Changing brake pads and rotors on a 2019 Subaru Outback is a vital upkeep activity that ensures the security and efficiency of your automobile. Worn brake pads can result in diminished braking effectiveness, whereas warped or broken rotors could cause vibrations and noise. By following these complete step-by-step directions, you’ll be able to confidently change your brake pads and rotors, saving money and time whereas enhancing the driving expertise of your Subaru Outback.
Earlier than embarking on this mission, collect the required instruments and supplies, together with new brake pads, rotors, brake cleaner, caliper piston instrument, torque wrench, and a jack and jack stands. Security must be your high precedence, so put on protecting gloves and eyewear all through the method. Moreover, seek the advice of the service handbook on your particular mannequin 12 months to make sure correct torque specs and any obligatory precautions.
To start the substitute course of, elevate the entrance finish of the automobile utilizing a jack and safe it with jack stands. Take away the lug nuts, elevate the tire off the hub, and place it securely in a chosen space. Subsequent, take away the caliper bolts, fastidiously elevate the caliper off the rotor, and assist it with a bit of wire or bungee wire to stop pressure on the brake line. Utilizing the caliper piston instrument, compress the piston again into the caliper housing. Now, slide the outdated brake pads out of the caliper bracket and take away the caliper bracket bolts to entry the rotor. Elevate the outdated rotor off the hub, clear the hub floor, and set up the brand new rotor. Comply with these steps in reverse order to reassemble the elements, making certain correct torque specs on all bolts and nuts.
Security Precautions and Instruments Required
Security Precautions
- Park your automotive on a flat, steady floor.
- Deactivate the engine and anticipate it to chill down.
- Have interaction the parking brake to stop the automotive from shifting.
- Place wheel chocks behind the wheels reverse those you will be engaged on (e.g., when you’re engaged on the entrance brakes, place chocks behind the rear wheels).
- Put on security glasses and gloves to guard your self from particles and dangerous chemical substances.
- Keep away from inhaling brake mud, as it may be dangerous to your well being.
- When you’ve got any current medical circumstances, seek the advice of together with your physician earlier than trying this restore.
- At all times observe the directions in your automobile’s proprietor’s handbook when performing repairs.
Instruments Required
| Software | Use |
|---|---|
| Ground jack | Elevate the automobile |
| Jack stands | Help the automobile whereas it is raised |
| Lug wrench | Take away the lug nuts |
| Tire iron | Loosen and take away the lug nuts |
| Caliper bolts/pins | Take away the caliper from the rotor |
| C-clamp | Compress the brake piston |
| Brake cleaner | Clear the brake elements |
| Torque wrench | Tighten the lug nuts and caliper bolts/pins to the proper specs |
Jacking Up the Automobile and Eradicating the Wheels
Security Precautions
Earlier than starting any work, guarantee your automobile is parked on a flat, steady floor and that the parking brake is engaged. Place wheel chocks behind the wheels reverse the aspect you will be engaged on.
Supplies Required
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- 19mm socket wrench
- Anti-seize lubricant
Steps
- Find the jack factors: Confer with your automobile’s proprietor’s handbook for the designated jack factors. These factors are usually situated close to the wheels.
- Place the jack: Place the jack on the designated jack level closest to the wheel you will be changing.
- Elevate the automobile: Slowly pump the jack to elevate the automobile till there may be roughly 6-8 inches of clearance between the bottom and the tire.
- Put the jack stands in place: Find the designated jack stand factors, that are often close to the jack factors. Place the jack stands underneath these factors and decrease the automobile onto them.
- Take away the lug nuts: Utilizing the lug wrench, loosen however don’t take away the lug nuts on the wheel you will be engaged on.
- Take away the wheel: Grip the wheel firmly and pull it straight in the direction of you to detach it from the hub.
Eradicating the Brake Calipers
To take away the brake calipers, you will have to take away the bolts which are holding them in place. These bolts are usually situated on the again of the calipers, and you may want a socket wrench to take away them. As soon as the bolts are eliminated, you’ll be able to fastidiously elevate the calipers off of the rotors.
Watch out to not injury the brake hoses if you’re eradicating the calipers. If you might want to, you need to use a bungee wire to tie the calipers up out of the best way.
As soon as the calipers are eliminated, you’ll be able to examine the rotors for put on. If the rotors are worn, you will want to exchange them. To do that, you will have to take away the caliper mounting brackets, that are situated on the again of the rotors. As soon as the caliper mounting brackets are eliminated, you’ll be able to slide the rotors off of the wheel hubs.
