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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

#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

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