2017 Subaru STI Brake Rotor and Pad Install - DBA T3000 + Hawk 5.0

[@anthonyc.6170]

Great video!! and again, love the “how-to” series. Just like to add two things that was taught to me by seasoned mechanics. 1) You can use lug nuts to hold the rotors in place when you reinstall the caliper, that will make it easier. 2) Some, myself included, apply anti-seize to the caliper bolts. If anti-seize is used, the torque value needs to be reduced as it will act as a lubricant. Literature suggest a reduction of 25% and sometimes more depending on the size of the hardware. I don’t think you used any but just want to share this with your subscribers. Thank you.

[@MsHermesaur]

Here's a tip. Don't know if anyone else mentioned it because I'm too lazy to read through the comments. On the 18+ STI Brembo calipers there's also a pin in the middle that's held by a M8 flanged bolt w/ a 13mm head on the back side. That bolt is the correct thread to use on those threaded holes to remove the rotor. You just have to pull the pin from the other wheel so you'll have 2 bolts to use. Thanks for the helpful video!

[@Autofreakgarage]

The bolt used to hold the brake line to the strut can be used as well 👍🏻

[@MsHermesaur]

@@Autofreakgarage Didn't know that. Thanks fellow Subi!

[@nicholasbellissimo7162]

So you just need a 8mm bolt is what you're saying?

[@aaronh.917]

Working on my install now. Dealership quoted ~$3800 USD for front and back rotors and pads with labor. Saving myself about $3200 with your help!

[@jimbob172]

Glad you mentioned the risk of the threads stripping out. I just replaced rotors and pads on my car with 100K kilometers and has been subjected to Canadian winters and salt. The two caliper bolts (steel) pulled out the aluminum threads from the caliper. I was able to drill them out and install helicoils but let me tell you that was a major PITA. Thankfully avoided having to replace the caliper. For the remaining three calipers I heated them up with a propane torch until they were just hot enough that it was uncomfortable to hold them but not super hot. That allowed the bolts to come out without issue. Be sure to use copper antiseize on them which is good for high temp and dissimilar metals.

[@JoelMartinez-qp7zy]

I love how you love your car. Not many people would think about cleaning as you change out the rotors. 👍🏼

[@massif1007]

If you turn the wheel to the left on this side then iit is much easier to work on the back of the caliper

[@ivankong1065]

This video is the reason I went with dba and hawk hps 5.0. Absolutely no squeak at all and a MAJOR improvement over the stock pads, even though mine is only a wrx not a sti. Since I drive on the highway all the time, some extra sudden stopping power wouldnt hurt.

[@tommanning7337]

Did my brakes last summer and I gotta say Brembo brakes are quick and easy!!!!!! LOVE IT!! Only did pads, my next brake job I’ll be doing pads and rotors. Great video man!👍🏻

[@Hdhillon90]

Great video! Did the exact same swap a couple weeks back. Just keep in mind that these pads actually have a bit more clearance when they sit inside the caliper. When reversing, you might hear a click, which is essentially extra room for the pads during heavy braking(expansion due to heat).

[@Autofreakgarage]

Thanks for the tip!

[@mauriciobravoderueda5253]

Just did the same job yesterday. You were not kidding with that front passenger caliper. PITA w/o a swivel head breaker bar.

[@scottdman]

Nice vid, good technique. Most brake pad manufacturers claim that the slot in the friction material is intended to allow gases (from high heat loads) to vent better and keep the rotor cooler.

[@thomaspalko4430]

When taking the pins out of the front calipers, press down on the clip to relieve the tension on the pins...they'll slide out much easier that way.

[@christopherclapp6911]

Thanks so much for this video! The dealership is trying to tell me the pads are on national back order and that just to install a pair of pads and rotors in the front it would be $1300.00 and they can only be brembo. I knew it's a lie and I am saving almost a thousand dollars from what they were saying!

[@matd8958]

Thanks man , you should be sponsored, plan on buying this exact setup for 2017 sti.

[@matd8958]

Came in the mail today. Going on this weekend.

[@chaddaarud9990]

Great video! I need to do mine! This is extremely helpful for a non-mechanic:)

[@cchhiillaannggoo]

This video is really helpful, I’m going to be installing this same rotors and new brake pads on my 17 STi as well today

[@MVP_23375]

Thank you so much this video was super useful saved myself 150 thanks a lot

[@pgreen94]

Great video instructions, I used them yesterday to install brakes and pads on my 2016 STI.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Glad to have helped!

