I'm trying to replace my front brake pads. I've removed the pin, retaining clip and sensors. I've pushed the pads and pistons back and some fluid has come out of the bleeder during that process. I can't pull the pads out. They rattle around but its almost like something is locking them in place. Does anyone have any hints for removing the pads?

 

The antisqueal shims are likely stuck on, they need to be pried off the back of the pads using a spatula/paint scraper type tool.

 

It looks to me like the back of the pad has two round barrel looking nubs on the back that sit inside the center of the pistons. I can't pull the pads out because these things are inside the pistons. The backing plate on the pads is on there so good that it looks like part of the original pad assembly. I don't want to pry this apart and wreck something.

 

I think this is the answer:

If you have the glued-on backing plate dampers, you need to remove them before you can lift the pads out. You can do this at this point in the process, using a putty knife or x-acto knife to separate the thin vibration damper plate from the old brake pad's backing plate. Or, if you are going to have to remove the caliper anyway (for example, if you're doing rotors in addition to pads) you may find it easier to remove the caliper first [ Changing Brake Rotors ] and then you'll be able to remove the pads by popping the friction fit thing out of the piston; this leaves the damper still attached to the pad, which you can cut away and transfer to the new pad if you're replacing the pad.

 

yep, you need to remove this to get the old pads out. They're not glued on, just stuck from the heat etc. Just get a scraper/putty knife in to separate.

 

Actually, they are likely glued on, kind of... A new set of shims has a peel-and-stick adhesive back on them that adheres to the pads. But it's just fine to re-use them without adhesive.

This is the front anti-squeal shim. It is stuck to your pads.. You can pry it off the pads with a paint-scraper or similar, but if you *fully seat* your brake pistons, I believe there is enough clearance to remove the pads with the shims attached.