Bummer since this was my first pad change.

Here's what I did: I removed the old caliper pins, shims and pads, and cleaned the caliper with brake cleaner. I opened the brake fluid reservoir and used an old shim and a large set of pliers to compress the pistons while installing the new pads. Then I installed new pins and locking clips, and pumped the brake pedal until some firmness was felt.

The calipers are old and rusty as are the rotors but both seem solid enough to do their jobs. The brakes were strong before the front pads wore out. The brake failure light isn't coming on and I have plenty of fluid in the reservoir. No fluid was expelled as far as I know.

I've only driven it for a few miles; does it need more time to pressurize, or did I do something wrong? I was just trying to save a trip to the mechanic.
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Mike F - 1984 244 DL - 317,000 miles
Original engine, transmission, drive train, starter
Undergoing reconstructive surgery with POR-15

1972 142 S - The Yellow Brick - 135,000 miles
All stock except for Weber Carb. B20B engine. M40 tranny. 0 - 60 whenever the hell it feels like it.