Ask the Car People.SM


Subaru Outback/Legacy Brakes

102 messages,  Last post on Aug 11, 2011 at 9:39 AM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Brakes, Sedan

Messages Page 11 of 11

#93 of 102 Re: Subaru brake pads vs generic [xwesx] by ateixeira

Nov 10, 2009 (11:35 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Nov 09, 2009 7:15 pm)
I think the pads cost even less.
 
I don't recall what I paid for the front brake pads on my Forester, but for my 93 Miata they cost $17. Both sides, front axle.
 
No kidding.

#94 of 102 Chronic break problem by pmf823

Dec 30, 2009 (2:46 pm)

I have an 01 ll bean outback with 125k miles. Had all 4 rotors and pads replaced (not resurfaced) five years ago at 80k miles by local repair shop. Brought into my Subaru dealer 2 years ago for 105k tune-up and they told me all 4 rotors and pads had to be replaced again (not resurfaced), so I had the work done by them figuring my local shop screwed-up. Now I've just been told by someone who put snowtires on my car that the rear two rotors are bad - one might be able to be resurfaced but the other is too "pockmarked" and needs to be replaced. Front rotors are better but not great.
 
What is going on with my brakes??? Haven't driven the car hard - mix of city/highway. Is there some kind of chronic problem with this model's brake system? No way am I going to pay anyone to do any brake work unless they can pinpoint why 4 rotors fail first after 25k miles and 1 or 2 again after 20k miles.... I'm first going to bring the car back to the same Subaru dealer since I would think they'd have the most experience with this model, but the problem isn't under warranty, and I find that repairmen look for the quickest fix, and don't know how to look deeper for systemic problems, unless you tell them where to look.... So would appreciate anyone's thoughts and advice. Thanks!!

#95 of 102 Re: Chronic break problem [pmf823] by ateixeira

Jan 01, 2010 (3:46 pm)

Replying to: pmf823 (Dec 30, 2009 2:46 pm)
Are the shops using OE quality replacements? I wonder if they're just using the cheapest parts they can possibly find, perhaps?

#96 of 102 Re: subaru brake issue [sharp_325is] by blember

Mar 02, 2010 (2:58 am)

Replying to: sharp_325is (Nov 07, 2009 3:56 pm)
Subie#1: 133k, drove from pacific northwest thru canada
Subie#2: 210k, drove from queensland to western australia, thru tasmania
Subie#3: 230k, drove from alberta to baja california
Subie#4: 120k, drove from oregon to louisiana and back, twice
 
A Subaru has never failed me on the road.

#97 of 102 Re: subaru brake issue [sharp_325is] by grahampeters

Mar 02, 2010 (3:34 am)

Replying to: sharp_325is (Nov 07, 2009 3:56 pm)
G'day
 
When I follow the link, I find a recall from the 1968 Plymouth Valiant. I'd call that false and misleading advertising on your part!
 
Cheers
 
Graham

#98 of 102 Re: subaru brake issue [sharp_325is] by ingvar

Mar 02, 2010 (7:32 am)

Replying to: sharp_325is (Nov 07, 2009 3:56 pm)
Wow!!!! It is story about my old Honda accord!!!! BTW, I switched my IS350 to Legacy 3.6R Limited and I'm happy!!!

#99 of 102 Chronic Rotor Problem by designman

Jul 05, 2010 (6:11 am)

My 02 Outback has over 160K miles. I really like the car. You know, it's like an old dog, you don't want them to leave. I want it to be around 'til it needs to be put out of its misery.
 
However.
 
I'm on my third set of front rotors in the last 60K miles. IIRC, the originals lasted considerably longer but after that it was frequent front rotor/pad relacements with OEM parts. This last set was not OEM, figured I'd try them to see if they were any better. They're worse and and need replacing after 12K.
 
It seems DIY is easy enough but I really need to see it being done first.
 
Anyway, what's with this rotor problem? My friend also has an Forester with 23K and his front rotors are starting to go. I've also heard of rotor issues on other non-Subaru vehicles.
 
What's the deal? Is it poor manufacturing or design... uneven wear or warpage due to rotors being too thin to begin with? Could faulty installation be a problem? Rotors should get over 60K, easy.

#100 of 102 Re: Chronic Rotor Problem [designman] by xwesx

Jul 07, 2010 (11:37 am)

Replying to: designman (Jul 05, 2010 6:11 am)
Rotors should get over 60K, easy.
 
Yes, they should. My '96 Outback had originals through 220,000 miles, which is when I ceased owning it. It braked smoothly that whole time. Of course, it was only on its second set of pads (both front and rear), too.
 
Proper installation is important, as is even pressure from the lug nuts, but neither of those things is difficult to achieve, even by a home DIY'er with no experience.
 
If you brake hard and frequently, it may just be that the rotors are undersized for your duty requirements and cannot shed the heat fast enough. Have you tried drilled/slotted rotors? Those are often used in performance applications and may be able to resist warping by shedding heat better. Of course, I am assuming that warping is the problem that is killing your rotors.

#101 of 102 Re: Chronic Rotor Problem [xwesx] by fibber2

Aug 11, 2011 (5:23 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Jul 07, 2010 11:37 am)
Should have checked here more often - didn't see this comment.
 
Most of you that have followed my experience with my '02 OBW know that I have two issues with the car - Head Gaskets & Front Brakes. Otherwise I love the beast.
 
My '02 was a very early production unit and actually uses the front brakes from the '01. They are just too small for the weight of the vehicle and I get chronic overheating. I've used stock pads & rotors, as well as Powerslot Cryo rotors & Hawk HPS pads. I just put stock pads on after cleaning up the Powerslot rotor.
 
I'm getting decent longevity out of the various setups, but the amount of pad transfer onto the rotor causing 'warpage' symptoms (it's actually thickness variation) and steering wheel shake is unacceptable. Never had anything like this in any other car. I have to be extra careful sitting at a light to allow a little bit of movement to not end up with a high spot.
 
So yes, I feel your pain.

#102 of 102 Re: Chronic Rotor Problem [fibber2] by xwesx

Aug 11, 2011 (9:39 am)

Replying to: fibber2 (Aug 11, 2011 5:23 am)
Steve, you may have addressed this before, but can you not up-size the front brakes? If you could, do you think it would help?

Messages Page 11 of 11

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement