'19 Subaru Forester: Front Brake Job - OEM Parts

[@DIYDaveOK]

Character still matters, Eric, and that's why so many of us love your content - it isn't *just* about the work, it's about your insistence on doing things *right*. Thanks as always, Eric.

[@SouthMainAuto]

I appreciate that!

[@alexs3447]

@@SouthMainAuto Dave is right . Eric has some scruples

[@scottjohnson5449]

and let us not forget the great MRS. O for going and getting the parts... one hella good sport!!!!

[@alexs3447]

@@scottjohnson5449 Sure she doesn't mind seeing the parts guys.

[@davidfunk5859]

Yes yes kudos kudos Eric! Now ... Let me tell you how I would have done that brake job. LOL

[@anwalt693]

If I were the customer, I would not mind paying extra for the OEM parts, quote or no quote, especially under the circumstances of the NAPA screw-up. Besides, 70K plus on the front brake pads and rotors tells me the OEM parts were pretty darn good. If I had a mechanic as good as Eric O., I would want him to get fair compensation for his work, even if it cost me a few dollars more. Guys like Eric aren't gold, they're platinum.

[@shahsmerdis]

I know this is not possible for shops but I always found Subaru brake parts cheaper than the store brand parts for about the same price when shopping from an online dealer. Kinda impossible with a shop, but if possible, and no rush . Better to keep more money in the hands of the shop or owner not dealer

[@Alteredgenetic]

Agreed. I would do the same and I wouldn't mind either. Parts are parts, labor is labor. Parts prices aren't always controllable, and if NAPA (not a sponsor) screwed him, I wouldn't want him to eat it and lose money for something that was out of his hands. It's not like he was adding extra hours of labor. Not making a dime on that job is actually cost him since he couldn't take another job so it snowballed. Mr. O is a good man and I would gladly bring him all my work, but if he can do it, I can do it.

[@jblyon2]

@@shahsmerdis I've been able to get Toyota parts from dealers online for about the same as aftermarket. There's even a local dealer who sells them cheap online, but will tell you to pound sand if you show up at the parts counter and ask to get the online price. Sad you have to jump through the hoops, but OEM can usually be had for a good price, if you're willing to look. Always prefer OEM brake parts to aftermarket, especially with rotors. I've had too many aftermarket rotors warp in a short time.

[@johnevans9751]

I agree

[@alexs3447]

I would do the same. No sense Eric taking the whole kick in the coyenes himself

[@rydenclancy9519]

As a retired truck driver I can't tell you how many times I've woken up in a cold sweat from a braking issue nightmare.

[@groosbro1]

I had the same feeling when didn't switch from summer tires to all seasons before the first snow storm. Barely made it home, felt like I was driving on an ice rink the whole time.

[@AToolWithTools]

I used to have those a lot about my old car. Never even had problems with them, I think it was the natural sponginess that all of those models had in the pedal

[@vwwrenchie314]

not a good idea to drive while asleep..lol🤪

[@craigsmith8217]

I got tired and pulled my car over to the side of the road to take a nap. The car wouldn't stop even tho I was pushing the pedal as hard as I could. Then I woke up and realized that the motion was from the wind of cars going by.

[@BravoZulu1416]

The worst is if you park on a get on ramp to take a nap while leaning over the wheel at night. Then some smart ass parks right in front of you. You wake up and see those tail lights right in front of you. That gets the old heart pumping fast

[@melvingibson4525]

A lot of shop owners wouldn't have done that for the customer. What you did shows a lot of character, thinking of long term relationships rather than the quick buck. Nice job

[@carlkraus6034]

Eric, there isn't anything wrong with showing another brake job. Most DIY'ers do at least brake jobs if nothing else. I never get tired of watching. I always learn something.

[@clintprice2123]

Eric O has integrity and if I was told that it cost him more I’d want to make it right and pay the difference. Mrs O for the win, she’s always so supportive and accommodating in the shop. Many wives would not do that.

[@ice44567]

I actually used to be a delivery driver for a NAPA store when I was in college, and when I would mess up and bring a shop the wrong parts, I always felt terrible about it. I made sure to take the full blame on the spot, because at the end of the day, the drivers are the ones who actually read the order and pick the parts. Stuff like the wrong part in the "right" box was a bit different, but I still hated letting down the shops who depended on me to be quick to get the customer out the door quick. I mean ultimately crap happens, but it's a shame your driver went the excuse route since he ultimately cost you income on this job.

