Rear brake pad and rotor replacement addresses worn friction surfaces on a 2014–2015 Subaru Forester 2.5i with 274 mm solid rear rotors. Squealing, grinding, pulsation or unusual rear-wheel heat calls for inspection before ordering parts. There is no dedicated OBD-II code that proves the pads or rotors need replacement. A warning light, soft pedal or dragging wheel requires diagnosis; new friction parts alone may not solve the underlying problem.
This guide covers the conventional hydraulic rear caliper and separate cable-operated parking-brake shoes inside the rotor hat. Confirm that your vehicle has this arrangement. A different brake package, turbo model, electronic parking brake or modified assembly needs its own parts and service procedure.
Requires stable lifting, precise inspection and parking-brake adjustment.
Both rear wheels; corrosion and shoe repairs add time.
Rear axle kit budget, excluding tools and extra repairs.
Featured kit and vehicle fitment
The selected product is A-Premium APBRPR126, ASIN B0B3RKVCXS: a six-piece rear-axle rotor and ceramic-pad kit with 10.78-inch/274 mm rotors and five mounting holes. Inspect the delivered package for two rotors and four pads. The listing states that pad wear indicators and mounting hardware are included; inspect those pieces rather than assuming every original shim or plug is supplied. Calipers and parking-brake shoes are separate components.
Check the 274 mm rear brake kit
Order by vehicle configuration and measurements. The manufacturer’s current catalog supports the applications below. The retail listing also names later years that are not consistently shown in that catalog. Obtain manufacturer confirmation before ordering for a year outside this table; the instructions here remain specific to the stated Forester application.
| Years | Vehicle | Restriction and procedure scope |
|---|---|---|
| 2014–2015 | Subaru Forester | 2.5i, 2.5L non-turbo; 274 mm solid rear discs. This guide’s procedure. |
| 2016–2017 | Subaru Crosstrek | 274 mm rear application; confirm trim and VIN in the manufacturer selector. |
| 2012–2016 | Subaru Impreza | 2.0L sedan/wagon only; listed Base, Limited, Premium, Sport, Sport Limited, Sport Premium or Touring configurations. Confirm exact trim. |
| 2013–2015 | Subaru XV Crosstrek | 274 mm rear application; confirm trim, powertrain and VIN before ordering. |
Exclude the 278 mm ventilated rear brake package. Compare rotor diameter, thickness, hat height, center opening and parking-drum dimensions with the removed part. Match pad shape, locating ears and hardware. Wheel diameter alone does not identify the brake assembly, and a product-selector result does not override a visible dimensional mismatch.
Diagnose the complaint first
- Squealing: inspect the inner and outer pad on both rear wheels. A wear indicator may be contacting the disc, but dirt, glazing or loose hardware can also cause noise.
- Grinding: stop driving and inspect for metal contact, loose parts and rotor damage. Check the separate parking shoes if the noise continues with the service brake released.
- Pulsation: measure the disc and check the hub. Rust trapped beneath a new rotor, bearing looseness or uneven tightening can recreate the complaint.
- One hot wheel: investigate sticking slide pins, a reluctant piston, a restricted hose or parking-brake drag before installing new pads.
- Soft pedal or fluid loss: diagnose the hydraulic system. Do not treat a pad-and-rotor kit as a cure.
For the solid rear disc, Subaru lists 10 mm standard thickness, 8.5 mm wear limit and 0.05 mm maximum runout. Rear pad lining has a 1.5 mm wear limit, excluding the backing plate. These are service limits, not a recommendation to keep worn brakes in use until the final fraction of a millimeter. Replace damaged, contaminated or unevenly worn parts as inspection requires. Respect any stricter minimum stamped on the supplied rotor.
The parking drum inside the rotor is nominally 170 mm, with a 171 mm service limit. Parking-shoe lining is nominally 3.5 mm, with a 1.5 mm limit. Loose lining, broken springs or seized adjusters require additional repair before reassembly.
