01/07/2011
The braking system is arguably the most critical safety feature in your Subaru Forester. Ensuring it's in top condition isn't just about passing your MOT; it's about the safety of yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about your Forester's brake pads, from recognising when they need replacing to understanding the different types available and even tackling a DIY replacement.
A well-maintained braking system provides peace of mind, offering reliable stopping power in all conditions. Ignoring the signs of worn brake pads can lead to significantly reduced braking performance, increased stopping distances, and potentially costly damage to other braking components like rotors and calipers. Let's ensure your Subaru Forester remains a safe and dependable vehicle for all your adventures.
Understanding Your Subaru Forester's Braking System
Your Subaru Forester's braking system is a complex network designed to convert kinetic energy into thermal energy, slowing and stopping your vehicle. At its heart are the brake pads, which are friction materials pressed against the brake discs (rotors) by calipers when you apply the brake pedal. This friction is what slows the wheels down.
Beyond the pads and discs, the system includes hydraulic lines filled with brake fluid, which transmits the force from your pedal to the calipers, and a master cylinder that generates the hydraulic pressure. Each component plays a vital role, but the brake pads are the consumable items that require regular inspection and replacement due to wear.
When to Replace Your Subaru Forester Brake Pads
Knowing when to replace your brake pads is crucial for safety and performance. While there's no fixed mileage for replacement, as it depends heavily on driving style, environment, and pad material, there are clear indicators to look out for.
- Visible Thinness: As the original information suggests, if your brake pads appear thin and there's not much material left on them, it's definitely time for a replacement. Most pads come with a minimum thickness indicator, often around 3-4mm.
- Audible Warnings:
- Squealing: Many brake pads are designed with a small metal tab called a wear indicator. When the pad wears down to a certain point, this tab scrapes against the rotor, producing a high-pitched squeal. This is usually the first warning sign.
- Grinding: A much more severe sound, grinding indicates that the friction material has completely worn away, and you're now hearing metal-on-metal contact (the backing plate of the pad against the rotor). This requires immediate attention, as it can cause significant damage to your brake discs.
- Vibrations or Pulsations: If you feel a shudder or pulsation through the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking, it could indicate warped brake discs, often caused by excessive heat from worn pads or uneven braking. While not directly a pad wear indicator, it often accompanies neglected pads.
- Longer Stopping Distances: If your Forester takes longer to stop than it used to, or if the brake pedal feels spongy or requires more effort, your pads might be excessively worn, or there could be an issue with your brake fluid or other hydraulic components.
- Dashboard Warning Light: Some modern Subaru Foresters are equipped with electronic brake wear sensors that will illuminate a warning light on your dashboard when the pads reach a critical wear level.
It's generally recommended to inspect your brake pads at every service interval, or at least once a year, to monitor their condition and catch wear early.
Choosing the Right Brake Pads for Your Forester
When it comes to selecting new brake pads for your Subaru Forester, you generally have two main categories: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and Aftermarket.
OEM Brake Pads
OEM brake pads are identical to the pads that came with your Forester when it rolled off the production line. They are designed and engineered by Subaru (or their direct suppliers) specifically for your vehicle's braking system, ensuring a perfect fit, optimal performance, and consistency with the original vehicle specifications.
- Pros: Guaranteed fit and performance, consistent quality, designed to work seamlessly with other Subaru components, often quieter.
- Cons: Generally more expensive than aftermarket options, limited purchasing options primarily through authorised Subaru dealerships or specialist parts distributors.
If you're asking, "Where can I buy OEM Subaru Forester brake pads?", your best bet is to visit your local authorised Subaru dealership parts department or order through their official online channels. They will have the exact parts specified for your vehicle's year and model.
Aftermarket Brake Pads
Aftermarket brake pads are manufactured by companies other than Subaru, such as Bosch, Duralast (as mentioned in the original text), Akebono, EBC, and many others. These pads come in a vast range of types and price points, often offering different performance characteristics like enhanced stopping power, reduced dust, or longer lifespan.
- Pros: Wide variety of options, often more affordable, potential for specialised performance (e.g., track-specific, low-dust street pads).
- Cons: Quality can vary significantly between brands, fitment might not always be as precise as OEM, some cheaper options might not perform as well or last as long.
For a 2009 Subaru Forester, the provided information states it uses Bosch® Blue™ Semi-Metallic Front and Rear Disc Brake Pads. Bosch Blue pads are a popular aftermarket choice, known for providing a good balance of stopping power, increased pad life, low dust, and good pedal feel. This highlights that quality aftermarket options can be excellent choices.