[@duanethumudo3967]

That seems to be the direction companies go know is the book of excuses. Customer service is out the window.

[@Graham_Langley]

@@duanethumudo3967 Or as I found out recently with a local large but independent tyre (UK) place, blame the customer. They damaged a rod end locknut while failing to free it and tracked it using the other side only so the steering wheel was offset to the left. I took it home, freed it off no problem, fitted a new one (M17 thread so Mazda dealer only @ £9.70) and took it back for them to do the job properly. They refused to pay for the nut and, amongst other things suggested I was the one that had damaged it in the first place. Been using them for 20 years but never again.

[@bizbot1655]

@@duanethumudo3967 There's no accountability anymore, just excuses.

[@plowkingf15]

My Napa has a new O'Reilly's up the street. We'll see how that works out.

[@steelers19571]

its so sad that there isnt more business out there honest like you. keep up the great work

[@dougheywood4692]

You are a man of your word staying with the quoted price. A rare thing these days especially in your business.

[@ShainAndrews]

Bound by law.. in all 50 states. Only possible alternative is to turn the work away. But since his business relies on getting that brake job done so he doesn't loose the place. Well he does the brake job.

[@dougheywood4692]

@@ShainAndrews while that may be true (I am not disputing) there are plenty of shops out there that will find a way to jack the price somehow so they don't work for free.

[@bertgrau3934]

@@ShainAndrews I don't think so, it's usually just an ESTIMATE, not written in stone. Still it's a return customer, so you do what you need to for the customer.

[@larryadelberg6676]

@@bertgrau3934 many states have a maximum one can deviate from an estimate, I would assume NY, the nanny state of nanny states, is one of them. ;). Most customers don't know that but ......

[@bertgrau3934]

@@larryadelberg6676 I did not know that, thank you for that information. I would think New York, and California would probably have similar laws. Glad I don't live in those states. Again thank you Sir, have a Happy Thanksgiving 😊

[@ThePlayerToBeNamedLater]

Had a Honda that I drove mainly highway miles back in the day. Took it in for a recall at about 48k and they of course check everything. When I came back they commented that the brakes were in great shape and had minimal wear. Told them with a straight face, "I hardly use the brakes, the car came with a horn." They gut quite the laugh out of that.

[@rogerchevelle8543]

Honest shop. Keeps his words on his price quote. Great video Eric O👍

[@billc7211]

I really appreciate Eric‘s videos for several reasons: 1. His ongoing commentary is amusing and very informative. For example, his lesson on burping the boots was awesome. 2. He really takes care of the lighting and camera positioning to the best of his ability which makes the videos much more enjoyable. 3. He really cares about the quality of his work. It doesn’t matter what the topic is, I’ll always watch his videos.

[@Ragas07]

SMA brake jobs are legendary! They never get old and boring. And keeping your word on the price even though you spent more than what was quoted to the customer talks a lot about your character Mr. O. Really appreciate it!

[@deathk26]

Always nice when parts suppliers absolve themselves of any responsibility.

[@thegreatiam316]

A true blessing to your neighborhood not just with skills in car repair but as an honest mechanic that chooses to always do the right thing. Thanks for sharing and teaching us in thy way.

[@andrecampbell691]

I've probably watched you do about 100 brake jobs, I just can't help myself, I'm addicted. 😵‍💫

[@stevelapointe140]

Who else liked the mug at 14:40? If you missed it, it is worth going back and having a look. I agree Eric, I also get those calls with a customer expecting to be my only or my biggest concern. Love the videos, Happy Thanks Giving

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Great mug, tells it all :-)

[@raymondreiff8170]

I saw the White cup, But my Video quality isn't good enough to see the words, But whatever it's says if ERIC has it, That means it's GOOD 👍🇺🇸👍.

[@michaelsauthoff106]

@@raymondreiff8170 Let me just drop everything and fix your shit

[@TeemarkConvair]

"is what it is", and that's why you have a loyal customer base

[@knobblyknob]

I love how tidy you keep your shop and gear, Stevie Wonder could see that you're a true pro.

