How to Replace Brakes on a Subaru Forrester

The Subaru Forrester is a station wagon with all-wheel drive that has been in production since 1997. It uses discs on all four wheels to slow the vehicle during braking. The procedure for replacing the brakes is similar for all versions of the Subaru Forrester.

• Jack


• Jack stands


• Lug wrench


• Socket wrench


• Torque wrench

1. Raise the Subaru Forrester with a jack and safely support it on jack stands. Disconnect the lug nuts from the wheels with a lug wrench and remove the wheels from the wheel hubs.


2. Remove the lower mounting bolt for the brake caliper with a socket wrench. Pull the caliper up to access the brake pads.


3. Note the position of the clips and shims on the brake calipers. Remove the clips and shims to disconnect the brake pads from the brake calipers.


4. Press the piston of the brake caliper into its bore.


5. Mount the new brake pads onto the brackets for the brake calipers. Ensure the clips and shims are in the correct positions as previously noted. Push the brake calipers into their correct position.


6. Fasten the mounting bolt for the brake caliper and tighten it to 28 ft. lbs. with a torque wrench.


7. Fill the master brake cylinder with brake fluid to its proper level. This may be necessary if the brake system leaked brake fluid during the procedure.


8. Mount the wheels onto the wheel hub and fasten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle with the jack.