How to Replace Front Brake Pads Rotors 2006-09 Subaru Outback

Difficulty: Advanced · About 90 min · Subaru Outback

Replace the front brake pads and rotors on a 2006-2009 Subaru Outback, from removal through bedding in the new pads.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the 19mm lug nuts with the car on the ground, then raise and support it and pull the wheel.

2. Remove the old pads

   Remove the two 14mm caliper bolts, push the pistons back with a small pry bar, swing the caliper aside and hang it from the strut with a bungee cord, then pull the old pads off by hand.

3. Remove the rotor

   Remove the two 17mm bracket bolts and pull the bracket off, then pull the rotor off the studs, striking its hub area with a hammer if it's stuck.

4. Clean everything before fitting new parts

   Clean the pad slides and caliper pins with brake cleaner and a wire brush, grease the slides and pins, then clean the wheel hub itself before fitting the new rotor.

5. Fit the new rotor and bracket

   Seat the new rotor over the lug studs, hold it with a lug nut, clean its surface with brake cleaner, refit the bracket and torque its bolts to about 89 ft-lb.

6. Install the new pads

   Grease the pad slides and backs, seat the new pads with their wear tab facing in, remove the bungee cord, compress the piston with a C-clamp against an old pad, then refit the caliper and torque its bolts to about 20 ft-lb.

7. Reinstall the wheel

   Remove the placeholder lug nut, seat the wheel, and torque the lugs to about 90 ft-lb in a crossing pattern.

8. Bed the brakes in

   Pump the pedal repeatedly until it feels firm before driving normally.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.