[@rwinstanley8668]

😂

[@billziegmond4943]

I did a brake job on the family Grand Prix. It had a white leather interior. I am covered with grease. I tell Dad " I didn't pump the brakes up. So pump them up before you move the car." Say hello to the new drive through garage! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JasonMeyer-fy8og]

I'm not sure that everyone can truly appreciate how truly rare it is what a shop stands by their quoted price...and still doesn't cut corners on service/install. Bravo Eric...and to Mrs. O for the 2 hr round trip to make this happen!

[@jayjudd6518]

Happy day when you work for free , bless your heart. I want a repair guy like you !!

[@Theshitboxtech]

I give you credit. That's how you take care of a customer. Most shops would have just adjusted the price and called the customer. Others would have not called the costumer and adjusted the price. Eatting the cost to stay true to a quote they agreed to shows you have integrity. I respect that

[@nzcyclone]

A big Shout Out to Mrs O for doing that 2 hour trip to pick up the Subaru parts for you and therefore for the customer. I love your videos. They are no nonsense. Good old common sense without any added drama or effects. It is sad though in a lot of ways that for the younger ones coming through (and not just in automotive industry but all industries) The younger ones may think that the older generation are a bunch of old foogies but, The amount of knowledge is extreme. For the younger generation unless you are wise to harness that knowledge which I am sure if you show interest they will teach you. You are going to miss out on so much... Because one day all these older ones wont be around and then you will go "If only I had taken the time to ask or find out" Keep safe and well everyone :)

[@freetolook3727]

When I was in business I treated my customers like friends and family because I knew that someday I would pass them on the sidewalk or in a store and I wanted to be able to look them in the eye and say hi instead of trying to avoid them. I was told by other business owners that wasn't the way to make money but I didn't care, I had plenty enough to raise three kids and that's all that was important to me at the time.

[@rumrunner1756]

I have been going to my shop since’96. No one else will ever work on my vehicles. There is no substitute for competency, honesty and communication. 👍 to all the pros out there who treat their customers like family. It is appreciated.

[@BrikDivit]

I've watched a ton of brake jobs you've performed and I've taken a lot of your best practices. I don't live in the rust belt, but I've adopted many of your habits. I was recently complimented on my attention to detail on my process and told I was giving a "premium" effort. I say that to say....people notice when you care about the end result. Attention to detail matters. As the epitome of the shade tree mechanic, thank you for the free master classes.

[@joecoleman3069]

I loved reading the coffee mug at the 10:30 place. LOL! I never tire of watching your brake jobs, Eric. Thanks for sharing.

[@russdavis1960]

@ 11:48 mark it shows up well.....

[@davidapp3730]

Good to see a shop using a torque wrench on the wheel nuts. So many places say "We have a calibrated air wrench"

[@robertheinkel6225]

My Honda dealer has cost me two brake jobs after improperly torquing lug nuts. The Odyssey tends to warp brake rotors with improper torque.

[@cardo1111]

Always a first-rate brake job loaded with good tips. An honest man who honors his word and doesn't cut corners even if this particular job was unprofitable.

[@carlosnavarro921]

Thanks again Mr. O , I've been watching you do brake jobs for a few years now and they never get old and always learning new things as cars have evolved from back in my wrench pushing days 25 years ago. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving all the way from Ogden, Utah

[@MRosati5000]

We used to ship packeges to some military place in Ogden.. have a good one.

[@99andrianmonk]

Never get tired of SMA brake videos. Always learn something. Nice job, Mr. O. Happy Thanksgiving.

[@Drekulviin]

The best advice about brakes is here -> everytime you do a break job ; Go to office ; Tell miss O how much you love her ; Give her a big hug and get back to the garage there's job to do.

[@dainsmart6237]

Dear friend=Mr O I saw you use a break caliper file once and i ordered one straight away as a wire wheel just polished the rust it has saved me loads of time and everything fits back together perfectly every time so thanks for that little life saver. Kind regards. Dain. Keep the films coming 👍🏻☕🇬🇧•••+•••🇺🇲☕👍🏻.

[@rwinstanley8668]

I paused a Rory Calhoun western to watch ANOTHER SMA brake job!? Damn skippy I did! Happy T-Day the O’s

[@freeusnow6265]

Hay..love the content..Mr..O..shot out from south texas.san antonio. May. you an your family have a blessed Thanksgiving. 🙏☝️👍👊

[@grudd61]

You are one of the very few, that do a complete job on brakes. Great videos!!

