I've watched videos online and none of the lance brake install videos have this part and I think its keeping me from removing the brake pad.

 

It's just a clip that helps to hold the pad in place on the caliper. If you are ready for new pads, buy the new pads and you'll see what the deal is. Really, it helps to look at the new pads so you can see how the old ones are held in place.

I just did my rear brake pads yesterday. I did the fronts over a year ago, so my memory on the fronts is a bit hazy.

On the back, replacing the brake pads is ridiculously easy. Remove the lower bolt on the backside of the caliper that holds the floating part of the caliper in place. This will allow you to rotate upward the part of the caliper with the pads in place. Remove pads and install new ones. Carefully use a screwdriver to pry on those clips to help you get the old pads out.

The front caliper should be similar. Sorry I don't have pics for you.

Once you have the old pads out, compress the brake piston into the caliper before putting in the new pads. I was able to do this by just pushing hard with my thumbs. It is possible you might need a C-clamp or channel lock pliers.

Also, the old pads should have some thin metal shims on them. These are there to reduce brake squeal. Take them off the old pads and re-use them with the new ones. Your new pads probably won't come with new shims.

I had my car up on jack stands yesterday for 90K service. With the car already in the air with the wheels off, changing the rear brake pads took me 10 minutes. Easy job.

Mark

 

In case it's not clear, that metal clip does NOT come off of the pad. Pull the caliper away from the rotor, then you should see how the pads come out. Again, look at the new pads and it should make sense.