Types of Brake Pad Materials
Beyond OEM vs. Aftermarket, brake pads are categorised by their friction material, each with distinct characteristics:
| Pad Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Metallic | Excellent stopping power, good heat dissipation, durable | Can be noisy, produce more brake dust, harder on rotors | Performance driving, heavier vehicles, everyday use |
| Ceramic | Very quiet, low dust, long life, consistent performance across temperatures | More expensive, less effective in extreme cold, not ideal for heavy-duty braking | Everyday driving, quiet operation, clean wheels |
| Organic (NAO) | Very quiet, low dust, easy on rotors, good initial bite | Shorter lifespan, less effective at high temperatures, softer pedal feel | Light everyday driving, older vehicles, budget-conscious |
Given the 2009 Forester uses Bosch Blue Semi-Metallic, this type offers a robust all-round performance suitable for various driving conditions.
DIY Brake Pad Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide
Replacing brake pads on your Subaru Forester is a manageable DIY task for those with mechanical inclination and the right tools. However, brakes are critical safety components. If you're unsure at any point, it's always best to consult a professional mechanic. Safety first!
Tools and Materials You'll Need:
- Jack and jack stands
- Wheel lug wrench
- C-clamp or brake caliper piston compression tool
- Brake system cleaner
- High-temperature brake grease
- Anti-squeal compound (optional, but recommended)
- Torque wrench
- Ratchet and socket set (typically 14mm, 17mm, 19mm for caliper bolts and lug nuts)
- Wire brush or sandpaper (for cleaning caliper brackets)
- Drain pan or turkey baster for brake fluid
- New brake pads with shims and anti-rattle clips
- Safety glasses and gloves
Step-by-Step Procedure:
- Preparation and Safety:
- Park your Forester on a flat, level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Gather all your tools and new parts.
- If working on rear brakes, ensure the parking brake lever is released after lifting the car.
- Loosen the wheel lug nuts on the wheel you'll be working on, but do not remove them yet.
- Place a drain pan under the brake assembly to catch any drips.
- Open the bonnet and locate the master cylinder reservoir. Remove about two-thirds of the fluid from the reservoir using a turkey baster or similar tool. This prevents overflow when you compress the caliper pistons.
- Lifting and Securing the Vehicle:
- Using your jack, lift either the front or rear end of the vehicle off the ground.
- Immediately place sturdy jack stands under the vehicle's frame at designated support points. Never rely solely on the jack.
- Remove the wheel completely by taking off the lug nuts.
- Initial Cleaning and Inspection:
- Using only a brake system cleaner, thoroughly wash down everything in your complete brake assembly (caliper, rotor, bracket). Do NOT blow off any dust with compressed air, as brake dust contains harmful particulates. Let it air dry or wipe with a clean rag.
- Inspect the brake disc for deep grooves, scoring, or excessive wear. If present, the discs may also need replacement or machining.
- Compressing the Caliper Piston(s):
- To make space for the new, thicker pads, you'll need to press the piston(s) back into the caliper. Place an old brake pad or a flat piece of wood against the piston and use a C-clamp or a dedicated brake caliper compression tool to slowly and steadily push the piston back until it's fully retracted. This will push some fluid back into the master cylinder.
- Removing the Caliper and Old Pads:
- Most modern calipers are 'floating' calipers. To access the pads, you'll typically remove the lower caliper bolt (which often acts as a lower guide pin).
- Once the lower bolt is out, swing the caliper upward on its upper guide pin to gain access to the pads.
- If it's necessary to detach the caliper completely (e.g., if you're replacing the rotor or servicing the guide pins), remove both caliper bolts. Crucially, do not let the caliper hang by its brake hose! Support it with a wire or bungee cord hooked to the suspension or frame to prevent damage to the hose.
- Carefully remove the outer brake pad together with its shims, and then the inner one with its shims.
- Also, take away the lower and upper anti-rattle clips (sometimes called caliper hardware). These need to be inspected and thoroughly cleaned for re-use, or replaced if they are corroded or damaged.
- Servicing Guide Pins and Hardware:
- Remove the guide pins and lock pins from the caliper bracket. Clean them thoroughly with a wire brush and brake cleaner.
- Inspect the rubber boots on the guide pins for tears or damage. Replace if necessary.
- Apply a generous amount of high-temperature grease specifically designed for brake components (often silicone-based) to the guide pins. This ensures smooth movement of the caliper and prevents sticking.
- Clean the caliper bracket where the anti-rattle clips sit. Use a wire brush to remove any rust or debris.
- Install the cleaned or new anti-rattle clips onto the caliper bracket. These clips provide a smooth surface for the pads to slide on and prevent rattling.
- Preparing and Installing New Pads:
- Take your new brake pads. On the backing plates (the metal part of the pad, not the friction material), apply a thin, even layer of anti-squeal compound. This helps prevent noise by dampening vibrations. Ensure it doesn't get on the friction surface.