[@jimclifford1241]

Integrity is as integrity does. The very best thing about your videos is the unwavering adherence to doing it right. The genuine down-homey wisdom and entertainment is what makes this must-see TV! Thanks, again Eric! Happy Thanksgiving.

[@santaclause2875]

Exactly the way I feel about Eric and his shop!!

[@robertcochran7103]

I watched your video because my own Forester needs rear brake pads, and I want to get a sense of what the job entails doing. Your wife is truly amazing -- Mrs. O, thank you for getting the OEM parts needed. 2 hours of driving is just no fun at all. Thank you for helping him. (And yes, I know this video was 1 year ago.)

[@legojenn]

I dropped by a NAPA on a Saturday to get a parking brake cable after Canadian Tire sold me the wrong part. I could not get over how many delivery vehicles they had. Even if their error rate is low they can give a lot of shops a bad day.

[@brianbanks3044]

in our neck of the woods, Central NY and lots of salt and snow and rust, when I do a brake job (expecially on MY subarus) I grind the pads down a little where they go into the caliper sliders....gob them up with antisieze and let them be a little loose in the bracket....might cause a click here or there but in 20-30K miles, the pads will pop out easily and more than likely not FREEZE solid in the caliper sliders...I also put a little antiseize between the caliper bracket and the new sliders to prevent as much rust as possible...one other thing I do is put some antiseize between the rotor and the hub so that it pops off next time too......great job Eric

[@kkovler1]

had to grind the ears a bit when doing rear brakes on a sonata, else they would not go in

[@jeffkeil7217]

Hey Napa!! Excuses are like (you know), everybody’s got one.😁😁😁

[@bradbeck2601]

Hey Eric, try a wire cup brush for an angle grinder. I put a 5/8 bolt and jam nut on it and run it with my impact. It fits perfectly around the hub center on a lot vehicles, at least the ones we have at our shop do. Works great.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Thanks for the tip!

[@DDrew67]

My boss gives me crap for cleaning hubs before rotor install....got to do it on the downlow

[@Eastahtata]

@@DDrew67 I had an annoying shimmy in the steering wheel at around 65mph. Tires were getting due to be replaced so I thought it's just old out of balance tires. New tires, same shimmy. So I inspected the brakes carefully and there was rust build up between the hub and rotor. Cleaned it off and the the steering wheel is smooth as glass. So it is important, not just a pointless OCD thing like some think.

[@brnmcc01]

@@Eastahtata Yup, rust jacking is a thing, especially in the salt belt.

[@braaapattack2937]

They sell those new, I have one I use on my drill for my car on the hubs

[@steveo6631]

SMA video just in time... I was gonna search for something worthwhile to watch, and bammm - SMA notification... The fast motion segments crack me up, man... I always hear Benny Hill Show song in my head... Nobody under 50 will get that, I'm sure... Stay well, my guy....

[@andrewfidel2220]

If I was the customer and I saw this there'd be a little special Xmas present finding its way to the shop as a thank you to Eric and Mrs. O.

[@mikechiodetti4482]

I've pushed the pistons back, opened the bleed screws then pushed the pistons back, flushed the system, didn't flush the system, danced around the car, but always change the pads and rotors! No compromising with that one. Good job Mr. O!

[@danielsmall3839]

To be honest I really appreciate his videos. Not only are they informative but so far I have not come across any foul language. I don't watch many others because of this.

[@TheZakimus]

Saw your caliper pushy tool a while back and realized I could just make one and I did, works great still 👍👍

[@ozzykrahn806]

im sick, sleeping and a sma video, makes me feel good

[@Evansmustard]

Napa did not know how

[@williamgunn1076]

When I was working on my Chevelle and Mustang in high school circa 1970, we always said NAPA is an acronym for Never Any Parts Available. :)

[@masseymm]

A nice simple breakdown on how to do a front brake job

[@m1mdunne]

I wish I could tell you why i like watching this guy do car work... maybe because I dont get stressed when he takes on challenges that is above and beyond my abilities.. he always succeeds!

