Dieselhead,

When you put in the pads, you obviously managed to push the pistons back into the calipers to make room for the new pads. Did you do anything else like replacing a hose, the entire caliper, open a bleed screw?

Assuming that you just pushed the pistons back and put in the pads, the pistons are a little too far back, and may take a stroke or two of the pedal to tighten the pads to a point where you will again "have a pedal".

As long as you didn't open any of the hydraulics, you should not have lost any seals or the like.

If stroking the pedal does not bring back pressure, try bleeding the brakes before replacing anything. The likelihood of the master cylinder coincidentally failing at the same time that you took everything apart is unlikely.

I hope this doesn't sound insulting, but we have no way of knowing what your skill or experience level is, but do you know how to bleed the brakes if necessary.

If the brake fluid is not clean and clear looking, it would be a good thing to flush the old fluid anyway. But remember, you are working on brakes, there's a safety situation involved here. We can help you, but make sure you fully understand these procedures so that you keep the car safe.

Hang in there and keep answering everyones questions as well as continuing to post more questions and we'll get you through this, just hang in there.

Good luck,