I need to change the brake pads on my 96 toyota avalon. Can it be done like older vehicles by using a C-clamp to compress the calipers? No tricks or tips?

You have to compress the caliper. If your design uses the brake pads as parking break, you need to rotate the piston while compressing it. there are tools that assist with this, but I use a C clamp and the old brake pad.

Removal & Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Front wheel Caliper mounting bolt Suspend the caliper from a wire Pads from the caliper support Pad retainers, if necessary
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   Pad retainers, if removed Pads onto the pad retainers
   
2. Compress the caliper piston using a C-clamp. Rotate the caliper downward and install the mounting bolt. Tighten to 16-24 ft. lbs. (22-32 Nm).
3. Install the wheel.

Removal & Installation

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the Precautions Section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   Rear wheel Caliper mounting bolt Suspend the caliper from a wire Pads from the caliper support Pad retainers, if necessary
   

To install:

1. Install or connect the following:
   
   Pad retainers, if removed Pads onto the pad retainers
   
2. Compress the caliper piston using a C-clamp. Rotate the caliper downward and install the mounting bolt. Tighten to 16-24 ft. lbs. (22-32 Nm).
3. Install the wheel.

no that is only the older rear calipers on gm and others. the fronts do not have that style caliper and sound like the calipers are frozen and may be way your changing the pads. try opening the bleeder screw and then compressing them if they go then you need need brake hoses and if not you need calipers. god luck man

jack up veh remove tire on back of caliper there are 2 bolts not the bolts on backing plate on the caliper remove caliper up and off pads remove pads using one of the old pads and a c-clamp carefully and slowly compress the caliper pistons back flush when done using a piece of wire hang caliper out of way check rotors if need to be cut remove and cut or if needed replace with new apply anti squeal lube on the backing of both pads reinsert pads bolt on caliper done

I have had to replace mine on my 2004 model, I normally will use a block of wood with a clamp. the block of wood protects the inside of the caliper and twist the C-clamp until it is flush in the Brake caliper. Install your new pads and re-assemble, duplicate for the other side. after you have done this, start the vehicle and step on the brake pedal several times, this insures that the brakes will set against the rotor. Good Luck

u need to compress the brake pads with a normal screw or by using a special tool

Jack the vehicle u. Support it on jack stands. Remove front wheels. There are two bolts that hold the brake caliper on. Remove those. use a C-clamp to push the caliper piston back in. Install the new pads in the caliper brackets (pop into place). Put caliper back on, then wheel back on. Put vehicle back on the ground. Press brake until firm. Done.

Sockets, Ratchet, C-clamp.
Remove the wheel, remove bolt at top of caliper (will be on the back, not the one that mounts the caliper to the hub, it will hold the 2 halves of the caliper together),  the caliper should then slide out freely using the lower bolt as a hinge.  remove the old pads and use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston (they also make a special tool but a clamp works fine).  Put the new pads on and bolt it back up.  easy as pie!  Be sure to pump the brakes a few times once it's all done to push the caliper piston back up to the pads otherwise they wont work the first few times.  :-P let me know if there are any more questions.

If you cant push the piston back with a c-clamp You need a new caliper

I didn't have a "cube tool", used a pair of channel locks. Worked great. Thanks.