I recently got an oil change and during the inspection the guy told me that I need new brakes. I was wondering if you all had any favorite brands of brake pads that you recommend. Also, is it extremely hard to change them myself?
Can't really comment on a favorite brand - but I would say it is not terribly hard to change them yourself if you are generally a handy person. I think it's much worth the time investment to learn how to do it yourself. Just Google for some guides on changing disc brakes - there are tons of great ones out there. Better yet would be to have a friend that knows how to do it show you.
I like my Hawk HPS pads, they do make dust but are a good street pad. EBC is another good brand, something like the Carbotech Bobcat is also popular. The fronts are very easy to change, the rears are more difficult, the piston has to be rotated to be pushed back into the caliper.
Once you get decent at it, you will be able to change a front set of pads on pretty much any car in less than an hour. Once you do it you will see how much money a dealership makes on brake jobs, it is sometimes around $500 for probably around $100 in parts and an hour in labor. It is basically just taking off the wheel, taking out the two bolts that hold the caliper on an sliding the caliper off to the side, then using a c clamp to slowly push the pistons back into the caliper. I use the old pad to push them back evenly until they are flush with the caliper. Put the new pads onto the bracket on the rotor and slide the caliper back on. Not bad at all. I am sure you can find directions with pictures on a forum somewhere.
Front pads are pretty easy to change. I'm using Raybestos professional grade ceramic pads on my car, Good stopping power and no brake dust. Not too concerned about rotor wear, they are cheap enough to replace when the time comes.
disk brakes are a cake walk. the hardest part is jacking up the car and taking the wheels off.
drum brakes are not so fun. a lot more time is involved. not as much brake dust but they dont stop as well and are just a PAI to do maintenance on