To put in the brand new rotors, merely slide them onto the wheel hubs and tighten the caliper mounting brackets. Then, reinstall the calipers and tighten the bolts. Lastly, bleed the brakes to take away any air from the system.
Here’s a desk summarizing the steps for eradicating the brake calipers:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take away the bolts which are holding the calipers in place. |
| 2 | Rigorously elevate the calipers off of the rotors. |
| 3 | If obligatory, use a bungee wire to tie the calipers up out of the best way. |
Changing the Brake Pads
Now that the caliper is off of the rotor, you’ll be able to take away the outdated brake pads. Sometimes, one of many pads is held in place by two clips whereas the opposite slides in between these clips. Take away the clips to free the held-in pad. The opposite pad ought to now slide out freely.
Prior to installing the brand new brake pads, it is vital to scrub the caliper and the realm surrounding the place the brake pads make contact with the rotor. This may be sure that there isn’t any grime or particles that might trigger the brake pads to put on inconsistently or change into contaminated.
Use a brake cleaner or rubbing alcohol and a clear rag to wipe down the caliper and the realm round the place the brake pads make contact with the rotor. This may be sure that the brand new brake pads have a clear floor to mate with.
Now you can set up the brand new brake pads. The brand new brake pads could have a small shim on the again. This shim is designed to cut back noise and vibration. Make it possible for the shim is correctly seated within the caliper.
Slide the brand new brake pads into the caliper. The brake pads ought to match snugly into the caliper. If the brake pads aren’t becoming snugly, you could want to make use of a C-clamp to compress the caliper.
As soon as the brake pads are put in, you’ll be able to reinstall the caliper. Tighten the caliper bolts to the desired torque. The torque specs on your Subaru Outback may be discovered within the automobile’s proprietor’s handbook.
Changing the Brake Rotors
1. Collect Your Supplies
- New brake rotors
- Brake cleaner
- Brake caliper grease
- Ground jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- 13mm socket
- 15mm socket
- T50 Torx socket
- C-clamp
2. Put together the Automobile
- Park the automobile on a degree floor and interact the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the entrance wheels utilizing the lug wrench.
3. Take away the Wheel
- Use the ground jack to elevate the entrance finish of the automobile and place jack stands underneath the designated jack factors.
- Take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
4. Take away the Brake Caliper
- Find the 2 bolts holding the brake caliper to the steering knuckle.
- Use the 13mm socket to take away the bolts.
- Swing the caliper up and out of the best way, however watch out to not pressure the brake line.
5. Take away the Outdated Rotors
| Kind of Rotor | Elimination Methodology |
|---|---|
| Floating Rotor | Slide the rotor off the hub utilizing your palms or a pry bar. |
| Built-in Bearing Rotor | Unbolt the rotor from the hub utilizing the 15mm socket. |
6. Set up the New Rotors
- Clear the contact surfaces of the hub and the brand new rotors with brake cleaner.
- Flippantly grease the contact surfaces between the rotor and the hub.
- Use your palms or a pry bar to slip the brand new rotor onto the hub.
- Tighten the bolts to the desired torque utilizing the 15mm socket.
7. Reinstall the Brake Caliper
- Swing the brake caliper again into place and line it up with the holes on the steering knuckle.
- Set up the 2 caliper mounting bolts and tighten them utilizing the 13mm socket.
- Reattach the wheel and tighten the lug nuts utilizing the lug wrench.
8. Repeat for the Different Aspect
- Repeat steps 3-7 for the remaining entrance wheel.
9. Mattress within the New Rotors
- Drive the automobile for just a few miles at various speeds to permit the brand new rotors to mattress in.
- Keep away from laborious braking throughout this era.
Inspecting the Brake Strains and Parts
Inspecting the Brake Strains
Begin by visually inspecting the brake traces for any indicators of injury, reminiscent of cracks, leaks, or bulges. In the event you discover any points, it is vital to exchange the affected brake line instantly. Subsequent, verify if the brake traces are correctly linked to the calipers and grasp cylinder. Be sure that the connections are tight and freed from corrosion or rust.
Inspecting the Brake Parts
Brake Calipers
Examine the brake calipers for any indicators of leaks or injury. Test the caliper pistons for sticking or binding. If the pistons are shifting freely, apply slight stress to them and guarantee they retract easily. Additionally, examine the caliper mounting bolts for tightness and corrosion.
