Genuine Subaru Brakes

Brakes: What You Need to Know

What They Do

Brakes create the friction (the resistance) that your Subaru vehicle uses to slow down and stop. Many parts work together to that end. The list includes everything from a master brake cylinder and one or more brake pistons to brake lines and hoses.

Types of Brake Systems and How They Work

There are two of them -- drum brakes and disc brakes. How both work is largely the same. When your brake pedal is pressed, the pistons travel the master cylinder's bore, pressurizing brake fluid and sending it through the brake hoses and lines.

In a drum brake, though, the fluid clamps brake drums and brake shoes together. In a disc brake, on the other hand, brake rotors fasten to brake calipers; the latter have brake pads installed on them.

How Long Brakes Typically Last

That's independent of your model's mileage. It's more dependent on the condition of their parts. Use a brake long enough, however, and ultimately, it'll end up worn out.

How to Know if Yours Need Replacement

There are signs you can look for. They include:

• Warnings on the dash
• Shuddering during braking
• Sideways drift as you brake
• Unusual noises when you step on your brakes
• A brake pedal that's too soft or that feels abnormally low
• Less brake grip than ordinarily
• Taking longer to slow and stop
• Grinding noises

Grinds indicate excessive brake pad wear -- more specifically, pads worn down to the calipers and directly contacting the rotors.

How You Tell Which Parts Need Changing

Do a complete brake inspection, including checking your brake pedal, the fluid, the lines and hoses, the brake assemblies, and the parking brake. If it turns out repairs are needed, you're in luck: you can order parts for them online, right here at our auto parts store.

Your Best Choice for Slowing and Stopping Reliably: Install Genuine Subaru Brakes

Our catalog has a selection you can sort by model and model year; it'll simplify finding what fits the Subaru model you drive. Best of all, what you buy will come directly from your OEM. Order today, and we'll ship to your address; you'll be fixing things up in no time.