2016 Subaru Forester with poor brake performance and rear brake noise. We performed a no-charge Courtesy Brake Inspection, provided a detailed cost estimate, and then did the brake repair.
Introduction
Diagnosis
Recommendation
Repair
Tips
Brake Repair Price
Images
FAQ
Subaru Repair Service Shop
Diagnosis
Our Subaru technician skipped our normal test drive and performed a visual inspection of the four-wheel brakes because the owner said the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was lifted on a hoist, the wheels removed, and the brake pads inspected.
The front brake pads were found to have 5mm of brake pad lining remaining which is approximately 50% on this vehicle. This brake lining thickness is well within specifications and safety limits.
The rear brake pads were completely worn out, and the brake pad metal backing plates were grinding metal-on-metal with the brake rotors. The right rear brake had worn completely through the brake pad friction lining, and the brake pad metal backing plate had destroyed the brake rotor. This would explain the poor brake performance and noise when the brakes were applied!
Subaru vehicles are prone to metal brake line rusting, so the brake hydraulic lines and hoses were checked for corrosion.
Recommendation
Our Subaru technician recommended rear brake pad replacement, rear brake rotor replacement, rear brake caliper replacement, rear brake hose replacement, and a brake fluid flush and replacement.
We emailed the customer a digital inspection report with photos of the brake problems. We explained the issues over the phone using the inspection photos as a reference, and the customer approved the work.
Repair
Our Subaru technician performed a rear brake service, including rear brake pad replacement, brake caliper replacement on both sides, brake rotor replacement on both sides, brake hose replacement, and brake fluid replacement. They also flushed and bled the brake hydraulic system, including the master cylinder, ABS pump, calipers, brake hoses, and brake lines until clean. The vehicle was road-tested to ensure quality control and correct brake function.
Tips
Periodic brake inspections can prevent brake failure and safety issues. Brake life is variable due to wide-ranging road conditions, vehicle use, and driving styles, so brake wear needs to be monitored over time. Harsh winter conditions also contribute to brake problems that can be prevented with simple brake inspections and lubrication. Rust of metal brake lines and hoses can also be a common problem in Ann Arbor, Michigan, area. If a rusty brake line bursts, the brakes can suddenly stop working, creating a dangerous situation.
Stop-and-go city driving has a much higher brake wear rate than highway driving. A brake inspection should be done every oil change service. This is another reason to use an auto repair shop that employs certified technicians and specializes in repair service of Subaru vehicles.
Brake Repair Price
Brake repair prices vary greatly depending on your vehicle's age, model, options, and condition. This particular Subaru brake repair cost was approximately $1,250, with $750 (60%) parts and $500 (40%) labor. The lack of brake maintenance and damaged parts from driving until the brakes failed greatly increased the cost. Contact us for an accurate Subaru brake repair estimate after doing a brake inspection.
Images
FAQ
How much is a brake job on a Subaru Forester?
Subaru Forester brake pad replacement, including parts and labor, can cost anywhere between $150 and $300 per axle, depending on the vehicle year, the type of brake pads chosen, and whether additional brake repair work or parts are required. Vehicle age, mileage, and any damage to reused brake parts will increase the cost of a Subaru brake job.
How long do Subaru brake pads last?
Subaru brake pads usually last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. If you commute in city traffic and use your brakes frequently or aggressively, a brake service and brake pad replacement will be required more often.
Can brake pads be replaced without replacing rotors?
Brake rotors don't always have to be replaced with brake pad replacement, but it is often better value to replace the rotors than resurface machining rotors. To prevent brake squealing noise, brake pulling, and uneven brake performance, new brake pads need a refinished brake rotor surface.
The frequency of rotor replacement depends on factors like rotor quality and condition and driving conditions. If the rotors are damaged or worn to the minimum discard thickness, they will need to be replaced with brake pads.
How long do Subaru brake rotors last?
Subaru rotor life depends on driving conditions and driving habits. Driving in stop-and-go city traffic places high demands on brake parts, and they will wear much faster than highway driving. Front brakes usually wear much quicker than rear brakes. Heavy or aggressive brake use at high speeds will wear brake pads and rotors rapidly. All brake rotors have a minimum thickness and must be replaced when they reach the minimum thickness specification.
How do I know when to replace my Subaru brakes?
Many Subaru vehicles have a dashboard warning light to indicate when the brakes need inspection. A sensor detects brake pad thickness, and another detects brake hydraulic problems and displays a warning light.
Brake warning systems should not be relied on due to uneven brake wear on each wheel, and the sensor is only on one wheel. It is best to have regular brake inspections as part of the vehicle's oil change service.
Should I replace all four brakes at the same time?
Brake pads are replaced as axle sets when needed, either both front brake pads or both rear brake pads. Front and rear brake pads do not need to be replaced at the same time.
Recommended Subaru Repair Service Shop in Ann Arbor, MI
Contact Hoover Street Auto Repair for all your Subaru services in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Our Subaru technicians have the skill and experience to diagnose and repair your Subaru Forester problems correctly. We are Subaru service specialists.
You can trust Hoover Street Auto Repair for your Subaru service in Ann Arbor, MI. Hoover Street Auto Repair also serves the surrounding areas, including Pittsfield, MI; Ypsilanti, MI; Saline, MI; and Dexter, MI.