Looking for Brakes? Look here first!!

[Bu11dogg2]

If you drive a Subaru you more than likely have have 4 wheel disc brakes.

Over the years brakes have changed significantly.

There are hundreds of options for almost every year Subaru.

http://www.infovisual.info/05/img_en/013%20Types%20of%20brakes.jpg


REPLACEMENT:

Here are a few things to remember when choosing a replacement brakes for your car:

1. Not all aftermarket pads are the same as OEM. Genuine OEM Subaru pads are designed to fit the stock rotor and caliper assembly. Some aftermarket pads are smaller than the OEM pads. This can cause issues with fitement in the caliper assembly which can lead to uneven wear or the pad itself can come unseated an damage the rotor. A smaller pad will also cover less of the rotor which can reduce your braking time/distance. Alternatively, some pads are equal too or greater in qaulity than OEM. They can increase your stopping time/distance.

2. Pad Material/Width. Some aftermarket pads may be thinner or made of a cheaper material. This can cause them wear out quicker, make more noise and produce more dust. Subaru uses a more organic pad. This is a quieter pad, but won't last as long as a metallic. Most aftermarket pads are metallic. Metallic pads are may last longer, but are generally louder.

3. Hardware included? In order for the pad to seat correctly there is metal retainer clip the hold it in place. Many aftermarket pads do not include this mounting hardware. Often times less reputable shops will mount pads on old harware. The old hardware can be worn out, damaged or rusted and can cause the pad to freeze up in the caliper. Always purchase new hardware with your pads.

http://www.4turbo.pl/katalog/images/S-26696FE080.JPG

4. To turn or not to turn? If you keep an eye on your pads and change them at or before 2/32nd of life you can greatly extend the life of your rotors. Pads contain what is called "squeeled tabs" when your brakes reach a certain wear the tabs will rub the rotors and create a squeeling noise. Left unchanged, these squeel tabs can cause damage to your rotors. Most stock rotors are 24mm in the front new and 10mm new in the rear. When the fronts reach 22mm or less it is not recommended that they be turned. When the rears reach 8.5mm or more is not recommended that they be turned.
The picture below shows a new rotor verses a used rotor. Notice the ridge around the outer edge? this is caused by the pads wearing through the rotor. Also, rust has taken a hold of the edges and compromised the intergrity of the rotor

http://www.thesaabsite.com/20050709l.Old_and_new.jpg
5. The Full Montey. If you get your brakes done at a non-subaru shop or do them yourself it is important that you/they perform a FULL brake service. Brake fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles. Bleeding the brakes can be complicated and time consuming, but is needed to ensure good braking. You should also ensure that the caliper slides are cleaned and lubed with EVERY brake service. (31C in picture below) The main cause of brake failure is a frozen slide. All four slides should move freely(31B, these should turn back and forth freely). Ask your tech if he does this.

http://z.about.com/d/autorepair/1/0/R/O/mb_brakes_975a.jpg

6. Why do I pay more at a dealer? There are a few reasons for this. First is that you are getting OEM parts and genuine Subaru service. Secondly Subaru warranties their parts and service for 12 months, unlimited miles.
If you must go elsewhere....
Make sure you insist that the person doing your brakes does a complete job. There is nothing worse than seeing, or hearing a car with a pad slap brake job. Stay away from midas, meineke and other places that offer lifetime pads. You get cheapo pads and most likely the tech is fresh out of highschool, or just failed out of a tech school. Insist that your tech does a complete service.

[Bu11dogg2]

Reserved

[Bu11dogg2]

reserved

[Kevin]

I would like to add if you have sti brembo's heli coil the calipers so they don't strip out down the road.This was done to my sti with 1500 miles on it.
steel bolts into aluminum calipers just strip out the threads after a nice winter or two.

[Robk0000]

LOl, i wrote almost exactly what you wrote. Posted, then deleted because i read the above.

[Kevin]

lol

I love the quick change pins in the brembos too. Maybe we should add a brembo specific post soon.Maybe when I change my pads I'll take a bunch of pics.

[Bu11dogg2]

lol

I love the quick change pins in the brembos too. Maybe we should add a brembo specific post soon.Maybe when I change my pads I'll take a bunch of pics.


That would be Awesome :)

[Nate8409]

At some point I want to try to break mine loose and see if they have frozen yet before I break my 36k warranty expiration.

[Kevin]

At some point I want to try to break mine loose and see if they have frozen yet before I break my 36k warranty expiration.

even if they froze up it wouldn't be a big deal. I'll ask ted what size heli coils he used when he did mine.

[Nate8409]

I would be able to figure out the helicoil size really easily but they should not freeze and destroy the threads.

[Bu11dogg2]

I would be able to figure out the helicoil size really easily but they should not freeze and destroy the threads.


What type of pads are the Nissan ones that fit the WRX? (organic--metallic)

[Bu11dogg2]

What type of pads are the Nissan ones that fit the WRX? (organic--metallic)

[Robk0000]

even if they froze up it wouldn't be a big deal. I'll ask ted what size heli coils he used when he did mine.


