Subaru Brake Upgrade Kits Explained

For any Subaru owner, the desire to enhance their vehicle's performance and aesthetics is a common one. While many focus on engine tuning or suspension modifications, the braking system often plays a crucial, yet sometimes overlooked, role in the overall driving experience. This is where Subaru brake upgrade kits come into play, offering a comprehensive solution for those looking to improve their stopping power, feel, and even the visual appeal of their car. Whether you own a nimble WRX, a versatile Forester, or any other model in Subaru's diverse lineup, understanding these kits can be your gateway to a safer and more engaging drive.

What Exactly is a Subaru Brake Upgrade Kit?

At its core, a Subaru brake upgrade kit is a curated collection of parts designed to replace or enhance your vehicle's existing braking components. These kits are specifically tailored for Subaru models, ensuring compatibility and often simplifying the process of improving your car's braking performance. Instead of sourcing individual parts from various manufacturers, a kit provides a convenient and often cost-effective way to achieve a significant improvement. These kits can range from simple pad and rotor replacements to complete overhauls involving calipers, rotors, lines, and fluid.

The Appeal of OEM Subaru Upgrade Brakes

One of the most popular types of Subaru brake upgrade kits revolves around utilising OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from higher-performance Subaru models. This approach allows you to essentially bolt on factory-spec performance upgrades directly onto your car. For instance, many kits enable the installation of the coveted red four-pot front and two-pot rear brake calipers found on certain performance Subarus. For those seeking even greater stopping power, kits are also available to fit the larger, gold or black Brembo brakes, famously found on the Subaru WRX STi models. This not only provides a substantial performance boost but also maintains the integrity and reliability associated with genuine Subaru components. The advantage here is that these are proven systems, designed and tested by Subaru themselves, ensuring seamless integration and predictable performance.

Beyond Calipers: Essential Components in Upgrade Kits

While upgraded calipers and rotors often steal the spotlight, comprehensive Subaru brake upgrade kits include other vital components that work in synergy to deliver optimal results. These can include:

High-Performance Brake Pads:

Brake pads are the friction material that directly contacts the rotor. Upgrade kits often feature pads with more aggressive compounds, such as those with a higher coefficient of friction. This translates to stronger initial bite, better heat resistance, and more consistent performance under demanding conditions, like spirited driving or track use. Different pad compounds cater to various needs, from daily driving to track-focused applications.

Performance Brake Rotors:

Rotors, or discs, are the rotating surfaces that the brake pads clamp onto. Upgrade kits frequently include performance rotors that might be:

• Larger in diameter: Increasing the leverage and surface area for better heat dissipation and stopping power.
• Drilled or Slotted: Drilled holes help with heat dissipation and shedding water/gases, while slots help clear away brake dust and gases, maintaining consistent pad contact. Some kits offer a combination of both for maximum benefit.
• Made from higher-quality materials: Utilising more durable iron alloys that can withstand higher temperatures without warping or cracking.

Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines:

Standard rubber brake lines can expand under pressure, leading to a spongy brake pedal feel and reduced stopping efficiency. Braided stainless steel lines, often included in 'complete' kits, are much more rigid. They are encased in a layer of stainless steel braiding, preventing expansion even under extreme pressure. This results in a firmer, more responsive pedal feel and more consistent brake application. This is a critical upgrade for anyone serious about improving their car's braking precision.

High-Quality Brake Fluid:

Brake fluid is the hydraulic medium that transmits force from the brake pedal to the calipers. Over time, brake fluid can absorb moisture from the atmosphere, lowering its boiling point. When brake fluid overheats, it can vaporise, leading to brake fade – a dangerous loss of braking power. Performance brake fluids, often with a higher dry and wet boiling point (e.g., DOT 4 or DOT 5.1), are essential for high-performance braking systems. Including this in a kit ensures that the entire system is optimised for heat and pressure.

Types of Subaru Brake Upgrade Kits

As mentioned, kits vary in their scope. Here's a breakdown of common offerings:

Stock-Size Pad and Rotor Kits:

These kits are designed to replace your existing pads and rotors with upgraded versions that are the same size as the original equipment. They are an excellent starting point for improving your braking performance without the need for other modifications. They often come in:

• Basic Kits: Typically include high-quality brake pads and matching rotors. This is a straightforward way to refresh your braking system with better-performing components.
• Complete Kits: These build upon the basic kit by adding essential extras like high-performance brake fluid and braided stainless steel brake lines. This offers a more holistic approach to braking enhancement.