[@Ivftinianvs]

I find a box end wrench is the best way to break free the bolts holding on the calipers. Just tap-tap with a big hammer. A lot of small taps rather than big heavy pounding. If a box end wrench doesn't work, I try a socket on a long breaker bar. I have destroyed ratchet socket wrenches doing this so I don't use them unless I can break free the bolt with one hand.

[@stevenmitchem6744]

Get install video. Just double checking. You also reinstalled the shim that came out with the factory pads

[@Autofreakgarage]

Correct. Swap the shims over from stock pads.

[@skepticalskeksis221]

I did the exact same rotor and pad replaced 2 years ago believe it or not. I love the rotors, but have since change the pads due to excessive squeaking. I don’t care how well they work if they squeak like a race car on my way to the drive through Starbucks.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Did you properly bed the pads and rotors in? I’ve been riding on them for a few days now and they are as quiet as can be.

[@asaelmendez7781]

So helpful. Just wondering what type of breaks you using. Or can you give me a link where to get them ? Thank you!

[@Autofreakgarage]

Stock brembos with dba 3000 rotors and hawk 5.0 pads.

[@TheE3R]

Just got my front set of DBA 4000, took both calipers out and the inebitable just happen to me, driver side bottom bolt broke, and I PB blast the hell out of it, now my best bet take it to my tuner and pay 200-250 to fix it

[@christopherclapp6911]

What size bolts did you use to pop the rotors off? I can’t get mine off. I’ve got a 2017 wax sti like you and need help on what size those bolts are so I can go buy some and pop the rotors off so i can finish doing my breaks. Is it 8 mm or what? Thanks

[@Autofreakgarage]

Use the brake line bracket bolt

[@christopherclapp6911]

@@Autofreakgarage The ones that you take off the calipers?

[@Autofreakgarage]

The brake line on the strut

[@christopherclapp6911]

@@Autofreakgarage Hey yeah, I got it! Thanks, I did what you did and it worked perfectly 🥰

[@christopherclapp6911]

@@Autofreakgarage I'm going to keep my car forever so I want to do some of the modifications when I'm more financially able too after I'm done with nursing anesthesia school then I'll really be able to take care of my sti. I like your garage set up quite a bit. The good thing is that im getting a home loan next year so as far as a proper garage set up is concerned what would you recommend? Would you get a lift, etc? Thanks again for everything. I've been able to get things done thanks to your tips. In fact it's totally worth joining your member page.

[@Kojima93]

Thank you so much for this video and for your wisdom and knowledge! You saved me money and gave me the ability to do it myself.

[@alfredojarillo3146]

Where you from? Upstate, rust climate makes a difference. Antisieze does make a difference. 04 WRX owner. Salt is my enemy, frame wise, engine wise a beautiful piece of art. Looking to upgrade my brakes to four pistons. “Looking and thinking” but this WRX is beautiful stock. Let’s see!’mm

[@10MMsocketfinder]

Great video, next time turn the passenger side wheel to the left to have better leverage and vise versus on the drivers side. Love all your videos brother.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Thanks for the tip haha but hopefully won’t have to do this job for a while. Thanks for the support.

[@mrexile09]

I just did my fronts this passed Saturday and doing my rears tomorrow, forgot about the grease on the back of the shims 🤦‍♂️.

[@Kambo_STI]

What the torque for the rear I’m doing my brakes right now lol you didn’t mention the torque for the rear

[@Marticus518]

@19:01 you say to not forget the stock shims as well, do you mean I should stack them with the shims on the new pads??

[@charlielapp2427]

I am wondering the same thing. Just bought brembos for my WRX and they did not come with shims. The pads did however. Seems odd that you are supposed to stack them like that.

[@mikeyrov5230]

Hey man , so I attempted my fronts , pulled some threads out the calipers going to re tapp , But I might have another issue , The threads that take the bolt Frist ( the arm on the car ) should those have threads ? My bolt goes in without turning . Or does it just tighten down to the caliper , I can email a pic if I make no sense lol

[@gabbycalabrese3009]

I’m going to keep commenting with questions lol. I’m so scared to strip those bolts. You say Wd-40 and let it sit? Then exactly try to barely twist it .. ? How hard was that? That’s what I’m most nervous for. Also, I don’t need to do anything to my brake lines right away, they just move out of the way with the caliper to put the pads and rotors on, correct or what am I missing?