[@ImSrry4BeingWhite]

Yo Eric thanks for being a great youtube channel! I woke up at 2am and can't sleep so this video will be my 2am entertainment now lol

[@ronicard]

Honoring the quoted price, even when it costs you making a profit, shows that you're an honest businessman. If you ever get tired of the PRNY, come on down to Georgia. We can always use more quality people like you and your family.

[@groosbro1]

He'll miss the rust...

[@Aristotle2000]

I suspect a lot of people would be happy to pay the difference once you told them about it.

[@splatterize]

The deer are too small.

[@ronicard]

@@splatterize LOL but we're actually allowed to shoot. :)

[@christophermedaris2804]

That fact u stood buy your price is amazing wish I lived close u would see my cars and trucks ever time your awesome

[@thesawdustfactory]

"Napper" ... where vague excuses are ALWAYS in stock. Thanks Eric!

[@timtrain35]

Thank you for not excluding the “brake job route song”. My eye was starting to twitch there for a bit.

[@markwhitaker7887]

I just bought my first Subaru so I appreciate the Subaru content.

[@SB-js6st]

Honest Man with INTEGRITY! TOUGH TO FIND NOWADAYS! THANK YOU SIR!

[@nt650hawk]

Torque wrench for the lugs! What a pro!

[@michaelderkacz5526]

That caliper piston compressing method was slick

[@jamesbruno5896]

Subaru thunder! Customer got OEM parts at Aftermarket prices! You rock Eric!

[@hghahn301]

Learnt something where to put the grease. Thanks for uploading.

[@jonnyrockets4756]

Top notch as usual. I agree with others that say the customer probably would have paid the extra$$. Your worth it.

[@metube5614]

Hey Eric, you’ve probably never heard this but one of the reasons why brakes lose their feel ( require more effort ) is because of what is called a “thermal barrier”. In the process of curing and bonding the lining to the shoe certain components within the mix are designed to settle close to the shoe area. Creating a ““ thermal barrier. This thermal barrier is there on purpose to protect the caliper and pistons from the heat of the breaking process. This portion of the lining has a slightly less abrasive content than the rest of the lining. That combined with the rotor surface becoming polished results in less braking feel. I got this information from an engineer at Delco Moraine, Dayton, Ohio. My former employer.

[@SimonHollandfilms]

your clear and wonderful film almost makes me think... 'I could do that'... thanks South Main Auto team.

[@garysgarage2118]

Still love the drive around town to bed the pads.

[@MarkK01]

Eric, some people would pay the difference between OEM and aftermarket if explained to them. I admire you honesty practices. If it was me that it happened to, I would have no issues paying the difference. Especially if it was a honest and trust worthy Mechanic. You should not have to work for free.

[@chrisbaskett808]

Nothing beats an Eric O brake job

[@chrisE815]

I'm getting good at them now but takes me 4x longer than Eric.

[@tyronevonchadley]

Especially when he gets to bring out BIG NASTY. That rust ridge was no match for BIG NASTY.

[@vandiyplant921]

Really like how after putting wheels on at end of job, you lower vehicle until wheels just touching ground to ensure torque of lugs is perfect. You are awesome.

[@1947froggy]

Nice video, I just did a rear 2019 Forester. Only thing I would do more is I like to do 3-4 hard stops from about 45-50 mph (like a dog runs out in front). Get the new pads hot, bedded in, makes sure it's all good, easy driving and stops are ok, but I test them hard. When I can smell the new pads I know I got them hot. :)

[@jonathanspinney1425]

Thanks for a great refresher tutorial. You convey information well. I burst out laughing at your matter of fact timeline on when brake components living in the rust belt will simply rust out. It really is that simple... one (pad change) and done.

[@NikMitchell]

damn, dude - you're always a class act, but i feel your frustration. Reputation is everything in this business, and I'm glad you took care of things. Thank you, Mrs. O, for all the runaround!

[@virginiawallace6966]

Rainman Ray's repair in Florida is always "NAME DROPPING" your channel it is awesome cause I watch both of youse.

[@juliokaz2159]

I was just thinking "Man...I could really go for a SMA break job". Mr. O is a car whisperer and a mind reader!