Big Brake Kits (BBKs):

These are the most comprehensive and performance-oriented kits. They typically involve larger rotors, multi-piston calipers (like the Brembos mentioned earlier), and all the necessary brackets and hardware for installation. BBKs are designed for significant improvements in stopping power, heat management, and overall braking performance, often favoured by track day enthusiasts or those who drive their Subarus very hard.

Benefits of Upgrading Your Subaru's Brakes

The advantages of investing in a Subaru brake upgrade kit extend beyond just bragging rights:

• Enhanced Stopping Power: The most direct benefit. Better pads, rotors, and caliper designs mean you can stop your Subaru more quickly and effectively.
• Improved Brake Feel and Responsiveness: Firmer pedal feel, less sponginess, and more immediate feedback from the braking system make driving more precise and enjoyable.
• Increased Heat Resistance: Performance components are designed to handle higher temperatures without fading, crucial for spirited driving, towing, or track use.
• Reduced Brake Fade: By managing heat more effectively and using higher boiling point fluids, the risk of brake fade is significantly reduced.
• Durability and Longevity: Quality upgrade components are often built to last longer than standard parts, especially under demanding conditions.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Larger, more colourful calipers and drilled/slotted rotors can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your Subaru, especially when paired with aftermarket wheels.

Choosing the Right Kit for Your Subaru

When selecting a Subaru brake upgrade kit, consider the following:

Your Driving Style:

Are you a daily commuter, an occasional spirited driver, or a regular track attendee? Your usage dictates the level of performance you need. Daily drivers might benefit most from high-quality stock-size replacements, while track enthusiasts will likely need a Big Brake Kit.

Your Subaru Model and Year:

Ensure the kit is specifically designed for your Subaru's make, model, and year. Fitment is paramount for safety and performance. OEM upgrade kits are generally well-documented for specific model transitions.

Budget:

Brake kits vary significantly in price. Determine how much you're willing to spend, keeping in mind that investing in quality can often save money in the long run due to increased durability and reduced maintenance.

Compatibility with Existing Modifications:

If you have other modifications, such as larger wheels, ensure the new brake components will fit without clearance issues.

Installation Considerations

While some enthusiasts may tackle brake upgrades themselves, it's often recommended to have them installed by a qualified mechanic. Proper installation is critical for safety. This includes correct torque settings, bleeding the brake system thoroughly, and ensuring all components are securely fitted. If you opt for an OEM upgrade kit that requires caliper mounting brackets, ensuring these are correctly installed is vital for the alignment and function of the entire system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Will a Subaru brake upgrade kit fit my non-performance model Subaru?

A1: Many kits are designed specifically to allow you to fit performance brakes from higher-trim models onto lower-trim ones. For example, kits exist to fit STi Brembos onto WRX or even Impreza models that didn't originally have them. Always check the kit's specific application list.

Q2: Are Brembo brakes really necessary for a daily driver?

A2: For most daily drivers, a high-quality stock-size pad and rotor kit might be sufficient. However, if you frequently drive in hilly or mountainous areas, or enjoy spirited driving, the added thermal capacity and stopping power of Brembo or similar multi-piston systems can provide a greater margin of safety and enjoyment.

Q3: How often should I replace my brake fluid after installing an upgrade kit?

A3: It's generally recommended to flush and replace brake fluid every 2-3 years, or more frequently if you track your car or notice a drop in performance. High-performance fluid may degrade faster under extreme conditions.

Q4: Can I mix and match parts from different kits?

A4: While tempting, it's generally best to use components designed to work together within a kit. Mixing brands or types of pads, rotors, and fluid without understanding their compatibility can lead to suboptimal performance or even safety issues.

Q5: What's the difference between drilled and slotted rotors?

A5: Drilled rotors have holes to help dissipate heat and expel gas and water. Slotted rotors have grooves that help clean the pad surface and remove dust and gases. Both aim to improve cooling and performance, with drilled rotors often favoured for heat dissipation and slotted rotors for consistent pad cleaning.

Conclusion

Subaru brake upgrade kits offer a fantastic opportunity for owners to enhance their vehicle's performance, safety, and aesthetics. Whether you're aiming for the robust stopping power of OEM STi Brembos or simply seeking a more responsive pedal with a complete pad and rotor package, there's a kit available to suit your needs and budget. By understanding the components involved and considering your specific driving requirements, you can make an informed decision that will undoubtedly elevate your Subaru driving experience.