How to Replace Subaru Forester Brake Pads | Easy

In this video I will replace brake pads on 2005 Subaru Forester at home with basic tools. The procedure is relatively simple and is applicable to many Subaru models.I will replace only front wheel pads, but the procedure is the same for the rear wheels brakes too. While doing brake job use extra caution and common sense. Inspect braking components for any damages, leaks or wear. If your brake rotors are deeply worn replacement might be needed. When done, make sure you step on the brake pedal a couple times to make sure new pads contact the rotors. This is simple job, but if you are not sure you can do it, it would be better to find a professional mechanic.
*Disclaimer
SkyCar, is not responsible for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Information given in this video does not guarantee the desired outcome. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of the tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not SkyCar.
#Subaru #brake #pads

[@witherspa]

I’m not very knowledgeable about car maintenance, and changing break pads has always been intimidating to me. Your video was awesome, and, because of it, I was able to change the break pads on my wife’s Forrester! Thank you!!

[@user-ed2fi9yk5d]

Just an addition..before pushing the pistons in,unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap. Great tutorial, thanks.

[@Jetblackheart]

THIS SAVED MY LIFE. THANKS FOR THIS TIP

[@shalompatole5710]

Interesting. Any particular reason why? Planning on doing this adn that step was the one whcih looked hardest to me. Didnt quite get what he was doing with the clips after installing the pads

[@randwhitney6989]

One of the best DIY videos! No jabber just good filming and information on the screen. Well done!!

[@skycar2508]

Thank you! 😊

[@blakelindemann8672]

Amazing video, no padding or advertising! Thank you

[@tomashford2247]

Not to criticize, and I think the video was 99% good. However, when you are tightening the lug nuts on the wheel we should all do so in a STAR pattern rather than sequentially. By saying "a star pattern", I mean first tighten one lug to a fairly low torque, then pick a lug across from the first one, then the one next to the first one (which is across from the 2nd) and so on. Go around, increasing torque, 2 or 3 times until reaching the correct torque. This way there will be no run-out, or wobbling of the wheel. Use a torque wrench, if possible. This I learned from a master mechanic.

[@skycar2508]

Thanks for commenting! Yeah, you’re correct. I just wasn’t focused on that at that time.

[@Angela-qq6hs]

You made this so easy to follow. Seriously, thank you a million times!!

[@skycar2508]

You're so welcome!

[@pabloruizhenao2761]

This was a great video, it's going to save me quite a few dollars by not going to the Garage!

[@TheSeanquinn]

Dude please keep making these videos! You made it look so simple I have to do mine as we speak thanks for the video

[@skycar2508]

Thank you for the support! I’ll keep making them. Good luck with your repair!

[@ataman3141]

Bro thank you for keeping it very simple. I have jack and 1 jackstand. I will try to replace my forester 11`s front pads. I hope it works!

[@ericp3573]

while you are there check to make sure the guide pins have lube! If they are dry your brakes will not float as they should

[@skycar2508]

Thank you for mentioning it!

[@user-rk8bk4xc8v]

thank you for making this! just finished this up and used this video. super helpful.

[@skycar2508]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ghentrosson8945]

good idea to also open the brake reservoir cap before mashing in pistons

[@skycar2508]

Thanks for commenting. I know there’re many people on the internet saying that a brake reservoir cap should be opened when replacing brake pads. I’m not going to argue with that because people are saying whatever they want. I just checked the factory repair manual one more time, and there’s nothing about opening the cap. The only thing that they mentioned is if a piston is difficult to push back, bleeding valve should be loosened.

[@HawkGTboy]

I’m going to start doing this myself. Every time I take a car into the shop for new pads they tell me the rotors are bad. I’ve had shops REFUSE to replace the pads without doing the rotors as well, before they even looked at the car.

[@spawn11]

Awesome, made it look very straight forward

[@frankrose946]

Nice Video....No talking... just the repair (what a concept its about time) Yep.. just loosen the top bolt a bit swing the caliper out of the way. I used a bungee cord to "keep" the caliper out of the way. Again...nice video.

[@skycar2508]

Thank you!

[@BoneStack117]

Could you do a spark plug tutorial on this vehicle some day? Thanks so much for this awesome tutorial

[@skycar2508]

Thank you Kyler, I replaced spark plugs about 8K miles ago, but I think I can remove some spark plugs for demonstration purposes some day. It’s not that hard to do. You’ll need good spark plug socket with extension. I’ve found it easier to remove battery and windshield washer reservoir on the driver’s side and air filter box on the passenger side, so you have comfortable access to spark plugs.

[@megrai4137]

Silent mechanic 👍

[@jorgegallo3261]

Thanks for making it look simple! Most videos overdo it. I am now encouraged to do it

[@SeniorTurner]

Shop wants 350 for just the back pads.. looks like I will be doing it thank you.