Yes let me know to, also do you need a special tool to install those or will that just make it easier? I ahve to do my fronts because i know one had a real hard time last time i put them on.

[Kevin]

Yes let me know to, also do you need a special tool to install those or will that just make it easier? I ahve to do my fronts because i know one had a real hard time last time i put them on.


its pretty easy to change the pads on brembo's. just stick the pad in sideways to push in the piston. I changed my pads 4 or 5 times like that already.

[Service@ExeterSubaru]

Brembos make super easy to change pads :)

[Nate8409]

Hard to say because Nissan doesn't release. Most pads or organic. These appear to be metallic although when Vlad had them they were quiet as a mouse and stopped excellent he said. As good as oe or better.

What type of pads are the Nissan ones that fit the WRX? (organic--metallic)

[Bu11dogg2]

Vlad had some REALLY loud ones before :lol:

[Nate8409]

Yeah before the 300zx pads he did. Can't beat the price for the Nissan pads either. Especially when compared to OE Subaru pads. RAPEE

[Robk0000]

its pretty easy to change the pads on brembo's. just stick the pad in sideways to push in the piston. I changed my pads 4 or 5 times like that already.


I wasnt refering to the pads, i meant the helicoils.

[Nate8409]

You will need the helicoil kit. I am not a huge fan of helicoil but they do get the job done. They have keensert and time serts which in both the other cases I think are better.

Timeserts are best in my opinion.

Yes let me know to, also do you need a special tool to install those or will that just make it easier? I ahve to do my fronts because i know one had a real hard time last time i put them on.

[Nate8409]

Damn double post. Can someone delete post 20 of mine.

[Bu11dogg2]

You will need the helicoil kit. I am not a huge fan of helicoil but they do get the job done. They have keensert and time serts which in both the other cases I think are better.

Keenserts are best in my opinion.

Yes let me know to, also do you need a special tool to install those or will that just make it easier? I ahve to do my fronts because i know one had a real hard time last time i put them on.

[Robk0000]

You will need the helicoil kit. I am not a huge fan of helicoil but they do get the job done. They have keensert and time serts which in both the other cases I think are better.

Keenserts are best in my opinion.


ahh i see :lol:

[Bu11dogg2]

What pads ar you gonna run?

[The Stig]

just saw a set of hawks with 1/4 meat left.... 50k miles

[legacygt]

great info on here. Anyone have an suggestions on pad upgrades, im not looking for track only pads and i am not quite ready to switch out for a bb kit. but i am still looking for aggresive pads that will last for a while.

[Bu11dogg2]

Hawk pads!!

That, upgraded (braided lines) and better fluid make for a great combo :)

[Subaruwrxparts.com]

Hawk HPS Pads are a daily driving performance pad. Great upgrade to cost ratio. Couple these with the DBA Standard Slotted Rotors and you'll have a great, long lasting, upgraded daily driving brake set-up. This will also help for a spirited drive up Mt. Washington and back down ;)

If you have a few extra bucks to spend I'd also suggest some Stainless Steel lines with Super Blue fluid.

[Murphy2012]

I didn't like the Hawks I used at all. I have had HPS + and they make a TON of noise, but they gripped well and didn't fade much. I think Rob can attest to that as well. I have also had HPS pads in the front of my brembos and was not impressed with both the fading and dusting. I suppose though for a cheaper, not cheap, pad they are what you would expect.
My axxis ultimates in the rear are great, very good bite and not a ton of dust. Not much fading. Still looking for a good front to use for this year. Most likely going to go with Ferodos for racing days and then just switch out to Raybestos for DD.
*Also, the 06/07 brakes are really easy to change as they have essentially the same quick change feature as the brembos.*
*I put helicoils in one of my calipers so far, just because I had to. I havent had any other issues so far with the calipers.*

[Subaruwrxparts.com]

I never had dusting problems with the Hawks I've run. Keep in mind that the 3 different Hawk versions are the Ceramic Pads, HPS Pads and HP Plus Pads. There are no HPS Plus pads.

[Bu11dogg2]

Dusting is pad dependant.

Pads need to be chosen according to YOUR needs.

[Murphy2012]

Yup exactly! If you get a good stopping pad, then most likely you are looking at a lot of dust, too. The hawks I have used just werent good for me, as I stated. I think even the regular hawks would be a great DD pad. I am going to try the raybestos track series pads for the season I think. I can get those at wholesale cost.

[TrickyDik]

Mmmm raybestos...I likey!

[Murphy2012]

Ya, they are on teh cheap too! I get the front standard ones for my brembos and they are actually pretty damn good for a 60 dollar set of front brembo pads. I have autox'd on them a couple times...and was very impressed!

