Changing Brake Pads

[numero9]

I'm a pretty much a complete newbie, so bear with me.

It sounds like my brake pads are getting low -- not a horrible grind but given since the last time the were changed and how it feels -- I know its getting close. I bought some pads that fit and it seems like a relatively simple process. Given how the brakes stop your car, I just really don't want to fuck it up!

I was looking at this guide: http://www.cockeyed.com/lessons/brak...eshoes01.shtml

Is this relatively close to what I'd expect to see on my '90 Prizm?

What size(s) for the wrench do I need? I'll be using a ratchet and not an adjustable wrench like the guy in that tutorial was using.

Lastly, do I need to do anything with the rotors? I know if the pads get worned down that they start to scrape, you need to at least sand the rotors. But given the stage I'm at, would I need to do anything? The guy in the tutorial doesn't seem to do anything to them and everytime I've been to a mechanic, they always seem to press "new rotors!" on me.

I think that's all the questions I have. I try to do my best with this car but it always seems like something gets stuck or rusted or something that makes the easiest job into a big hassle.

[90 GP]

The guide is pretty close to what you would encounter. Use one of the old pads in place of the lid when using c clamp to compress piston. Make sure you lubricate the bushings behind the rubber boots where the bolts pass thru caliper to mounting plate. Consult a manual to show you what I am referring to as it isn't shown in the guide. The socket size for caliper bolts is in 12-14mm range. As for the rotors pull em and take to a machine shop in a NAPA store if you have one locally. It's not expensive and they can tell if safe to resurface them. After the brake job it may take some pumping to bring pedal up. Take it out for a short drive while holding steady brake pressire while accelerating at slow speed to bed the brakes to the rotor surface. A short distance at slow speed is all it should take. Should stop well after that.