Just did my front brakes...

[przm]

I just replaced the front brake pads and got my rotors turned, however, I wasn't able to remove the anti squeak shims from the old pads. Should I go get new ones from the dealer, or is it fine to run without them?

Here's a pic of the new and old pads. Two of the pads (new and old) had a little metal clip on them, what are they for? And does it matter which orientation they go in? I put the pads with the clips on the inside of the rotor.

After doing the job, the fluid level is well above the max line, and I still need to do the rear brakes. Should I drain some of the fluid?

 

[sr5hi]

Put the shims on your new pads. You should be able to use a small flat blade screwdriver or gasket scraper to work loose the old shims. They probably have "disc brake quiet" on the back side causing them to be stuck to the old brake pads (Red substance on the shims). Clean both sides of the shims well, removing the old red substance and rust. Use a little "disc brake quiet", most good brake pad kits contain a small tube of this substance. Note it may not be the same color (Red). Other wise get new shims if the old ones are not serviceable.
The little metal tabs are audible warning devices. When your pads wear down, the tabs rub against the rotor creating a squealing sound informing you that the brake pads are worn and should be checked.
You could siphon off some brake fluid from the master cylinder or just keep an eye on it as you do your rear brakes. As you compress the pistons into the calipers it forces brake fluid back to the master cylinder and you do not want it to overflow. After you finish replacing the brake pads, if you do not bleed or flush the system, siphon off enough to return the brake fluid to the "MAX" level.

 

[Ukraine Train]

With ABS-equipped brakes, they usually don't recommend pushing fluid through the lines back into the reservoir because contaminants can clog up the ABS pump. You could crack the bleeder screws as you push the pistons back into the calipers and push the fluid out that way, and then just top off the reservoir after reassembling everything.