Changing out the pads for the front disc brakes on the Pacifica is about half hour job. First thing to do is jack up the side you’re working on and secure it with proper jack stands. Once you remove the wheel you’ll be confronted with rotor and caliper assembly:

What I typically do next is release some pressure from the pistons by depressing the caliper. You can get a special tool to do this, but I find a C clamp does the job just fine. It’s rather difficult, if not impossible, to swing open the caliper housing without doing this.

Another view of the depressed caliper:

I next loosen the two bolts attached to the slide pins at the top and bottom of the caliper.

I tend to remove the top one completely and let the caliper swing open. I’ve seen folks remove only the bottom one and let it swing up. In my case I have to rest it on something so I just use another jack stand. Either way, the results are the same:

The pads are easily removed at this point. I also remove the pad retainer clips.

I then start the reverse process by first installing the new clips:

…and subsequently the new pads:

Be sure to use some grease at the contact points of the pads and the retainer clips. The grease reduces any noise and possible sticking.

Because the new pads will be thicker than their old, worn-out counterparts, you’ll probably need to depress the pistons a bit more so you have clearance to swing the caliper back into place. I usually just use one of the old pads here, placing it flush to the pistons, and depress them again with the C clamp.

Once those pistons are depressed all the way, swing the caliper back into place. Replace the top bolt that was removed, tightening it and the one at the bottom.

The new pads are now ready to go.