2015-2020 Subaru WRX Rear Brakes Pads & Rotors How to Replace *Detailed*

Published on March 18, 2020
Duration: 14:47

This guide details the process of replacing rear brake pads and rotors on a 2015-2020 Subaru WRX. It covers loosening lug nuts, removing the wheel and caliper, addressing the parking brake mechanism for rotor removal, compressing the caliper piston, installing new pads and rotors, and re-engaging the brake pedal. The video emphasizes proper torque specifications and safety precautions throughout the procedure.

Quick Summary

To replace rear brake pads and rotors on a 2015-2020 Subaru WRX, first loosen lug nuts and lift the vehicle. Remove the caliper and bracket, then adjust the internal parking brake shoes by turning the adjuster gear. Once the rotor is off, compress the caliper piston, install new pads and rotor, torque bolts to spec (49 ft-lbs for bracket, 20 ft-lbs for caliper), and re-engage the brake pedal slowly.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Overview
  2. 00:25Loosening Lug Nuts & Lifting Vehicle
  3. 00:48Wheel & Caliper Removal
  4. 01:18Caliper Bracket Removal
  5. 02:00Parking Brake Mechanism Explained
  6. 02:31Adjusting Parking Brake Shoes
  7. 04:07Rotor Removal Techniques
  8. 05:12E-Brake Pad Inspection
  9. 05:53Old Pad Removal & Piston Compression
  10. 07:00Hardware Clip Considerations
  11. 08:05New Pad Installation (Squealer)
  12. 09:22New Rotor Preparation & Installation
  13. 10:13Torquing Caliper Bracket & Caliper Bolts
  14. 10:31Final Parking Brake Adjustment
  15. 11:09E-Brake Pad Contact Check
  16. 12:32Lug Nut Torquing Procedure
  17. 13:24Re-engaging Brake Pedal
  18. 14:37Conclusion & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you adjust the parking brake on a 2015-2020 Subaru WRX?

To adjust the parking brake, release the parking brake lever. Locate the adjuster gear behind the rotor and use a flathead screwdriver to turn it until the parking brake shoes lightly contact the inside of the rotor hat. Ensure the adjustment is equal on both sides for proper function.

What are the torque specifications for the rear brake caliper bolts on a Subaru WRX?

For the 2015-2020 Subaru WRX rear brakes, the caliper bracket mounting bolts should be torqued to 49 ft-lbs, and the caliper bolts themselves are torqued to 20 ft-lbs.

Why is it important to re-engage the brake pedal after compressing the caliper pistons?

Compressing the caliper pistons pushes brake fluid back into the master cylinder. Re-engaging the pedal slowly firms up the brake system, ensuring the pistons are properly extended against the new pads and preventing a soft pedal or potential brake system lockout.

How do you remove a stuck rear rotor on a Subaru WRX?

If a rear rotor is stuck due to rust, you can use a hammer to strike the rotor hat to break it loose. Applying a rust penetrant like PB Blaster can also help. Alternatively, if the threaded holes are intact, two bolts can be screwed in alternately to push the rotor off.

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