[@iAmFAUST]

What brake fluid to use? I would get airline tubing and put into a bottle with fluid to bleed brakes. This way no air into the system. I noticed nobody bleeds brakes in these.. I never had a newer car past 2003 until I got my 2020 STI.

[@Autofreakgarage]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/onzap4Z5gp5re5Ysi=n7hzHroJbK-gxi_8

[@martywrx]

Hey mate, I'm about to change out my rotors pads this weekend due to watching your video. All I'm worried about is stripping the caliper bolts... car has 43k miles on it.

[@ryanmiller2376]

How’d you luck out? Looking to do mine this Saturday, 45k… Pennsylvania daily driven until recently

[@sopadesopita]

great video:) clean and no filler.

[@TLEE68]

Is rear caliper bolts torque spec also 80 ft lbs?

[@AngelGonzalez-tn1gv]

Recently bought the same setup as you and they stop phenomenal, but...they tend to make a lot of noise. Specifically screeching. They are track pads so i kinda of expected it. Still really good brakes.

[@Autofreakgarage]

You need to bed then in more. They should squeak as they are not track pads. They are for the street.

[@xxraverxxonxtacy]

Great job on the enhanced Brakes setup, are you able to resurface these rotors when the time comes?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes definitely could. Plenty of life left on the stock rotors.

[@alexm9797]

do you remember the random bolt thread that you used to pop the rotor off with?

[@Autofreakgarage]

You can use the dust shield bolt

[@TS-wp3wt]

Yea def wanna take the cap off the reservoir, also you should lube those caliper bolts.

[@christopherclapp6911]

Can you do a video on how to install a new clutch? Or do you have one already? I need to install a new clutch as well for my 2017 wrx sti.

[@Autofreakgarage]

I’m on the stock clutch so no video on this. Definitely some solid videos out there that walk you through this process.

[@christopherclapp6911]

@@Autofreakgarage cool because it's acting up where while accelerating the rpms wind up, but the speed of the vehicle remains the same. Also, sometimes when I shift into 4th gear it says it's in 6th then flashes to 4th. I think it's the clutch wearing out.

[@a__nunez]

Would you say the Hawk pads are better than the OEM Brembos that the STI comes with? It's time for me to change my brake pads thinking about doing this setup.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes I was very happy with the hawk’s over the OEM.

[@prinyaw]

Spacer that you put it was due to the closed attachment to the alloy wheel or what was it used for other purpose?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Just for fitment. Not clearance related.

[@stevesas4744]

Hi, Just wondering what the pad friction area height is. in other words the length of the split on the new pad?

[@mikeyrov5230]

Hey bro could use some advice, I just picked up 2017 STI , I knew that it would need a clutch so I brought it to a specialist and got the clutch done , I was going to have them do the pads bc there low but I was told the bolts that hold the caliper on was seized up and they said it would most likely snap , they said that job for them would take 3 days bc they send out the calipers to a machine shop to drill out the bolt. The clutch job was done in 5 hours and with a trans fluid change it ran me 1600$ total. That was fine with me but the brakes are bumming me out bc I always did my own . I’m now learning the subies used aluminum calipers with steel bolts. Any advice ? I haven’t tired to get the bolt out but if I snap it I’m screwed to get to work , thanks man love ur vids

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes the calipers threads are a known issue. But shouldn’t take three days. Most people do a nutsert or retap it and you’re going to go.

[@mikeyrov5230]

@@Autofreakgarage ty bro ! Yeah I find that really odd , they told me it’s bc the send it to a diff shop and a laser does it lol. I might just slap on some pads and check another place.

[@absboodoo]

Me being the idiot i am struggled for half an hour with the pins because I forgot to take out the cotter pins. The two 19mm was actually pretty easy for me, only trouble was hard to get an angle on it.

[@xxxULTRANOVAxxx]

Not going to go crazy with the impact. *proceeds to give it the beans

[@Autofreakgarage]

Beans were indeed served. But! I removed those calipers to install a rotora bbk not long after and they came out no problem.