[@donakahorse]

I really appreciate how you point out that wire wheels don't do much to remove real rust except polish it. I try to tell people about it and you probably know how people look at you funny most of the time. If you have to grind on the pad ears, either there is crud in the caliper bracket, or you have the wrong shoes. Thanks Eric

[@koreysmith3635]

Excellent brake job video. I always learn a little sump'n-sump'n. Can't get enough.

[@JC-sc4il]

Seriousness in the application of procedures. A REAL mechanic as we don't make them anymore, unfortunately. Great work ! 👍

[@johnlenoir1023]

Dang Skippy cannot believe the calipers Pistons would rust out like that unreal nice job thanks for the video love it

[@aaronb845]

I made a few of the bent screwdriver tools at your recommendation and OMG! I use them all the time. Never knew what I was missing and can’t believe I made it this far without them. Thanks Eric!

[@mrkttrdr2919]

Same old brake job, but the best test drive jams anywhere, worth waiting for, happy turkey day to all the family, thanks for posting🦃

[@crabjoe]

I can't believe it, but I've got 85K miles on my 2020 Forester with the factory pads. I've never had OEM nor aftermarket pad ever last this long. Last fall I ordered pad because I had 75K miles.. I expected to need them. When I pulled the wheel off and checked, I still had more than what's on this video. Being that I have the pads, I think I'm just going to do them this weekend.

[@turner0224]

Glad to see the snow didn’t swallow you and the family up …..was getting a little concerned. No trips to Twistys I guess ha ha ha

[@DIYmotorcycle]

I learned absolutely nothing but you're still more interesting to watch than these stupid TV shows. By the way I drive a No Rust 2001 Subaru Forester.

[@donk7978]

I love Big Nasty. I received one of my own as a gift. Rust brake rotors bow and yield to the power. 😅

[@robertheinkel6225]

I had a 94 Tracer, with a spongy, but good brake system. I finally tracked it down to the front rubber brake lines expanding under pressure.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Good quick brake job install Eric O @South Main Auto Repair LLC

[@paullinkins8121]

Here's my best general piece of advice for Mr. O: wear eye protection when using the spinning grinder/wheel/brush thingys.

[@isaacwalker7863]

The ol Napa screwed up on my brakes today. Have a 2013 rav4 and first they sold me the wrong rotors and then I got home with the right size rotors and they gave me pads that were too small to fit in the bracket. But thanks to your videos Mr. O and giving me the confidence I’ve done the brakes on both my car and my girlfriends Chevy. Its a good feeling to be able to do at least basic repairs on your own vehicle.

[@Blue89bird2]

Stuff like this is why you’ll always be successful. 99% of shops would just spring the surprise on the customer at pickup time. Class act.

[@jimprovax6846]

You’re a standup guy. Love the content. Keep up the awesome job.

[@craigfin3222]

Never trust the parts guy until the parts are in your hand and all accounted for.

[@TheRUSTYHOOK2]

Yep. I had a piece of rust fall off a tail pipe. Landed in my eye. Two visits to eye doctor. He used the equivalent of a dremel tool to get the embedded rust out of my eye.

[@corbettknowles9942]

Years ago I was coming across Sam gap out north Carolina into Johnson city tn I just started down back side pulling a 15000 lb carnival game trailer on back of a 30 ft motor home 14 mile straight shot down mountain and brakes went out definitely moment I want forget

[@wcjeep]

120k miles on my 2006 Dodge Ram. Original pads at 50% remaining pad life.

[@redlock4004]

I'm retired now, but I ran small businesses all of my life. Eric, if you are going to eat the difference and take a loss, at least tell the customer that you are doing it so you can generate some good will. Then he might brag to his buddies what a good guy you are.

[@rickburt7055]

I don't normally comment but I must say that your videos are among the best I've come across on KZbin. You are truly a professional and give excellent instructions on what your doing and why without a whole lot of unnecessary chatter and you have a great sense of humor. Wishing you and your family a happy Thanksgiving . Thanks from Ontario. P.S. we know all about rust lol.

[@sirkdopsah1081]

Subaru. The black licorice of the Japanese auto industry.

[@robc5955]

Only time I’ve opened a bleed nipple to retract pistons is on VW rears, I’ve found they are a pita to wind back without opening the nipple, otherwise since 1988 when I started diy’ing I’ve just done what Eric did. Mind you I didn’t learn to do brakes properly until I watched SMA 🙃