I've used a huge pair of channel-locks for 30 years with no ill effects. From my experience, the newer the car, the easier to replace the pads. Check the rotors, and don't be afraid to remove them if they need re-surfacing. It will really help extend the life of the pads. We own 3 Honda's, and I can replace the pads on any of them in under an hour. I'm no mechanic, either, so a lot of guys would be faster.
*Be sure and remove the lid to the master cylinder before compressing those calipers.
I just put new rotors on everytime. It is not that expensive and you lose no pedal. Oh and buy at least wagner brand pads or better or you will be sorry. You shouldnt have to bleed anything and do not add brake fluid until after you get it all back together if it needs it. Harbor freight sells caliper compressors for like 5 bucks and it is way better then a C clamp. C Clamps can get things at a bad angle and cause problems but if you use a little peice of wood or something to level it out you should be fine.
No doubt you have to do them yourself. I just did the front brakes on my Cherokee this evening, new pads and rotors, and it took less than 30 minutes...
01 red GT - 745whp/780wtq Whippled 4V and built 4R75W
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