[@oilstates]

Does anyone know the size and thread pitch of the bolt he used to pop the rotors off the hub? Thanks in advance

[@Autofreakgarage]

You can use the screw that you remove from the rotor

[@alanchanthavisouk8557]

What is the torque spec on the rear caliper bolts? N how long did u let the rust penetrate settle for those caliper bolts for?

[@Autofreakgarage]

I used 80ftlbs. Only for a few minutes, but that will depend on rusted the bolts are. Mine were fairly clean so it didn’t take long to penetrate the bolt.

[@noxnyc23]

Bro you made that job look so smooth 👍🏼.. I need new rotors soon I'm in 75k my sti ..

[@Autofreakgarage]

Editing makes any job look easy haha

[@hks071]

If u turn the wheel, it would be easier to torque them up

[@seanbond1008]

Hey man I absolutely love your car. You should be proud of it. I have a '20 STI but it's 100% stock except for some aesthetic upgrades. Also from NJ myself, Bergen County. Did you notice any handling changes when you installed the spacers? I'm thinking of going with RCE Yellow lowering springs and throwing some spacers on the OEM wheels but I've heard mixed things about running spacers.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Thank you! Spacers of this size will not have any effect on the cars handling. I’m not a fan of spacers normally, but something this small doesn’t bother me.

[@MamunShaikh]

So do you put the shims from the OEM pads on top of the new pad shims and then grease the oem pads? Trying to figure out what the order should be. Pad > New Pad Shim > OEM Shim > Grease?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Put grease on both the back of the pad and shim. They only fit one way. Caliper piston , OEM shim, pad, rotor. Anything the piston touches needs to be greased.

[@ramondragon7]

VERY informative video man you da damn MVP!!!!

[@kingkyong5201]

great video. thank u. do u know what size of that two temp bolts for taking out rotor?

[@Autofreakgarage]

It’s an m8 bolt

[@kingkyong5201]

@@Autofreakgarage so..8mm i think. Thank u sir. its really great video.

[@kcspeed9980]

Are these the same breaks as the wrx series white/performance pack? Trying to get pads for mine and I’m not getting much help. Looking for a good track day pad.

[@Autofreakgarage]

I can't 100% confirm, but by the looks of it, they seem to be very similar. I am willing to bet is it the same just by looking at the pictures.

[@kcspeed9980]

@@Autofreakgarage thanks for the advice, I’m planning on going to nj Motorsports park on aug21 for my first HPDE. I’m just bringing a second set of oem pads. After I’ll experiment with a set of hawk pads.

[@kcspeed9980]

As a fallow-up since my track day I would like to note to all brembo wrx/sti owners if you notice squealing from your breaks while the break pedal is NOT pressed and your pads are not worn it’s contamination on your pads from dirt/debris rust or in my case break rotor transfer from high load. Try sanding the pad surface with 180 grit sand paper. This was driving me nuts.

[@erzramirez3351]

Very interesting video so helpful.

[@gabbycalabrese3009]

HEY QUICK QUESTION. the shims, how do they go in?

[@Autofreakgarage]

They just go against the back of the pad as you slip it into the caliper.

[@gabbycalabrese3009]

@@Autofreakgarage hey, thanks! I'm doing this exact set up, on my own, next week.

[@gtam81]

I did the exact same setup but with DBA T2 Street Performance Pads but notice high pitch sound when firmly braking at about 30 to 20km to stopping point. Do you put your oem shim on to the back of the dba shim that came with the pads?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes I used the OEM shims as well. Make sure the bed the pads and rotors in properly to rid the squeaking.

[@gtam81]

@@Autofreakgarage good thanks

[@GA08GT478]

Nice upgrade!

[@mannyoomrow7307]

What shims are you talking about?

[@Autofreakgarage]

From the stock pads

[@yumee19]

Hey great video, really helpful. But just wondering how do you know which way to loosen the caliper bolt for all side? And do you suggest on using a breaker bar or as your video, just rachets? I'm scared of stripping the bolt haha.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Left loosey for each side. I prefer Wrenches when loosening since you’ll be able to feel off the bolt breaks loose or not.

