🔧 Outback - Rear Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement

This repair replaces the rear brake pads and rotors on your Outback. The rear brakes use an electronic parking brake, so the parking brake must be placed into service mode before the caliper is removed.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Do not press the brake pedal while the rear calipers are removed.
• ⚠️ The rear brakes have an electronic parking brake, also called EPB, which is a motor-driven parking brake built into the rear caliper.
• ⚠️ The EPB must be retracted with a compatible scan tool before compressing the rear caliper pistons.
• ⚠️ Support your Outback only with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle held by a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Brake dust is harmful. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask, and do not blow dust with compressed air.
• ⚠️ Battery disconnect is not required if using the scan tool EPB service mode procedure.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• OBD-II scan tool with Subaru EPB service mode (specialty)
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm lug nut socket
• Breaker bar 1/2-inch drive
• Torque wrench 1/2-inch drive
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Ratchet 3/8-inch drive
• Ratchet 1/2-inch drive
• Brake caliper piston compression tool
• Bungee cord
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner spray
• Shop towels
• Rubber mallet
• M8 x 1.25 bolts
• Brake caliper hanger hook
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Dust mask

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake rotors - Qty: 2
• Rear brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper slide pin grease - Qty: 1
• Brake parts cleaner - Qty: 1
• High-temperature brake lubricant - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Outback on level ground.
• Make sure the parking brake is released before starting EPB service mode.
• Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels.
• Keep the key fob away from the push-button start area after the EPB is in service mode.
• Use a scan tool to enter Parking Brake Maintenance Mode / EPB Service Mode before removing the rear calipers.
• A scan tool is a small diagnostic device that plugs into the OBD-II port under the dashboard and can command vehicle systems safely.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Put the EPB in Service Mode

• Connect the OBD-II scan tool with Subaru EPB service mode to the diagnostic port under the driver side dashboard.
• Turn the ignition ON without starting the engine.
• On the scan tool, select Subaru > Outback > Parking Brake > Maintenance Mode / Brake Pad Replacement Mode.
• Command the rear parking brake motors to retract.
• Wait until the scan tool confirms the EPB is fully retracted.
• Listen for both rear motors.

Step 2: Loosen the Rear Wheel Lug Nuts

• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and breaker bar 1/2-inch drive to loosen each rear lug nut about one turn.
• Do not remove the lug nuts yet.

Step 3: Raise and Support the Rear of the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift the rear of your Outback at the rear center jacking point.
• Place jack stands rated 3-ton minimum under the rear side pinch welds or approved rear support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Lightly shake the vehicle to confirm it is stable.

Step 4: Remove the Rear Wheels

• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the loosened lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and set them flat under the side of the vehicle as an extra safety backup.

Step 5: Remove the Rear Caliper

• Use the 14mm socket and ratchet 3/8-inch drive to remove the two rear caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket carefully.
• Hang the caliper from the suspension using the brake caliper hanger hook or bungee cord.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
• Protect the brake hose.

Step 6: Remove the Old Brake Pads and Hardware

• Use the flat blade screwdriver to gently pry the old pads out of the caliper bracket.
• Remove the old stainless brake pad clips from the bracket by hand or with the flat blade screwdriver.
• Brake pad clips are thin metal guides that help the pads slide smoothly.

Step 7: Remove the Caliper Bracket

• Use the 17mm socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to remove the two rear caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the caliper bracket from the knuckle.
• If the bolts are tight, use the breaker bar 1/2-inch drive for controlled leverage.

Step 8: Remove the Rear Rotor

• Pull the rotor straight off the hub by hand.
• If the rotor is stuck, thread two M8 x 1.25 bolts evenly into the rotor removal holes.
• Use the ratchet 3/8-inch drive to tighten the bolts a little at a time until the rotor pops loose.
• If needed, tap the rotor hat with the rubber mallet.
• Do not hit the wheel studs.

Step 9: Clean the Hub and Bracket

• Use the wire brush to clean rust from the wheel hub face.
• Use the brake cleaner spray and shop towels to wipe the hub clean.
• Use the wire brush to clean the pad contact areas on the caliper bracket.
• A clean hub prevents brake vibration.

Step 10: Install the New Rear Rotor

• Clean both sides of the new rotor using brake cleaner spray and shop towels.
• Slide the new rotor onto the hub.
• Temporarily install one lug nut by hand using the 19mm lug nut socket to hold the rotor flat.

Step 11: Reinstall the Caliper Bracket

• Position the caliper bracket over the rotor.
• Start both bracket bolts by hand to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 17mm socket and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the caliper bracket bolts to Torque to 88 Nm (65 ft-lbs).

Step 12: Install New Brake Hardware and Pads

• Install the new brake pad clips from the rear brake hardware kit into the caliper bracket by hand.
• Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake lubricant to the pad ears where they touch the clips.
• Do not put grease on the pad friction material or rotor face.
• Install the new rear brake pads into the bracket by hand.

Step 13: Compress the Rear Caliper Piston

• Use the brake caliper piston compression tool to slowly push the caliper piston straight back into the caliper.
• Because the EPB is already retracted, do not force the piston if it does not move smoothly.
• Check that the rubber piston boot does not twist or tear.
• Slow pressure protects the seals.

Step 14: Reinstall the Rear Caliper

• Slide the caliper over the new pads and rotor.
• Start both slide pin bolts by hand.
• Use the 14mm socket and torque wrench 3/8-inch drive to tighten the caliper slide pin bolts to Torque to 27 Nm (20 ft-lbs).

Step 15: Repeat on the Other Rear Side

• Repeat Steps 5 through 14 on the other rear brake.
• Rear pads and rotors should be replaced in pairs.

Step 16: Reinstall the Rear Wheels

• Remove the temporary lug nut using the 19mm lug nut socket.
• Reinstall each rear wheel.
• Thread all lug nuts by hand first.
• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and ratchet 1/2-inch drive to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Step 17: Lower the Vehicle and Torque the Lug Nuts

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift the rear slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 3-ton minimum.
• Lower your Outback to the ground.
• Use the 19mm lug nut socket and torque wrench 1/2-inch drive to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to Torque to 120 Nm (89 ft-lbs).

Step 18: Exit EPB Service Mode

• Turn the ignition ON without starting the engine.
• Use the OBD-II scan tool with Subaru EPB service mode to select Parking Brake > Exit Maintenance Mode / Apply Parking Brake.
• Wait until the scan tool confirms the EPB motors have reset.
• Apply and release the parking brake two times using the parking brake switch.

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✅ After Repair

• Before driving, press the brake pedal slowly 5-10 times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and top off only if needed with the correct brake fluid.
• Start the engine and confirm no brake warning lights remain on.
• Test the electronic parking brake on level ground before driving normally.
• Perform a gentle test drive at low speed and confirm the brake pedal feels normal.
• Bed in the pads with 6-8 moderate stops from about 30 mph to 5 mph, allowing cooling time between stops.
• Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles unless it is an emergency.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$750 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $160-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $290-$430 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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