How to Replace Rear Brakes 13-18 Subaru Forester

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1A Auto shows you how to repair, install, fix, change or replace your own worn, squeaky, fading old brakes. This video is applicable to the 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 Subaru Forester
🔧 List of tools used:
• Flat Blade Screwdriver 1aau.to/o95/1AXAA00013
• 14mm Wrench 1aau.to/onJ/1AXAA00010
• 17mm Wrench 1aau.to/onJ/1AXAA00010
• 17mm Socket 1aau.to/oWS/1AXAA00015
• 19mm Socket 1aau.to/opG/1AXAA00043
• Ratchet 1aau.to/oabG/1AXAA00016
• Socket Extensions 1aau.to/oWS/1AXAA00015
• Anti-Seize Grease
• Brake Parts Cleaner
• Bungee Cord
• Wire Brush 1aau.to/odY/1AXAA00079
For More Info visit us at 1aau.to/h/a2C/
⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@MTGeomancer]

Great video, only complaint is your used a torque wrench on the caliper bolts but did not give the torque setting. You did mention the bracket (48.7 ft-lbs) but not the caliper itself. Should be 19.9 ft-lbs for anyone needing this.

[@jerrysheehan3107]

The bolts needed to remove the rotor are m8x1.25

[@mikefmaine73]

I was thinking that, thanks!

[@sandyshoremann7524]

On many vehicles, one of the bolts in the wheel arch well area are correct size to assist in field repairs. Possibly a brake hose bracket bolt.

[@RashMan0]

@@sandyshoremann7524 I thought about your comment when I was working on this job today. I used one of the bolts for the rear sway bar support and it worked perfectly!

[@ilike600baud]

That size worked perfectly! Thanks!

[@radekten]

Please don't use the caliper grease on the guiding pin, that will cause it get stuck. Next time you will try to change it you won't be able to take it out. Please use silicon lubricant like sil-glyde brake lubricant, AGS.

[@robertcaldwell2994]

Yes, silicone will not dissolve your rubber parts like petroleum based products will.

[@imnotacrook5298]

Dealer wants $299 for just the rear pads so this video just saved me about $200!! I'll put a torque wrench on my xmas list and refer to 1A auto to encourage more videos like this. Thanks for posting!

[@demarcogordon2979]

U so right about that, i told them no i do it myself with KZbin, ordering my supply today. 300 bucks.

[@jerryhardman6365]

oh wow, my dealership wanted $800 for my rear breaks! I looked at the guy when he told me this and said, "there must be some super special way/components you guys need in order to justify 800 bucks". He tried to tell some something about making sure the pads where set up properly along with a bunch of other BS. Later he approached me in the lobby (away from earshot of his fellow employees) and said, "yeah, their just disk breaks, you should be able to replace them yourself no problem".

[@stephensusko3501]

That little porthole on the front of the rotor/drum is for loosening the star wheel adjuster. You address this in your Imprezza brake change. This video refers to a rubber "grommet" covering the hole and instructs to take it off the old rotor/drum and put it on the new one. That is the hole for adjusting the star wheel. If the drum does not come off as easily as viewed here, you may have to turn the star wheel to contract the e-brake shoes so it comes off easier. Warning: If you do not do this, and force the drum off, you will break the pins holding the shoes to the backer plate and potentially damage the shoe braking surface,. As a result, you will need to replace the shoes.

[@1AAuto]

+Stephen Susko Thanks for the feedback!

[@ericschiffman871]

As long as my caliper bolts come off without issue, this is going to save me around $400! Thanks for this!

[@edwardjski]

KZbin ads are ruining KZbin. I guess we should be grateful to KZbin for allowing content creators to fill the ever shrinking time between ads.

[@deichblatt]

I've watched several videos on replacing rotors on Subarus and they say don't use the screw holes on the rotors to get them off. They're wrong. I used 3"-8mm-125 pitch bolts and the rotors broke lose with very little effort with a 13mm wrench. So, much easier than any other method.

[@roymeyer6837]

Haven't done brakes in a while so I needed a refresher and this was perfect, thanks!

