Probably the most simplest vehicle service (aside from an oil change) is front brake pad replacement.  However it's amazing how many people do not know how to do this properly, or are simply to afraid to do it themselves.  Hopefully this how-to will help show the basic concepts, and make this an easy task for you to do.

I bought my rotors through JC Sports www.jcsportsinc.com and had them slotted / cross drilled and cadmium dipped.

Getting Ready

The first step is the obvious one.  Ensure you have the proper tools to complete the job.  These are extremely common tools they include:

1. Jack / Jack stands (always use these for safety!)
2. Basic socket set, a 1/2 ratchet with 19mm, 17mm and 14mm sockets will suffice
3. Large C-Clamp
4. Brake cleaner (not required, but nice to have)
5. Small bolt that fits into rotor's threaded holes, and required socket for it
6. New pads and if applicable new rotors (obviously) :)

First start with lifting your vehicle on to the jack stands.  I tend to crack the wheel bolts (19mm) while the vehicle is still on the ground.  This will keep you from having to hold the brake in while you are doing this in the air.  Ensure you do not remove the bolts, just crack them!

Once stable on the stands, remove the wheels.  Now on to the caliper.  The caliper is held on with 2 bolts (17mm and 14mm).  One bolt is on the very top, and one on the bottom.  The picture below shows the location of the top bolt.  Find the other bolt directly below about 4 inches.  These bolts are very tight, you may be required to tap your ratchet with a hammer to crack them.

Once the caliper is unbolted, GENTLY rest it on the top of the rotor.  DO NOT allow the caliper to hang, as you will most likely damage your brake lines!  Remove the old pads by pulling them out.

Rotor Removal / Installation

At this point you may be able to simply pull your rotors off.  Chances are however they will be VERY stuck in place.  To remove them you need to use a small bolt.  This bolt must fit correctly into the two threaded holes near the center of the rotor.  Screw in the bolt, until it makes contact then turn slightly.  Unthread and move it into the other hole, repeat the following.  Do this back and forth until your rotor simply comes loose.  The picture below shows this action.

Once removed simply place the other into place.  The rotor will seem VERY sloppy, as it's not seated on fully.  Don't worry the caliper / wheel will hold it tight into place.

Pad / Caliper Installation

Now for the trickiest part of the installation.  To put the new pads in place, we must first compress the calipers.  This is most easily done with a large C-Clamp.  The reason we must do this, is that you may have noticed with your new pads in place, they are much tighter than before, and it will not fit on your rotor.  Take your C-Clamp and compress the edges of the piston, NOT THE CENTER (see below).  Another alternative (which I did on the other side) is to install the pad on that side, and compress the pad.  This will help from having the clamp slip on you, however poses a risk of your pad cracking.  Once done, install the new pads like the olds were.

Finishing Up

Now that the new pads are in place, simply move the caliper back to it's original position.  You may notice that it still does not fit, take a screwdriver and slightly press each side.  Eventually you will get the pads to separate enough for it to seat correctly on the rotor.  Install the two caliper bolts, and the wheel.  Complete the same steps for the other side.

Some notes to remember:

1. The first time you step on your brakes, your foot will probably hit the floor, with no brake pressure.  Do not worry, this is normal, simply keep pumping the brake, it will firm up.
2. Be VERY gentle on your new brakes to let them wear in.  Do not (if possible) take ANY hard stops.  All stops should be gradual.

This is the final product of my installation.  I like these MUCH better!