2018 Subaru Outback Brake Pad Replacement
The 2018 Subaru Outback, a perennial favorite among those seeking a capable and practical wagon, is known for its reliability and longevity. A crucial part of maintaining that reliability is ensuring the braking system is in top condition. Brake pad replacement is a common maintenance task, and understanding the process for your 2018 Outback can save you money and keep you safe on the road.
Understanding the 2018 Subaru Outback Braking System
The 2018 Outback utilizes a standard hydraulic braking system with front and rear disc brakes. Depending on the trim level (Base, Premium, Limited, Touring), the brake pads themselves may vary slightly in terms of material composition. Generally, they are a semi-metallic or ceramic compound designed to provide a good balance of stopping power, rotor wear, and noise reduction. All models feature ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which further enhances safety and control.
Identifying when it's time for a brake pad replacement is critical. Common indicators include:
- Squealing or grinding noises when braking. This is often caused by the wear indicator contacting the rotor.
- Reduced braking performance. Longer stopping distances or a spongy brake pedal can indicate worn pads.
- Vibration or pulsation felt in the brake pedal. This could signify warped rotors, but it's often accompanied by worn pads.
- Visually inspecting the brake pads. If the friction material is worn down to less than 1/4 inch, replacement is necessary.
Choosing the Right Brake Pads
When replacing brake pads on your 2018 Outback, you have several options. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) pads from Subaru are a reliable choice, ensuring proper fit and performance. However, aftermarket options from reputable brands like Akebono, Bosch, and EBC Brakes can offer comparable or even superior performance at potentially lower prices.
Consider the following when choosing brake pads:
- Material Composition: Semi-metallic pads offer good stopping power but can be noisy and wear rotors faster. Ceramic pads are quieter, produce less dust, and are gentler on rotors, but might be slightly more expensive.
- Driving Style: If you frequently tow or drive aggressively, consider a performance-oriented pad with a higher friction coefficient. For everyday driving, a standard semi-metallic or ceramic pad will suffice.
- Reviews and Ratings: Research online reviews and ratings to get feedback from other Outback owners.
The Brake Pad Replacement Process (Simplified)
While a complete brake job involves several steps, here's a simplified overview of the 2018 Subaru Outback brake pad replacement process:
- Safety First: Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface, the parking brake is engaged, and wheel chocks are in place.
- Loosen Lug Nuts: Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel of the brake you're working on.
- Jack Up and Secure: Jack up the vehicle and securely support it with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- Remove Wheel: Remove the wheel.
- Remove Caliper: Unbolt the brake caliper and carefully remove it, supporting it so it doesn't hang by the brake hose.
- Remove Old Pads: Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
- Compress Caliper Piston: Use a brake caliper tool to compress the caliper piston back into its bore.
- Install New Pads: Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket.
- Reinstall Caliper: Reinstall the caliper onto the bracket.
- Reinstall Wheel: Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts.
- Lower Vehicle: Lower the vehicle to the ground and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.
- Repeat: Repeat the process for the other brake pads.
- Bedding-In Procedure: Follow the brake pad manufacturer's instructions for bedding-in the new pads. This involves a series of controlled stops to properly transfer friction material to the rotors.
Important Note: It's highly recommended to consult a repair manual specific to the 2018 Subaru Outback or seek professional assistance if you are not comfortable performing this task. Brake work is critical to safety.
Expected Costs and Maintenance Tips
The cost of replacing brake pads on a 2018 Subaru Outback can vary depending on the parts used and whether you perform the work yourself or hire a mechanic. Expect to pay between $50 and $150 for a set of quality brake pads. Labor costs can range from $100 to $300 per axle, depending on the shop's hourly rate.
To extend the life of your brake pads and rotors, consider the following:
- Avoid aggressive braking whenever possible.
- Regularly inspect your brake system for leaks, damage, or excessive wear.
- Flush your brake fluid every 2-3 years to remove moisture and contaminants.
- Consider upgrading to higher-quality brake pads and rotors if you frequently tow or drive aggressively.
By understanding your 2018 Subaru Outback's braking system and performing regular maintenance, you can ensure its longevity and maintain optimal safety for years to come.