Follow along as I refresh our Subaru Outback front brakes with new pads and StopTech rotors. Our model is a 2012 Subaru Outback 3.6R. This video should be relevant on 2010-2014 3.6 engine Outback and Legacy models, and perhaps later 3.6 cars, check that parts are compatible for your Subaru year and model before ordering. Our dealer had quoted $533.97 (parts and labor) to do the front brakes when the car was in recently for the recall airbag replacement.
Our Outback had developed a shake that could be felt in the steering under heavier braking. With the new pads and rotors the brakes are better than ever and the shake is gone!
The biggest challenge was removing the top caliper bracket bolt (17mm) because another nearby bolt makes it difficult to get a socket on it, and it turned out I didn’t have a 17mm wrench! I had to stop and go purchase one.
0:00 Wheel removal and getting stated
1:25 Caliper removal
3:41 Caliper bracket removal
7:54 Rotor removal
8:54 Rotor prep and replacement
11:40 Installing new brake pads
13:36 Front brakes reassembly
Parts used:
Bosch BP1078 Brake Pads amzn.to/3Bgaz7M
StopTech Rotor - Driver (L) amzn.to/3vTFLc0
StopTech Rotor - Passenger (R) amzn.to/3Gqea6U
Permatex Brake Lube amzn.to/3jz4VYk
Brake Parts Cleaner amzn.to/3GmAQ88
Rust Penetrant Spray amzn.to/3Ed8fQK
Tools used:
Ratchet
Torque Wrench
Breaker Bar amzn.to/3dFg1aN
Sockets: 19mm, 17mm, 14mm
17mm Wrench (upper caliper bracket) amzn.to/3ICFVdB
10mm Wrench (bleeder screw)
Caliper Hanger Hooks amzn.to/30WT0wV
Brake Bleeder Bottle amzn.to/2ZtpgHC
Brake Caliper Wire Brush amzn.to/3GlqKEx
Rubber Mallet amzn.to/3yefQwL
Large “C” clamp amzn.to/3rT3F7p
Jack/Jack Stands
Torque specs:
Caliper Brakets (17mm bolts): 88.5 ft/lbs.
Calipers to slider pins (14mm bolts) 19.9 ft/lbs.
Wheels (19mm lug nuts) 90 ft/lbs.
This video is for reference, and aims to share the level of effort needed to perform this work and the tools and parts I used. Get help or take your car to a competent mechanic if you are not familiar with or have the necessary skills and tools to do the job safely.