[@yumee19]

@@Autofreakgarage Thanks i kinda knew it was left but i cant seem to find any infos when it comes to this haha. Would u recommend a 6 point wrench? And its a 19mm bolt right. Sry tons of question. I'm a newb when it comes to this.

[@Autofreakgarage]

If I remember correctly, it’s 19 front snd 17 rear. A normal socket works just fine. Just put the wrench on and hit it with the side of your hand to break it loose.

[@yumee19]

@@Autofreakgarage Thank you! Lastly, what about bleeding the brake, is that necessary? I only plan to do the rotor and pads. I got 47k on my 2017 sti.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Not necessary, but recommended. Bleeding alone will help the pedal feel tremendously.

[@MC-pz4fd]

Will these exact rotors and pads work/fit a 21 sti?

[@Autofreakgarage]

You would need a different size

[@MC-pz4fd]

@@Autofreakgarage do you know where I can verify the sizes? People just say they got the 4000 series but don’t specify what SKU.

[@toxicwaste491]

Hi do you put anti seize before putting on the rotor?

[@Autofreakgarage]

You can but I didn’t when I installed these. Came off no problem when I removed them for the bbk.

[@toxicwaste491]

@@Autofreakgarage thanks, dealer quoted me at 1,900 for front oem rotor and pad install so deciding to do it myself since I can get way better parts for cheaper. Do you have recommendations, currently deciding between hawk 5.0 pads and dba 5000 or rotora h6 pads and their super challenge rotors

[@Autofreakgarage]

@toxicwaste491 I was really happy with the hawk and dba setup.

[@toxicwaste491]

@@Autofreakgarage sounds like I'll be getting rotora thanks! and assuming you had the h6 pads did you notice they weren't as strong with low temps such as just driving around, I know they are meant for street/track so was wondering if they only work rly good at higher track temps.

[@toxicwaste491]

Lol just reread your reply I thought you said wasn't really happy with the dba setup so nvm

[@kyleSTI]

Torx screw driver. not allen. just in case no one corrected you. and be very careful if you mistake using a torx screw driver when removing an allen screw, you're going to have a bad day. you'll screw up the tool and fastener.

[@tubedude92]

what new rotors are those?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Dba

[@donkyuhbuhts540]

Omg the balls of impacting on those brake bolts on these brembos....😱😱😱😱😱 I love the impacts, but on the aluminum calipers... i just can't lol torque wrench at 80ft lbs call it a day personally

[@Autofreakgarage]

Haha I didn’t do a full impact on them as I turned down the ftlbs. Stopped as soon as they tightened.

[@Matt-hb7tu]

how do you stick the shims to the new pads?

[@Autofreakgarage]

They get sandwiched between the caliper and brake pad.

[@websters5569]

maaaan.. i wish my caliper bolts comes off that easy. i broke mine off and idk what to do lol

[@Autofreakgarage]

Sorry to hear that man. Looks like you’ll have to drill them out and helicoil it.

[@websters5569]

@@Autofreakgarage yeah.. i might just bring it to the shop and spend $100 and call it

[@mikecorvasce7074]

Can you put antiseize on the caliper bolts

[@Autofreakgarage]

Yes you can, but you want to make sure they are snuggled down a bit more since the anti seize can interfere with the torque spec.

[@luigitouchette421]

great video !

[@joseLopez-nr8dl]

Do you have a link by any chance?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Check the description

[@moonman_8935]

I've got a 2019 STI & the DBA T3 are my next setup.

[@36trisix48]

Why not turn the tyre for more room to loosen/tighten those caliper mate 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@Autofreakgarage]

This was a thought that didn’t occur at the time of install but did eventually after I was finished.

[@f_ngan89]

great video

[@stamdar1]

Please specify front rotor In title.

[@Autofreakgarage]

Updated sir.

[@Haylem]

Awesome!

[@oman350]

Do they sqeak?

[@Autofreakgarage]

They don’t, but if they do you need to bed them in more.

[@aplong1911]

What are the 3mm spacers for?

[@Autofreakgarage]

Just for fitment of the wheels.

[@WhatWhiteMenSay]

I don't care what anyone says. Always replace rotors when you do pads.

[@1503redTOwN21]

You had so much life on your brakes but if u have the money why not

[@7381366]

Torque specs on two bolts for caliper ?

[@Autofreakgarage]

80ftlbs