I purchased a 2005 honda civic from the dealer about 2 years ago and recently starting hearing that little noisemaker when I step on the brake. I have never done any break work on this car and have several questions.

1.) How difficult is it to replace the front pads?
2.) Do I have to replace the rotors at the same time?
3.) If I do have to replace the rotors (due to damage) is it something I can do in my driveway or I do I have to take it to a shop? (I was told that on newer cars the rotors are not removable with standard tools)
4.) Any idea what pads and rotors will cost?

Can anyone help me out with this? I'm no mechanic, but I would like to do the work myself if I can, instead of paying someone $400.00 to do it.

Thanks.

 

1) Easy
2) You don't HAVE to unless they are severly worn, but alot of people prefer to replace/turn their rotors when they replace the pads.
3) You will be able to do this in you're driveway. They are held on by two phillips head screws (make sure you hammer the screwdriver tip into the screw before turning, and soaking them in PB Blaster will help with removal)
4) Depends on where you get them (dealer vs. retail)...call around to get prices in your area (anwhere from $100 for retail up to who knows what for dealer parts)

Where are you located? Maybe someone local could give you a hand b/c it is not that hard to do...

 

like jimmy said, this is a job anyone with common sense can do on their own. The rotors themselves are held on with two screws.

I think the hardest part of this job is getting the caliper bolt off. It's torqued pretty good.

For parts, try the honda-tech.com sponsor marketplace. They have pretty good deals on aftermarket brakes.