How to Change the Brake Pads on a Subaru Outback

The braking system on the Subaru Outback model vehicles includes the brake rotor, brake caliper, brake lines and the brake pads. When the brake pedal is applied, each of these braking components work together to stop the vehicle. The brake pedal pushes the brake fluid through the brake lines to the brake caliper. The caliper then compresses the brake pads to both sides of the brake rotor to stop the vehicle. Once the brake pads wear down to the wear indicators, the pads will need to be replaced and the rotors will have to be turned or replaced.

Instructions

1

Park the Subaru Outback on level ground in a safe working area.

2

Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with the tire tool or a lug wrench.

3

Jack the front of the Subaru Outback up and position the jack stands under the designated jacking points that are on both sides of the vehicle. Then, lower the jack so that the Outback is sitting securely and evenly on the jack stands.

4

Finish unscrewing the lug nuts from the front driver's-side and front passenger-side wheels. Pull the wheels off and set the wheels down flat so they won't roll.

5

Move back to the driver-side front wheel and locate the brake caliper, which is mounted to the side of the brake rotor. Slide the small pry bar into the opening on the top of the brake caliper. Pry the caliper back and forth until the caliper is loose enough to remove from the brake rotor.

6

Locate the two bolts on the back of the caliper. Remove the two locking pin bolts from the upper and lower section of the caliper with a 1/2-inch drive ratchet and a socket.

7

Slide the pry bar under the bottom of the brake caliper and pry the caliper upward. Grab the caliper with your hands and pull it off the side of the rotor. Hang the caliper to the side of the frame rail or to the steering knuckle with a small piece of rope.

8

Remove the inner brake pad from the caliper. Insert the C-clamp inside of the caliper towards the outer brake pad. Compress the outer brake pad towards the caliper cylinder by turning the C-clamp clockwise. Once the caliper cylinder is fully compressed, unscrew the C-clamp and remove it from the caliper. Finish removing the outer brake pad and other braking accessories from the caliper.

9

Position the new brake pads and brake pad accessories into the brake caliper. Put the caliper back onto the brake rotor. Screw the two rear slide pin bolts back in and tighten them down with the ratchet and socket. Slide the wheel on and screw the lug nuts onto the lugs. Tighten the lug nuts down tight with the lug wrench.

10

Move to the front passenger-side wheel and follow the same steps as outlined above for replacing the brake pads. Then, just reverse the same steps above to reinstall the braking components. When done, crank the Outback and compress the brake pedal in and out five or six times. This will set the new brake pads to the brake rotors and remove any air from the brake lines.