Tools and supplies
Gather the equipment before lifting. Product links identify specific models; check size, quantity, operating instructions and current availability. The Forester demonstration uses 14 mm caliper/bracket fasteners and 19 mm wheel nuts, with a 17 mm wrench useful for counterholding. Replacement hardware can differ.
| Tool or Supply | Exact Product | Product Link | Purpose and Selection Check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor jack | ARCAN A20003, 3-ton low-profile steel jack | View product | Lift only at the Subaru-approved point after checking clearance and capacity. A jack is not a support stand. |
| Safety stands | BIG RED T43002A, double-locking 3-ton pair | View product | Support the rear securely on level concrete at approved stand points. Engage both locks; observe the pair rating. |
| Wheel chocks | Fasmov solid-rubber chocks, two-pack with handles | View product | Chock the front wheels against movement in both directions. Obtain enough chocks for your setup; the rear parking brake must be released. |
| Sockets, ratchet and breaker bar | TEKTON SKT15311, 3/8-inch-drive 6-point set, 6–24 mm metric plus SAE | View product | Includes 14, 17 and 19 mm sockets, ratchet, extensions and breaker bar. Verify installed bolt heads; use hand tools. |
| Torque wrench | TEKTON TRQ51402, 3/8-inch drive, 10–100 ft-lb | View product | Covers 19.9, 24.3, 48.7 and 88.5 ft-lb with matching 3/8-inch sockets. Use a calibrated wrench; never loosen with it. |
| Piston retraction | Lisle 25750 dual-piston brake pad spreader | View product | Use an old pad to distribute force and confirm the tool seats securely on the single piston. Push straight inward; do not force a seized piston. |
| Caliper support | Lisle 48020 brake caliper hanger set | View product | Hang the caliper securely without twisting or loading its connected hose. |
| Brake cleaner | CRC Brakleen 05084 non-chlorinated low-VOC cleaner, 14 oz | View product | Follow rotor and cleaner instructions. Use ventilation and keep away from ignition sources; check local availability. |
| Eye protection | DEWALT DPG82 Concealer safety goggles, one pair | View product | Use appropriate eye protection and the cleaner’s specified chemical-resistant gloves. |
| Fluid removal, conditional | OEMTOOLS 25572, 500 cc extractor with two extension tubes | View product | Use new or dedicated brake-fluid-only equipment if the reservoir level rises excessively. Never reuse an oil-contaminated pump. |
| Counterholding and access | 14 mm and 17 mm combination wrenches; small flat screwdriver, trim tool and pliers | Select to specification | Counterhold pin flats without twisting boots; release the adjuster plug, operate the star wheel and access the handbrake boot without damage. |
| Rotor and shoe measurement | Brake micrometer covering 8.5–10 mm, rigid dial-indicator setup, drum gauge covering 170–171 mm and lining gauge | Select to specification | Measure beyond the rotor lip. Resolve 0.05 mm runout and measure shoe lining separately from its steel backing. |
| Brake lubricants and hardware | Subaru-approved rear pin/seal-kit grease; Molykote M7439 (003602001) for specified clips; appropriate shim grease | Select to specification | Match lubricant to the contact surface. The manual also specifies pad-kit grease or WAKO V160 for shims. Do not assume all greases are rubber-safe or included. |
| Cleaning and protection | Wet-cleaning towels, runoff tray, non-damaging hub brush and chemical-resistant gloves | Select to specification | Choose gloves for the cleaner’s safety data and your size. Contain brake dust; do not blow it off or use a household vacuum. |
| Parking-brake adjustment | Pull-force gauge measuring 200 N (45 lbf), secure non-damaging attachment and socket matching the cable adjuster | Select to specification | Needed to check lever travel at the specified force. Arrange professional adjustment if suitable measuring equipment is unavailable. |
| Stuck-rotor removal, conditional | 8 mm rotor jacking bolts with verified thread pitch and suitable length | Select to specification | Match the actual threaded extraction holes before purchase. Retract the parking shoes first; never force a mismatched bolt. |
| Replacement pieces, as needed | Correct rotor access plugs, pad shims, clips and wear indicators; parking-shoe hardware if damaged | Select to specification | Inventory the kit and compare the original assembly. Parking shoes, cables and calipers are separate repairs; use VIN-specific parts. |
Keep friction faces and shoe linings free of oil, grease and anti-seize. Use a lubricant specifically approved for each contact. Copper paste for a metal contact is not automatically suitable for a rubber pin boot. If the required lubricant or measuring tool is missing, obtain it before starting or have a qualified shop perform that portion.
