How to Replace Front Brakes 11-18 Subaru Forester
Difficulty: Intermediate · About 90 min · Subaru Forester
Replace front brake pads and rotors on a 2011–2018 Subaru Forester, cleaning the hub and slider hardware before installing the new parts and checking pedal feel.
Tools you will need
- 14mm Wrench
- Socket Extensions
- 14mm Socket
- 17mm Wrench
- 17mm Socket
- 19mm Socket
- Brake Parts Cleaner
- Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Vise-Grips
- Bungee Cord
- Anti-Seize Grease
- Ratchet
- Wire Brush
Parts and supplies
- Front brake pads
- Front brake rotors
- Wheel lug nuts
Steps
Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts slightly with the wheel on the ground. Lift the vehicle, support it securely on jack stands, remove the nuts, and take off the wheel.
Remove the caliper and rotor
Remove the caliper fasteners and lift the caliper aside without pulling on the hose. Remove the pad retaining pins and pads, then remove the bracket and rotor fasteners to take off the rotor.
Clean and prepare the replacement parts
Remove the slider hardware and clean it before applying a small amount of suitable brake grease. Brush rust from the hub face and clean the new rotor with brake cleaner.
Install the rotor and brake pads
Fit the rotor and reinstall the bracket, tightening its fasteners to the vehicle's specification. Retract the caliper piston with an old pad and clamp, lubricate the pad contact tabs sparingly, and install the new pads and caliper.
Reinstall the wheel and check the brakes
Install the wheel, hand-start the lug nuts, lower the vehicle, and torque the nuts in a crossing pattern to specification. Pump the brake pedal until firm and test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.