impreza wrx brake DIY?

[peter]

I ordered brake pads for 2002 wrx. Before I replace them, I have some
questions (never done brake pad before):

Here are the instructions from the wrx shop manual:
....
remove the lock pin
raise the caliper body
remove the pad

Are there more illustrated instructions available?

I'm supposed to push back the piston to make room for the new pad. This
implies the piston automatically compensates for the pad as it wears
thinner. How does it do that?

After I put in two new pads, is it possible for one pad to be closer to the
rotor than the other side, or does the caliper self-center?

 

[David]

I ordered brake pads for 2002 wrx. Before I replace them, I have some
questions (never done brake pad before):

Here are the instructions from the wrx shop manual:
...
remove the lock pin
raise the caliper body
remove the pad

Are there more illustrated instructions available?

I'm supposed to push back the piston to make room for the new pad. This
implies the piston automatically compensates for the pad as it wears
thinner. How does it do that?

After I put in two new pads, is it possible for one pad to be closer to the
rotor than the other side, or does the caliper self-center?

The pistons have no return spring. As they wear the fluid level in
the reservoir goes down. The caliper assembly floats (if not hung up
on something) to equalize inner and outer wear.

 

[peter]

The pistons have no return spring. As they wear the fluid level in
the reservoir goes down. The caliper assembly floats (if not hung up
on something) to equalize inner and outer wear.

If there is no return spring, wouldn't it cause the brake pads to stay on
the rotor all the time?

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

If there is no return spring, wouldn't it cause the brake pads to stay on
the rotor all the time?

They do drag slightly - typical disc brake design.
check;
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/disc-brake1.htm

for info.

Carl