[Seraphinwolf]

Yeah we need a Brembo spec thread I think. Or just retitle this one as it's been over run with Brembo talk. I'll be getting a set of 06's for my GF in short order and would like to get more input on what everyone likes and what not. I don't need uber stopping yet but control over the weight displacement around a turn will be crucial with the weight from the EZ30R and 5eat in the car. That is when ever I get the money for the Hyrda and TCU and other little left over bits.
-Gaddis

[Bu11dogg2]

Feel free to start a Brembo discussion thread :)

[Bu11dogg2]

bump

[Evoeater]

Hawk HPS Pads are a daily driving performance pad. Great upgrade to cost ratio. Couple these with the DBA Standard Slotted Rotors and you'll have a great, long lasting, upgraded daily driving brake set-up. This will also help for a spirited drive up Mt. Washington and back down ;)

If you have a few extra bucks to spend I'd also suggest some Stainless Steel lines with Super Blue fluid.

I believe this is the setup im going to do..

[Robk0000]

This is not 100% gauranteed, its from a little research and some past experiances which i added into this

Front Brakes

242x16mm
93-96 Impreza 2WD

242x16mm
91-94 Legacy turbo
96-01 Legacy GT
96-01 Outback
00-04 Legacy non-GT
98+ Impreza RS/TS/2.5i
98+ Forester

260x24mm
90-99 Legacy non-turbo/-GT/-Outback
93-01 Impreza AWD (non RS)

295x25.4mm
01 Legacy GT limited
02-04 Legacy GT
05-09 Legacy non-gt
01-09 Outback
02+ Impreza WRX
03+ Forester
Baja

316x30mm
05-09 Legacy GT
Tribeca (5x114.3 bolt pattern)

326x30mm
04+ STi

Rear Brakes

266x10mm (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b188/dbasteve/dba_644_cat.jpg)
90-99 Legacies/Outbacks with rear discs non-turbo
93-07 Imprezas with rear discs (except sti, 06-07 wrx)
98-08 Foresters with rear discs
Bajas

274x10mm
05+ Legacy/Outbacks. exception LGT (Parking brake is 170mm)

286x10mm
08+ impreza/wrx
09+ forester (190mm parking brake)

290x10mm (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b188/dbasteve/dba_657_cat.jpg)
00-04 Legacy/Outback non-brighton
SVX

266x18mm
91-94 Legacy turbo


290x18mm (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b188/dbasteve/dba_656_cat.jpg) (190mm parking brake)

05+ Legacy GT (1-pot)
06-07 WRX (2-pot)

316x20mm (http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b188/dbasteve/dba_2655_cat.jpg) (5x114)
04+ STi

GC converting into Sti brembos.

Sti brembos
Modified parking brake shoes, relined 10mm thicker than stock
RS or Rear Disk brake equipt parking brake lines.
Godspeed or other Rear caliper moutning bracket


If you are runnign stock knuckles off a gc you will realize the oem botls for mounting the sti parking brake shoes will not align. Instead of purchasing new knuckles and redoing a whole bunch of unessicary work, you can get by this. Reline the parking shoes, there are several clutch/brake relining specialists out there who can do this. Cost is roughyl $50 an axle.

[Seraphinwolf]

You forgot a few models...
:hide:
I'll measure the SVX when I remember. Aside from diameter they fit STi hubs just fine. LOL I got bored one day. :P

[Robk0000]

I got the rear svx numbers, fronts im not sure about. I havent done any research on the svx.

[Bu11dogg2]

Thinking I might go bigger soon :)

A set of Gold BBS would look real nice on my car

[Berge56]

Thinking I might go bigger soon :)

A set of Gold BBS would look real nice on my car

I :wub: mine!

[Bu11dogg2]

Doing some research into what I could get for my GroupeN's

[Seraphinwolf]

Why stick with gold? Why not have them powder coated some other color? I'm going metallic red on my outer half. Inner half will stay the flat red Rob did them in.

[Bu11dogg2]

I like the look of gold with my JBP :)

[Seraphinwolf]

Non-disputable fact. That's for sure. You can buy my fronts when I find a set of Spec C's and just redo them back to gold. :) Now I just need Spec C's.

[Bu11dogg2]

Gonna need new pads and rotors soon... not looking forward to that

[Seraphinwolf]

Always look forward to new parts. Just not the spending part that comes with those parts....

[DHGurs]

Gonna need new pads and rotors soon... not looking forward to that

What do you plan on getting?

[Bu11dogg2]

Always look forward to new parts. Just not the spending part that comes with those parts....
I love installing stuff, just not paying for it :lol:
What do you plan on getting?

Stop tech front and rear rotors with Hawk pads

[Seraphinwolf]

I love just plain hoarding. :) Feels really good when it finally gets installed but having piles of money is cool. Luckily I get good deals on what I do get.

[Poindextrous]

cool thread, helpful

[Bu11dogg2]

^your Brembos really come alive with upgraded lines, better fluid and better pads :)

[Poindextrous]

^your Brembos really come alive with upgraded lines, better fluid and better pads :)
so I've read. that's near the top of my "to-do list" this summer. I would love a set of dba 5000 rotors for the front, I see some places selling them relatively 'cheap' ~ $650 shipped.
I planned on getting the Goodridge lines from TIC ($155), apparently worth it as he asserts on his website:
"In other words, these are the GOOD Goodridge lines. Not the cheap ass ones you find on eBay"

[Bu11dogg2]

Check out the vendors on this site. I'm sure they can beat TIC and the other vendor you looked at ;)