Brake Rotors
Look at the brake rotors for put on and tear. Measure the rotor thickness utilizing a micrometer or caliper. If the rotors are under the producer’s specified minimal thickness, they need to get replaced. Moreover, verify the rotors for any indicators of grooves, cracks, or extreme rust.
Brake Pads
Examine the brake pads for put on and thickness. Substitute the pads if they’re worn right down to lower than 1/4 inch of fabric. Test the brake pad backing plates for any indicators of cracks or injury. Be sure that the brake pads are correctly seated within the calipers and never unfastened.
| Part | Inspection Factors |
|---|---|
| Brake Strains | Cracks, leaks, bulges, connections |
| Brake Calipers | Leaks, injury, caught pistons, mounting bolts |
| Brake Rotors | Put on, thickness, grooves, cracks, rust |
| Brake Pads | Put on, thickness, backing plates, seating |
Reassembling the Brake System
7. Reinstalling the Caliper and Pads
To reinstall the caliper, information it again over the brand new brake pads, ensuring that it matches snugly across the rotor. Safe the caliper in place utilizing the caliper bolts, tightening them to the desired torque utilizing a torque wrench.
Examine the brake caliper pins for put on or injury, and change them if obligatory. Apply a small quantity of artificial brake grease to the pins earlier than reinserting them into the caliper.
Place the brake pads contained in the caliper, making certain that they’re appropriately positioned and dealing with the proper course. Use the provided anti-rattle clips or shims (if relevant) to stop noise and vibration.
Be sure that the brake pads are centered on the rotor by urgent on the brake pedal a number of occasions. This may assist to distribute stress evenly throughout the pads and rotor.
Double-check all connections and be sure that all bolts and nuts are securely tightened earlier than shifting on to the following step.
| Part | Torque (ft-lbs) |
|---|---|
| Caliper Bolts | 111-148 |
| Caliper Pin Bolts | 25-30 |
Torquing Specs and Retightening
Tightening the lug nuts to the right torque is essential for the security and efficiency of your automobile. Confer with your proprietor’s handbook for the particular torque specs on your Subaru Outback.
As soon as the lug nuts are tightened, recheck them after driving roughly 50-100 miles. That is particularly vital after altering the brakes, as the brand new pads and rotors might have a while to settle in.
Lug Nut Torque Specifications
The next desk lists the torque specs for the lug nuts:
| Lug Nut Measurement | Torque Specification (ft-lb) |
|---|---|
| M12 | 80-105 |
Lug Nut Retightening
To recheck the torque on the lug nuts, you have to a torque wrench. Comply with these steps:
1. Loosen every lug nut barely utilizing a lug wrench.
2. Use a torque wrench to tighten every lug nut to the desired torque.
3. Double-check the torque on all lug nuts to make sure they’re correctly tightened.
Street Testing and Verifying Brake Efficiency
After changing your brake pads and rotors, it is essential to check your brakes and confirm their efficiency earlier than common driving.
9. Street Testing
**1. Select a Lengthy, Quiet Street:** Drive just a few kilometers on a quiet, low-traffic street to interrupt in your new brakes gently.
**2. Gradual Down and Cease:** Steadily apply the brakes at speeds starting from 30 to 60 km/h and convey your automotive to an entire cease. Repeat this course of a number of occasions to mattress within the pads successfully.
**3. Apply Brakes Onerous:** As soon as the brakes are bedded in, carry out a number of laborious stops from larger speeds. This may generate warmth and take away any extra resin from the brake pads.
**4. Keep away from Hills:** Check your brakes on flat roads initially to reduce the danger of overheating as a result of fixed braking.
**5. Test for Vibration or Noise:** Take note of any vibrations or uncommon noises throughout braking. These might point out an alignment situation or different underlying drawback.
**6. If Wanted, Repeat:** In the event you discover any points in the course of the street check, pull over safely and repeat the bedding-in course of on a special street.
10. Verifying Brake Efficiency
**1. Stopping Distance Check:** Carry out a braking distance check on a chosen check web site. Measure the gap required to carry your automotive to an entire cease from a chosen velocity (e.g., 60 km/h).
**2. Pedal Really feel Check:** Take note of the texture of the brake pedal. It must be agency and responsive, with out extra sponginess or stiffness.
**3. Visible Inspection:** Examine the brake pads and rotors for any indicators of extra put on or injury. If obligatory, make any changes or replacements as wanted.
| Symptom | Trigger | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Vibration or pulsation throughout braking | Warped rotors | Substitute or machine the rotors |
| Squealing or grinding noise | Glazed or worn brake pads | Substitute the brake pads |
| Spongy or smooth brake pedal | Air within the brake traces | Bleed the brake traces |
Extra Ideas for Troubleshooting and Upkeep
1. Examine Your Brake Fluid Repeatedly
Your brake fluid is liable for transferring stress out of your brake pedal to your calipers. Guarantee its degree and alter it in accordance with the producer’s suggestions to take care of optimum braking efficiency.
