I typically do all the minor work on my cars, however, I bought a 94 wagon that most likely never had the rear brakes replaced and was looking for help. I got down to do the job (without a manual) and could not figure out how the retaining bar for the pads comes out or if they were pressed into the caliper. Could someone help me out to make this task simple, or is the simplest thing to do is to spend the $125 and have a shop do the job?
Thanks for any and all suggestions.

See the 700/900 FAQ under the "features" button above for instructions.

The retaining pins just get driven out. There may be cotter pins locking the pins, but I'm pretty sure a latemodel car uses only the friction fit of spring sleeves around each pin to keep them in.
I use a small diameter punch, but a very small phillips or torx screwdriver works pretty well as a driving tool as well.
Push the pins all the way through till they're loose. Extract from the back side, and then pull brake pads up and out. Note pads are supposed to use shims and silicone brake grease on the back sides, to keep them from squealing.

If you don't use shims and grease, I'll be able to hear you from my house.

I use a small pry bar, BTW, to push the caliper pistons back, pressing against the old brake pads. You need to hold the first one after pushing it back- when you push the second one, the first one tries to push out again.

Good luck with it!
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Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '87 244DL/M47- 234K, '82 245T/M46-182K, '84 242DL/AW70-100K, '89 244DL/AW70- 212K and I miss my: 86 244DL 215K, 87 244DL 239K, 88 744GLE 233K, 88 244GL 147K, 91 244 183K

As mcduck said, you will need a small pin punch or nail set. Tap the pins until the head releases and you can pull them out the rest of the way with pliers or even your fingers. I would suggest you open the bleed valve when you go to depress the pads so any debris from the cylinder will be expelled instead of being pushed back into the lines. Are you planning on a full fluid replacement? If not, consider it.
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Bob Kraushaar '94 945T, '88 240, '84 242Ti, '88 300 TE, '89 560 SL, '68 Shelby GT-500 KR

Just tap it out from the inside.