[@kartboarder22g17]

Great video, the only recommendations i will make, is never reuse those metal clips, just replace them, they should come with new brake pads anyway, and if they don't you can find them for cheap, also use a little antiseiz on the hub to rotor to save the next guy some trouble, and you should check the brake resevoir under the engine to make sure when you push the brake fluid back that you don't spill it over which strips paint and leave the cap off too so the fluid has somewhere to go. Otherwise syringe some brake fluid out or at worst syringe the brake fluid to the correct level when done. Also burnish the brakes when complete, youtube it if you don't know what that means.

[@Spoolin69]

FANTASTIC video. I really appreciated when he listed the torque specs. Well done.

[@1AAuto]

+Shane Steffens Thanks for checking us out! 1AAuto.com

[@JulienKozak]

ummm where? Specifically looking for this upon reassembly and cannot find them.

[@er_mar_gur3522]

You guys always coming in clutch!

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com +HUECOS

[@katherinebonsol6854]

thank you for the video. I'm changing my own brakes for the first time today and I'm using your video. I got one side done and I'll get to the other in a couple of minutes.

[@fredrossman1189]

thanks, you always have the best videos.

[@ericg2167]

Going to replace my pads in my 2014 XT forester. Thought of going aftermarket but I never had any issue what so ever with the stock. 80000 kms. Cost me $245 after tax (Canada) for the front and rear pads. Comes with lube and new pad runners(guides). I thought if it ain't broke, don't fix it. What pisses me off is spending 20 bucks on a can of caliper paint. Gold. My forester is Jasmine green. Looks good. Yes, a very good and informative video. Good job.

[@1AAuto]

+Eric G Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@xmisslightsonmain]

“ some bolts that’ll thread into it”

[@rickj13]

You should also use brake parts cleaner to clean the inside surface of the drum portion of the new rotor, where the parking brake shoes make contact.

[@sandyshoremann7524]

A comment about the brake wear (screech) indicator and which pad uses it - inner or outer and its clocking position would be helpful. Some aftermarket replacement pads have them on all 4, should you snip off the outer ones so the metal tang doesn't hit the wheel face? Thank you for the informational video. - Sandy

[@darthmal]

Take the parking brake off!

[@LarryHopper]

Well done video, but I wish you had mentioned the parking brake must be released to remove the rotors.

[@1AAuto]

+Larry Hopper Thanks for the tip! We'll pass this info along to our production team.

[@ericp3573]

Any decent brake pad set will come with new stainless steel shims, no need to clean them up or save them. Always check guide pins move freely

[@MichalBoguslawski]

Thank you nice clear explanation

[@1AAuto]

+MichalBoguslawski Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com

[@jacquesdahan494]

great video, Thanks

[@clownfishextreme4253]

Any change you can tell me what is the rear 2011 Forester torque for caliper and caliper bracket.Thank you for great video.

[@markparker4032]

Love your video's.

[@user-mm7xi5dn9c]

Thanks I thought you done a good and the comments were helpful to

[@beedabike]

This video is excellent. Just dropped a buttload of $$$ at Subaru for this service. I plan to do it myself next time around and I’ll use your video and parts as my guide.

[@1AAuto]

+Greg C Thank you for the great reply. We love to empower our customers by showing you how-to perform your own auto repairs while installing our high quality auto parts. Have a great day! 1aauto.com

[@surfobx031]

Is the torgue on caliper bolts same as the bracket @ 48 ft/lbs?

[@emiliog.4432]

The Subaru FSM recommends adding a thin layer of appropriate grease to the pad clips. Thanks

[@kimsirrs2641]

relaxing and informative video.

[@neyaraujo4217]

buena explicación

[@rcort4864]

Very good video. Probably should spray the pin holes again with cleaner - make sure no old grease remains, especially on the bottom of the hole. Any grease left there could prevent the pins from bottoming out in the hole causing uneven wear on the pads. Should be careful as well not to get other than a thin film of grease on the end of the bolts for the same reason.

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com +R Cort

[@phillipjasper5507]

Do you have a video how to replace the parking brake shoes on a 2015 forester ?

[@bobbywin9303]

You didn't show how to unwind and readjust the parking brake if it won't let you get the disc off. Can you show that?