2. Test Your Brake Strains for Leaks
Brake traces carry brake fluid from the grasp cylinder to your wheels. Repeatedly examine them for any cracks, leaks, or injury. In the event you detect a problem, have it addressed instantly to stop brake failure.
3. Monitor Your Brake Rotor Thickness
Over time, your brake rotors will put on down. Measure their thickness repeatedly utilizing a caliper or micrometer. In the event that they fall under the producer’s specified minimal thickness, change them to make sure protected and efficient braking.
4. Clear and Lubricate Brake Parts
Grime and particles can accumulate on brake elements, affecting their efficiency. Periodically clear your calipers, pads, and rotors with brake cleaner and apply a small quantity of high-temperature brake grease to shifting components to make sure clean operation.
5. Check Drive After Changing Brake Parts
After changing any brake elements, take your automobile for a check drive. Hear for any uncommon noises or vibrations and be sure that your brakes are performing as anticipated. In the event you discover any points, seek the advice of a professional mechanic.
6. Contemplate Upgrading Your Brakes
In the event you repeatedly tow heavy masses or have interaction in spirited driving, contemplate upgrading your brakes with performance-oriented pads and rotors. These upgrades can present elevated braking energy and warmth dissipation.
7. Keep away from Extreme Braking
Frequent or laborious braking can prematurely put on down your brake elements. Brake easily and anticipate stops to cut back pointless friction in your pads and rotors.
8. Preserve Correct Tire Inflation
Underinflated tires can improve braking distances and put extra pressure in your brake system. Guarantee your tires are inflated to the proper stress as laid out in your automobile’s handbook.
9. Have Your Brakes Inspected Yearly
No matter your driving habits, it is really useful to have your brakes inspected yearly by a professional mechanic. They will determine any potential points early on and forestall pricey repairs.
10. Brake Fluid Flushing
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which may compromise its efficiency. Flushing your brake fluid each 2-3 years removes the contaminated fluid and restores the system’s effectivity, making certain correct brake perform and lengthening the lifetime of brake elements. Contemplate the next steps when flushing your brake fluid:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Collect the required instruments and supplies, together with brake fluid, tubing, and a brake bleeder wrench. |
| 2 | Begin with the brake caliper furthest from the grasp cylinder. |
| 3 | Connect a bit of tubing to the bleeder valve and the opposite finish to a transparent container. |
| 4 | Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal whilst you open the bleeder valve. |
| 5 | Shut the bleeder valve as soon as the outdated fluid is expelled. |
| 6 | Repeat the method for all 4 calipers, ranging from the furthest level away and dealing your method nearer to the grasp cylinder. |
| 7 | Test the brake fluid degree within the grasp cylinder and high it up as wanted with contemporary brake fluid. |
| 8 | Pump the brake pedal a number of occasions to distribute the brand new fluid by the system. |
How To Change Brake Pads And Rotors 2019 Subaru Outback
Altering the brake pads and rotors on a 2019 Subaru Outback is a comparatively easy course of that may be accomplished in just a few hours with the precise instruments and a little bit of mechanical know-how. Here is a step-by-step information that will help you get the job completed:
- Security first! Park your automotive on a degree floor and interact the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you will be engaged on, however do not take away them utterly.
- Use a flooring jack to elevate the automotive and place a jack stand underneath the designated jack level.
- Take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Find the caliper bolts and take away them. Rigorously elevate the caliper off the rotor and assist it with a bungee wire or wire.
- Take away the outdated brake pads and examine the caliper and brake elements for any injury or put on.
- Clear and lubricate the caliper slide pins and every other contact factors.
- Set up the brand new brake pads and ensure they match snugly into the caliper.
- Reattach the caliper and tighten the caliper bolts to the desired torque.
- Set up the brand new rotor and tighten the lug nuts to the desired torque. (Substitute the rotor if it is worn or broken.)
- Decrease the automotive and torque the lug nuts to the desired torque.
- Repeat steps 2-11 for the opposite three wheels.
- Pump the brake pedal a number of occasions to seat the brand new pads and rotors.
- Check drive your automotive and hear for any uncommon noises or vibrations. The brakes ought to really feel responsive and clean.
