader (can be had for $5 at a parts store)
Brake parts cleaner solvent(ditto)
New brake pads
New brake rotors (simplest) or have the old rotors machined/turned (usually cheapest)
Ratchet %26amp; socket for removing caliper assy (My %26#039;90 Buick used a Torx T-50--you%26#039;ll need to look and see what yours are)
Once you have all the right tools, the job takes about 30 minutes a side first time through.|||you won%26#039;t save enough money doing it yourself to make it worthwhile..take it to a shop. at least you%26#039;ll know it was done right and you won%26#039;t have to bother with it|||yourself. back ones might be a littttttttle bit harder than the front, but not much. it%26#039;ll cost you about 200 to have someone else do it. a lot of people like buying that car%26#039;s brakes.. (BMW) and just do it urself. try to get someone to show u once or twice
its easy. my first time, my uncle showed me only and i did it in 30 mins for the front two.|||if you have rotors in the back then its a cinch just like the front, if you have drums, well those are fun with the springs and all. I%26#039;d suggest takin it to a shop if you have drums. Unless your willing to go and buy a Haynes or Chilton book and spend an afternoon learning how to do drums =)