[@dopemonster]

What about the special tool to release the rear piston? I was told I needed it for my 2017 Forster.

[@MRG1BZ]

For some reason my brake shoes on the inside are not allowing me to put my new rotor on

[@kevindenton8739]

Thanks!

[@justineutzy7888]

What if you have the electronic e brake. Do you need the scan tool?

[@skinnylittlekidfromc]

I have a 2015 forester I did the rear driver side no problem go to the passenger side rear everything came off no problem but now I can’t get the mounting bracket ro line up at one point I did and everything rubbed like crazy! Took it it apart checked everything even tried putting the old bracket back on still can’t get it on I can either get the top hole lined up or the bottom but not both. What am I doing wrong?

[@trevorbullock6000]

A1 Auto pads don't come with new sliders? Good to know.

[@jakemeyers2839]

A year ago when I got my 2015 Subaru legacy inspected my mechanic said something about a special tool needed to do a brake change because of a abs sensor I can't find anything about this. If someone can let me know if brake change is normal on my legacy I'd appreciate it.

[@richg2460]

Very good video.

[@naigolrac1234]

I just got new brake pads installed on my 16 Forester, after a few thousand miles would it be normal that some of the grease come off and be visible from the outer brake pads ends and middle area? worried if that could be a problem. thank you!

[@sandyshoremann7524]

If the tech liberally applied it, yes. I do not tend to use grease on the backs of the pads as I don't want it migrating to the friction surfaces. Just a smidgen is required on the calipers ears; any more will collect road dirt and sand and brake dust. Keep and eye on the appearance of the rotor face to see any evidence of lube contamination, bluing or odd wear or scoring. - Sandy ( NIASE Master from 40-50 years ago. )

[@tombregman2875]

It would have been nice if you 1. Changed the pad hardware and 2. Gave us the torque spec for the calipers.

[@grounded-b937]

Put blue Locktite on the bracket bolts. Buy pad kits which come with new abutment hardware, don't re-use the old.

[@sandyshoremann7524]

I re-used the hardware if it cleans up O.K. and is not corroded or damaged. Cleaning scale off the caliper and the guides is critical to have the blueprint clearances. Factory appears to be high quality stainless. Who knows what suspect quality you might get in a some pad kits. You can reserve the spares until needed next time. Alternatively in a dealer shop setting I would use new parts to save time on the job. - Sandy

[@drbrono]

In what position does the squealer go? Inside pad but towards the front or rear of the caliper?

[@mrdrprof99]

Depending on which way the caliper is oriented If its towards the back end of the rotor the squealer goes on the bottom end of the caliper If the caliper is towards the front of the rotor the squealer goes on top

[@KingRich13]

What are the size of the bolt you used

[@nachomama55]

What do you torque the caliper sliding bolts to?

[@maralagarlop]

that’s what i was looking for but the brake line was on the way

[@bobbywin9303]

You didn't show how to adjust the parking brake after replacing the rotor. Sometimes the parking brake is too loose and needs to be adjusted. Can you demonstrate this?

[@1AAuto]

+Bobby Winchel Thanks for the feedback! We will pass this request along.

[@ericp3573]

Correct me if I am wrong but it appears to have both drums/shoes and caliper/pads. I never seen both on any vehicle.

[@dartgts383]

That is the way many manufactures do it instead of having a ratcheting brake caliper that needs to be wound back while pushing the caliper puck back into the caliper. If the car is an automatic most people never use their e brake. The video guy didn't clean the protective coating off the e brake surface when he should have.

[@jasonthurston799]

Don't get any grease on the friction material, .... as he flips it over and reveals that he did get some on the friction material at about the 9:00 minute mark.

[@1AAuto]

+Jason Thurston Thanks for the feedback!

[@jasonthurston799]

@@1AAuto woops

[@dartgts383]

I noticed that also

[@bergatube60]

Did You not forget to adjust the parkinbrakes?

[@edwineeckerjr7286]

What is the torque for the caliper bolts ?

[@Dorkbike]

14mm caliper bolt 19.9 lb-ft,

[@george8943]

What is the torque specification on caliper?

