How to Replace Subaru Legacy Brake Pads

The Subaru Legacy utilizes disc brakes in the front of the vehicle. The disc brake system is made up of a brake rotor, which is attached to the wheel hub and rotates along with the wheel. A brake caliper is mounted over the rotor and holds the brake pads. When the driver presses down on the brake pedal, the caliper squeezes the brake pads against the rotor, slowing the vehicle down. Vehicle owners who change their brake pads regularly reduce the risk of damaging the rotors and incurring more costly repairs.

Instructions

Removing the Brake Pads

1

Raise the vehicle using an automotive jack and support with jack stands placed underneath the front frame.

2

Unscrew the lug nuts on the front wheels and tires using a lug wrench. Then pull the wheels off the lug studs.

3

Drive the pistons into the calipers. Place a C-clamp over the caliper with the bottom on the inboard side of the caliper and the top on the back side of the outboard brake pad. Close the clamp to drive the piston into the caliper.

4

Unscrew the two bolts that secure the brake calipers to the mounting brackets using a socket.

5

Lift the caliper up and away from the brake disc to access the pads. Do not allow the caliper to hang from the rubber hydraulic hose.

6

Pull the brake pads from the mounting bracket using your hands. Be sure to note the position of the backing plates and retaining clips.

Installing the Brake Pads

7

Drop the new brake pads into position in the retaining bracket. Reinstall the retaining clips and backing plates in the same position as you removed them.

8

Slide the brake caliper into position in the mounting bracket.

9

Screw in the two bolts that secure the caliper to the mounting bracket, using a socket. Torque the bolts to between 25 foot-pounds and 33 foot-pounds using a torque wrench.

10

Lift the wheels onto the lug studs. Then screw the lug nuts onto the lug studs using a lug wrench.

11

Lower the vehicle.

12

Retighten the lug nuts using a lug wrench.

13

Start the engine and pump the brake pedal a few times. This will adjust the position of the piston inside the brake caliper.