- Assemble the new pads with their shims. Shims are thin metal plates that sit between the pad backing plate and the caliper piston/caliper bracket. They help dissipate heat and reduce noise. Ensure they are correctly oriented.
- Install the inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket, making sure they slide freely on the anti-rattle clips.
- Reassembling the Caliper:
- If you only swung the caliper up, carefully fold it back over the new pads, ensuring the guide pin aligns correctly.
- If you removed the caliper completely, slide the guide pin back into the caliper if it was removed previously. Then, carefully align the caliper over the new shoes and the brake disc.
- Insert and tighten the caliper bolts. Torque them to your Forester's specific factory specifications (consult a repair manual, typically between 25-40 lb-ft). Do not overtighten.
- Final Steps and Checks:
- Reinstall the wheel, ensuring the lug nuts are hand-tightened first.
- Lower the vehicle slowly off the jack stands.
- Once the vehicle is on the ground, tighten the wheel lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer's specified torque (consult your owner's manual, typically 75-90 lb-ft for a Forester).
- Go back to the master cylinder reservoir and fill the brake fluid up to the 'MAX' line using the correct type of brake fluid specified for your Forester (usually DOT3 or DOT4).
- Inside the car, pump the brake pedal several times slowly but firmly. The pedal will feel soft at first but will gradually firm up as the pads set against the disc and the caliper pistons extend. Do this until the pedal feels firm.
- Recheck the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir and top up if necessary.
- Before driving in traffic, test the brake operation by applying light brake pressure several times at low speed (e.g., in your driveway or a quiet street). This process, known as bedding-in the pads, helps to seat the pads against the discs, optimising their performance and longevity.
Essential Post-Replacement Considerations
After replacing your brake pads, a few critical steps ensure optimal performance and safety:
- Brake Fluid Level: Always ensure the brake fluid level is between the 'MIN' and 'MAX' lines in the reservoir. Use the correct fluid type specified in your owner's manual. Low fluid can indicate a leak or extremely worn pads; high fluid can indicate worn pads or overfilling.
- Bedding-In Process: This is crucial. The bedding-in process (also known as 'burnishing') helps transfer an even layer of friction material from the new pads onto the rotor surface. This creates a compatible interface, maximising braking performance and reducing noise and vibration. The general procedure involves a series of moderate stops from increasing speeds (e.g., 5-6 stops from 30mph down to 5mph, followed by 2-3 stops from 45mph down to 5mph, allowing for cooling between stops). Avoid hard braking or coming to a complete stop immediately after installation.
- Listen for Noises: For the first few hundred miles, pay attention to any unusual squealing, grinding, or rubbing noises. New pads can sometimes make minor noises as they settle, but persistent or loud noises warrant investigation.
- Monitor Performance: Notice how the brake pedal feels and how effectively your Forester stops. Any sponginess, pulling to one side, or reduced stopping power should be addressed immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I check my Subaru Forester brake pads?
It's recommended to visually inspect your brake pads at every oil change or service interval, typically every 6,000 to 10,000 miles, and at least once a year. This allows you to monitor their wear and plan for replacement before they become critically thin.
Can I replace just one side's brake pads on my Forester?
No, you should always replace brake pads in axle sets (both front wheels or both rear wheels). Replacing only one side would lead to uneven braking, causing the vehicle to pull to one side when braking, which is dangerous and can cause premature wear on the new pad and rotor.
What is brake dust, and is it normal?
Brake dust is a normal byproduct of the friction material wearing down as you brake. It's the fine, dark powder you often see on your wheels. The amount and colour of dust can vary depending on the type of brake pad material. Semi-metallic pads tend to produce more dust than ceramic pads.
Why are my new brakes squealing?
New brakes can sometimes squeal for a few reasons: improper bedding-in, lack of anti-squeal compound on the backing plates, or insufficient lubrication of caliper guide pins. It can also occur if the old anti-rattle clips were reused and are worn, or if the pads aren't fully seated. If the squealing persists after the bedding-in process, re-inspection is advised.
What's the difference between brake pads and brake shoes?
Brake pads are used in disc brake systems, where a caliper presses pads against a rotating disc (rotor). Brake shoes are used in drum brake systems, where curved shoes press outwards against the inside of a spinning drum. Most modern Subaru Foresters use disc brakes on all four wheels, so you'll primarily be dealing with brake pads.
Maintaining your Subaru Forester's braking system is paramount for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. By understanding the signs of wear, making informed choices about replacement parts, and following proper installation procedures, you can ensure your Forester remains a dependable and safe vehicle for years to come. If you're ever in doubt, always consult with a qualified mechanic.
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