[@1AAuto]

+Surachet The caliper bolts should be 19.9 ft-lb. 1aauto.com

[@randybird9979]

@@1AAuto what about the wrench you used to hold the other bolt to tighten the caliper bolt?

[@sandyshoremann7524]

Tap the free end of a combo box wrench three times with medium force - after snug - with a rubber mallet. The caliper bracket I would use a torque wrench.

[@timnels8638]

Why didn't your replace the drum brakes also, they looked pretty low?

[@DIYBIGMAN]

How many miles you guys getting on your pads before you changed it? I now have 93k miles still on my first OEM pads and haven’t changed it yet. Normal driving.

[@SEA85GTI]

I’m at 92,700 right now and am just changing the originals. I think this last winter I was driving in roads with a lot of salt and debris so it finally killed the brakes. Prior to last winter everything was great however.

[@Dorkbike]

Over 98k for my XT with stock OEM brake system and just now changing all rotors and pads. There's even more life left on the stock parts but I rather do it now than later.

[@ejhayes76]

I'm at 73,000 miles on my XT with stock brakes. Front pads are at 5mm, rears at 4.5mm. I will change them soon, but could probably get another 10k+ miles.

[@JuleZdaFool]

Thanks for the great video. Couple questions though: Are the brake rotors/pads different for front and rear wheels on a 2016 Subaru Forester? You guys have another video with a link to front rotors and pads in your online store but I couldn't find any such link for the rear rotors.

[@1AAuto]

+Julian Warren You can call our CS Support at 888-844-3393 and they can pinpoint what brakes you need

[@jackalninezeronine]

Compressing a dirty piston into the cylinder is a bad idea. Always carefully clean around the boot, the boot and the piston before jamming it all back in. Also I have found using a clamp inside the piston avoids smashing the boot and ripping it.

[@andystevens1985]

Did you take the cap off of the brake fluid reservoir?

[@PRO4XKEV]

No need to. But after the job is done and you have pumped the brakes a few times check the fluid level in the resevoir.

[@sandyshoremann7524]

You shouldn't top off the reservoir between brake jobs if there was no bleeding done. The lowered brake fluid level will indicate your pad wear. You should piddle the fluid out the bleeder when back-compressing the puck. It's never good practice to push moisture contaminated fluid back up into the lines. Unless you are doing a job on your Ex's car. I jest. - Sandy ( NIASE Master from 1/2 a Century ago )

[@bhart724]

I was told needed a computer to reset electronic ebrake? Not true?

[@Backs4more]

It’s not an electronic E brake. And no, you do not need a computer if your Subaru is fitter with an electronic E brake. You need to release the E brake, remove the negative lead on the battery, and if you want, the connection to the back of the E brake motor, and then wind back the piston. Once you have all the pads in and all back together, reconnect leads and then apply and release your E brake at least 5 times and then check to see if it is catching. That method is in the factory service manual. A computer is easier though.

[@Don_Frahn]

What is the grommet for? What’s the point of it?

[@spelunkerd]

The grommet covers an access hole used to get at the star wheel that adjusts the parking brake. As a rust ring develops on the inside drum, it's not uncommon for the rotor to be difficult to remove. If you can't remove the rotor, pop out that grommet and use a screwdriver to spin the star wheel to roll back the parking brake. Of course don't forget to leave the parking brake off when doing rear brakes. On a few vehicles, that hole needs to line up with a matching hole in the hub, and if they don't line up you'll not be able to get to the star wheel. In the Subaru, it doesn't matter. Adjustment and lubrication of parking brakes is evidently not something that professionals do routinely during a brake job, but I believe parking brakes should be serviced and adjusted every time.

[@fredastaire6156]

wait...the rear brakes aren't drum brakes???

[@scottschmittmusic]

Thanks!... Thought they were drums..

[@normstackhouse5365]

Okay some

[@Dorphie]

Those pads looked like they had plenty of braking left.

[@sotm6078]

Those Caliper Bracket Bolts are "17mm" NOT 14mm!!!!!!! The Caliper bolts are 14mm!!

[@festinalente2008]

Am I crazy or did he forget to put the new pads in ???

[@1AAuto]

The new pads are put on around the 9:14 mark in the video. Thanks for watching! +randy tanker