DIY and shop cost estimates
These planning ranges cover both rear wheels in US dollars. They are estimates, not current product prices or a repair quote. Location, corrosion, part choice and the condition of the parking-brake mechanism change the total.
| Item | Estimated range | Assumption |
|---|---|---|
| Rear kit | $90–$180 | Planning estimate for a matched axle set |
| Consumables and minor hardware | $20–$60 | Cleaning, correct lubricants and required small pieces |
| DIY parts/consumables total | $110–$240 | Assumes existing tools and no additional damaged parts |
| Tools, if starting from zero | $250–$650+ | Separate budget; precision gauges can increase this |
| Shop labor | $180–$400 | Example: 1.5–2.5 hours at $120–$160/hour |
| Typical shop total | $300–$700 | Planning range with parts and normal supplies; obtain a local quote |
Budget roughly 2–4 hours for a careful DIY job with intact fasteners and working adjusters. Tool purchases are separate from the repair subtotal. A shop quote should identify whether it includes parking-brake inspection and adjustment, hardware, fluid work and diagnosis. Add time and cost if a caliper, cable, bearing or parking shoe needs repair.
Rear pad and rotor replacement steps
1. Inspect the parts and prepare the work area
Verify the vehicle identification, brake package and replacement parts before disassembly. Lay out the new pads and hardware as left/right sets. Photograph the original pad, shim and wear-indicator orientation. Keep the opposite side assembled as a reference while working on the first side. Let the brakes cool, protect nearby painted surfaces and keep children and pets away from the work area.
Check the brake-fluid reservoir level. Returning the pistons raises it; remove excess only with clean equipment reserved for brake fluid. Do not drain the reservoir or introduce dirt. If fluid is unexpectedly low, inspect for leakage rather than merely topping it up.
2. Chock, lift and support
Park on a hard, level surface with the engine off and transmission secured in Park or the appropriate gear. Place chocks at the front wheels against movement in both directions. Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting. Follow the vehicle manual’s designated lifting and stand locations; do not guess from a convenient suspension arm or thin sheet-metal area.
Support the rear safely, verify stability and release the parking brake fully. Remove the wheels. Keep the key away from anyone who could start or move the vehicle. Maintain chocks and supports throughout the inspection and adjustment process.
3. Remove the caliper and bracket
Identify the small caliper guide bolts separately from the bracket mounting bolts. Remove the guide bolts, counterholding the pin flats when necessary, and suspend the caliper securely. Leave the hydraulic hose connected and avoid twisting it. Remove the pads and clips, noting differences between inner and outer pieces. Remove the bracket bolts and lift the bracket clear.
If hose-bracket removal is needed for clearance, remove only its mounting bolt; do not loosen the hydraulic union. Protect the wheel-speed wiring and its clips. Normal pad and rotor replacement can keep the hydraulic circuit closed.
4. Release the rotor without damaging the parking shoes
Try removing the rotor after confirming the handbrake is released. If the drum catches the shoes, remove the access plug and retract the star-wheel adjuster with a flat screwdriver. If corrosion still holds the rotor, correctly matched 8 mm jacking bolts can assist removal. Apply force evenly and gradually; stop if the shoes remain trapped or threads resist starting.
Inspect the parking shoes, springs and adjuster after removal. Do not pull a rotor forcibly across an expanded or loose shoe. A damaged parking-brake assembly must be repaired before the new rotor goes on; that work is beyond this pad-and-rotor procedure.
5. Clean, measure and prepare the new rotor
Remove corrosion from the hub’s mating face without gouging it or contaminating the bearing and sensor. Wet-wipe brake dust into a suitable collection tray. Inspect wheel studs and the shield for damage. Clean the replacement rotor according to its supplied coating instructions; avoid stripping a coating intended to remain.
Seat the disc flat. Check hub play first, then secure the rotor evenly with five wheel nuts and suitable spacers that do not damage the seats. Measure runout 10 mm in from the outer edge; the limit is 0.05 mm. Measure thickness at that radial position, clear of the lip. If readings fail, investigate hub seating and bearing condition rather than hiding the problem with new pads.
6. Service the slides and retract the piston
Check that the pins move freely and that the boots seal. Keep each pin and sleeve in its original position. Clean away incompatible residue, inspect for pitting and use the specified pin/seal-kit grease sparingly. Replace damaged boots or seized parts rather than disguising them with extra lubricant.
Place an old pad across the piston and seat the spreader securely. Retract the piston slowly and straight inward while watching the reservoir. This conventional caliper does not use an electronic parking-brake service-mode reset. Stop if the piston binds or the boot twists; do not overcome resistance with excessive force.
7. Install the bracket, pads and caliper
Install the bracket and correctly seated clips. Apply approved grease only to specified metal contact points and shims. Keep pad friction material clean. Match the inner wear-indicator position to the correct original arrangement and the supplied instructions. Pads must move in their supports without being hammered into place.