[@palexanderrice]

So I just learned how to do my back brakes, watched this for the front. I am so pissed that I’ve been paying someone to do this.

[@skycar2508]

Yes, it’s a simple job.

[@ricknelson3607]

Well I was able to break free bolts and change out the calipers and disc breaks. New problem is I can't get system to bleed properly. Peddle keeps going to the floor. Never had such a problem with breaks. Is this a common Subaru problem?

[@Metal_junk]

How do I measure 27 ft-lbs with a hand socket wrench?

[@aminadabmorales9421]

Best video !!

[@skycar2508]

Thank you, I’m glad you like it!

[@bbyjungles2011]

Can I use this same method for the back brakes of the Forester?

[@skycar2508]

Absolutely, unless it has drum brakes in the back.

[@daniellungu9206]

Awesome video!

[@skycar2508]

Thank you! I hope it was helpful for you.

[@datgio4951]

Really good video bro, EZ GGs

[@skycar2508]

Thanks!

[@chadwesselkamper]

how do you know how much your tightening the bolt in ft. lbs. if your just using a torque wrench?

[@skycar2508]

The only way to tighten the bolts to exact torque, is to use a torque wrench. I did just approximate torque.

[@adventurecats4816]

Thanks!

[@skycar2508]

No problem!

[@exceptionallyskeptical587]

I don't know much about cars that's why I'm watching this video cuz I want to try to change my front brakes by myself to save some money, but wasn't he supposed to bleed the brakes? That's the part I was waiting for it to really know how to do

[@skycar2508]

Hi, no brake bleeding is required after changing brake pads. The brake bleeding procedure is done after the air gets into the system. It happens when you replace brake calipers, hoses, or other parts when brake fluid leaks occur. Replacing the brake pads doesn’t involve any of these.

[@kaffeinefan9883]

Thanks!!

[@skycar2508]

No problem!

[@grantorino7644]

How is the caliper staying up?

[@skycar2508]

I’m holding it while working on it, but you can tie it up to the strut spring.

[@scrunchymacscruff1244]

The noise sensor feelers didn't seem to fit back on the inside so I flipped 'em and the feeler is now on the outside, and could that be a problem?

[@skycar2508]

Hi, it shouldn’t be a problem. They are installed on the inside because inner pads are usually wear faster, so you hear noise earlier. So, in your case just perform visual inspections of the pads.

[@scrunchymacscruff1244]

@@skycar2508 Okay, thanks very much. I bought the stuff from chgina on eeby and they are ceramic pads and the rotors are magnesium coated (or something) and have holes and channels, supposedly for heat dissipation. I test-drove it three times and they're not locking up, no vibe's, and tracks nice. I drove a distance without applying them and they didn't grab and were cool. But they sure do get hot when I touch 'em! Is there a break-in period?

[@scrunchymacscruff1244]

I replaced the stock rotors because brakes were overheating driving down the mountain, then it would start to shudder! and lose stopping power.

[@skycar2508]

No, there’s no break in period, they should work immediately. If brakes get hot, means pads are not released after you take your foot off the brake pedal. Guide pins are responsible for smooth brake pads floating. They can be worn or need to be greased. However, based on what you wrote, I think that overheating is caused by bad caliper, the pistons might be stuck. There are many other problems in the system can cause brakes not working properly, but not overheating. Please don’t drive with that bad brakes.

[@scrunchymacscruff1244]

@@skycar2508 Many thanks.

[@mackymac5754]

Hello, I replaced just my front brake pads but now it's making like a squeeking / scraping noise even if I'm not applying brake and it's louder on one side only ( passenger side to be exact ) :-( any idea?

[@skycar2508]

Hello, you have to inspect it visually first, and check if brake pads sit properly in their place, check brake hardware and make sure it’s not touching brake disk(rotor). If it’s squeaking when brake isn’t applied, it means that brake pads are not released completely. it might be that guide pins are worn out or not lubricated, and they suppose to move easily. Pin guides are two bolts with rubber boots on them. They’re responsible for correct brake pads releasing. Good luck.

[@mackymac5754]

@@skycar2508 Thanks, got it. Also, no need to apply anti-seize on the bolts?

[@skycar2508]

Hello, I wouldn’t use anti-seize on those bolts to avoid them getting loose.

[@mackymac5754]

@@skycar2508 ok, thanks.

[@releasal434]

Do I need a brake caliper tool?

[@skycar2508]

Yes, you need something to push the piston in. You can use large pliers or other tricks.

[@brandonb6274]

What year was this Subaru

[@skycar2508]

2005

[@jblanla]

Brand of brake pads?

[@skycar2508]

I installed Akebono pads.

[@scrunchymacscruff1244]

! year !ater, do!ng !t aga!n

[@skycar2508]

You probably drive a lot.

[@ericam.brooks4857]

Thanks 😊