Install the caliper without stretching the hose. Start every fastener by hand, then tighten with a calibrated torque wrench. Use the following values for this conventional Forester rear assembly; distinguish the bracket bolts from the guide bolts.
| Fastener | Torque |
|---|---|
| Rear bracket mounting bolt | 66 N·m / 48.7 ft-lb |
| Rear caliper guide bolt | 27 N·m / 19.9 ft-lb |
| Brake hose bracket, if removed | 33 N·m / 24.3 ft-lb |
| Wheel nuts | 120 N·m / 88.5 ft-lb |
Reattach any removed hose bracket. Check that the hose and sensor wiring clear moving parts throughout their normal range. Repeat the service on the other rear wheel so the axle receives a matched set.
8. Set parking-shoe clearance and lever travel
Fully release the lever. Carefully unclip its boot to reach the cable-adjusting nut and loosen that nut enough to leave the cable free. Through each rotor’s access hole, expand the shoes until the disc will not turn by hand, then back off the adjuster 10 notches. Confirm no shoe drag and refit the access plugs.
After setting both sides, pull the lever firmly 3–5 times. Adjust the cable nut for 7–8 lever notches at 200 N (45 lbf), checked with suitable force-measuring equipment. Recheck free rotation with the lever released and confirm the warning lamp illuminates at its first notch. Refit the boot. If correct travel and free release cannot both be achieved, investigate the mechanism before driving.
Final inspection and safe function checks
- Review every disturbed fastener, clip and hose route. Remove temporary rotor-retaining hardware. Install the wheels with clean, correctly seated nuts; tighten in a crossing pattern to 120 N·m (88.5 ft-lb).
- Before moving, press the brake pedal repeatedly until firm. Check reservoir level, secure its cap and inspect for leaks. A pedal that remains soft or sinks is a stop condition.
- Check that the parking brake holds and releases correctly under controlled conditions. Do not test on a slope with a person in the vehicle’s path.
- With stationary checks passed, make gentle walking-speed stops in a clear area. Confirm predictable stopping and no pull, grinding or unusual drag before proceeding farther.
- Follow the supplied pad/rotor bedding instructions. Avoid inventing an aggressive high-speed bedding cycle. Reinspect for abnormal heat, smell, leaks or persistent noise.
Normal closed-system replacement does not automatically require bleeding. Opening a hose connection, allowing the reservoir to empty, or discovering a hydraulic fault changes the job and requires the correct Subaru service procedure.
Helpful video
Watch 1A Auto’s rear brake demonstration on a 2015 Forester. Use it to recognize components and tool access. Follow the specific specifications and parking-brake adjustment above; a video showing a similar car does not establish product compatibility for every year in its title.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying by model name while overlooking solid versus ventilated rotors.
- Leaving the handbrake applied or forcing a rotor over its shoes.
- Installing a new rotor over a rusty, uneven hub face.
- Mixing bracket and guide-bolt torque values.
- Putting rubber-incompatible grease on pin sleeves or contaminating friction material.
- Adjusting only cable tension while skipping shoe clearance.
- Moving the vehicle before restoring a firm service-brake pedal.
Frequently asked questions
Will this kit fix a weak parking brake?
Not necessarily. The service pads squeeze the outside of the rotor; separate shoes act on its internal drum. Worn shoes, cable faults and incorrect adjustment need their own diagnosis.
Can I replace only one rear rotor?
Plan a matched rear-axle service and inspect both sides. Unequal wear also deserves investigation so the cause does not damage the replacement parts.
Can I use this guide for a later Forester or Crosstrek?
Use the exact model’s service information. The featured kit has several catalog applications, but this procedure and its stated scope are for the 2014–2015 Forester 2.5i with the specified conventional rear brakes.
What if a new rotor will not fit over the parking shoes?
Confirm dimensions and retract the adjuster appropriately. Inspect for displaced shoes or hardware. Do not use wheel nuts to pull an incompatible rotor into place.
Sources and related maintenance
Application and service references: A-Premium APBRPR126 catalog; selected kit listing; Subaru service-manual sections reproduced by DiagnostData: brake specifications, rear removal, inspection and installation, pin and boot assembly, and parking-brake inspection and adjustment. Consult current VIN-specific Subaru instructions if the installed equipment differs.
For another maintenance job on the same model, see our 2014 Subaru Forester 2.5L engine air filter replacement guide.