Do subarus have rear drum brakes?
Subaru vehicles are known for their reliability, all-wheel-drive systems, and innovative engineering. However, when it comes to their braking systems, there is often some confusion about whether Subarus use rear drum brakes or disc brakes. In this article, we’ll explore the types of brakes commonly found on Subaru models and what this means for maintenance and performance.
Understanding Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes
Before diving into Subaru specifics, it’s important to understand the difference between drum brakes and disc brakes:
- Drum Brakes: These are an older braking technology that uses a drum-shaped component and brake shoes to create friction and slow the vehicle. They are often found on the rear wheels of smaller or more budget-friendly vehicles due to their lower cost.
- Disc Brakes: These are more modern and efficient, using a rotor and brake pads to provide better stopping power and heat dissipation. They are typically found on the front wheels of most vehicles and increasingly on all four wheels of newer models.
Do Subarus Use Rear Drum Brakes?
Most modern Subaru vehicles, especially those produced in the last decade, come equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels. This includes popular models like the Subaru Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek. Disc brakes are favored for their superior performance, especially in wet or high-performance driving conditions.
However, some older or entry-level Subaru models may still feature rear drum brakes. For example, base trims of older Subaru Impreza models were known to have rear drum brakes to keep costs down. If you own or are considering purchasing an older Subaru, it’s worth checking the specific trim and model year to determine the type of rear brakes it uses.
Why Some Vehicles Still Use Rear Drum Brakes
While disc brakes are generally superior, rear drum brakes are still used in some vehicles for the following reasons:
- Cost Efficiency: Drum brakes are cheaper to manufacture and maintain, making them a cost-effective option for budget-friendly vehicles.
- Parking Brake Integration: Drum brakes can easily integrate with a parking brake system, simplifying the design.
- Sufficient for Rear Braking Needs: Since most braking force is applied to the front wheels, rear drum brakes can be adequate for certain vehicles.
How to Check Your Subaru’s Rear Brakes
If you’re unsure whether your Subaru has rear drum or disc brakes, here are a few ways to find out:
- Inspect the Brakes: Look through the wheel spokes at the rear wheels. If you see a flat, shiny rotor, your vehicle has disc brakes. If you see a drum-shaped component, it has drum brakes.
- Consult the Owner’s Manual: Your Subaru’s owner’s manual will specify the type of brakes installed on your vehicle.
- Ask a Professional: Bring your vehicle to a trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin’s Autos, for a quick inspection.
Conclusion
While most modern Subaru models come equipped with rear disc brakes, some older or entry-level trims may still use rear drum brakes. Understanding the type of brakes on your vehicle is essential for proper maintenance and ensuring optimal performance. If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional mechanic for assistance. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help with all your brake inspection and repair needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a big disadvantage of the drum brake?
Drum brake disadvantages
Brake shoes can overheat to the point where they become glazed. Excessive brake drum heating can cause the brake fluid to vapourise.
Why do Subaru rear brakes wear faster?
Another reason the rear brakes may wear faster is because the AWD system has the ability to apply brakes on ANY wheel at ANY time while the vehicle is in motion. If you drive in slippery conditions, the AWD system WILL apply brakes to any wheel which slips. This is how the Subaru AWD system works.
When did they stop using rear drum brakes?
> Until perhaps 10 years ago, drum brakes were standard as the rear brakes of almost every car. You need to go back more than that. In the 80s nearly every car had rear drum brakes, that phased out in the early 90s or so. Only the very cheapest cars had drums past that timeframe.
What was the last car with drum brakes?
Now practically all cars use disc brakes on the front wheels, and many use disc brakes on all four wheels. In the United States, the Jeep CJ-5 (manufactured by AM General) was the final automobile (produced for the United States Postal Service) to use front drum brakes when it was phased out in 1986.
Do any new cars have drum brakes?
Despite the introduction of disc brakes, which offer superior performance in many aspects, drum brakes continue to be used in the rear of many modern cars. This might seem surprising, but this choice has several practical reasons.
What was the last car to use drum brakes?
In the United States, the Jeep CJ-5 (manufactured by AM General) was the final automobile (produced for the United States Postal Service) to use front drum brakes when it was phased out in 1986.
How do I know if I have rear drum brakes?
How to tell whether your brakes are drum or disc. To double-check, look through one of the holes in the top of your front wheel. If you see a shiny smooth metal surface, that is your disc rotor. However, if you see a rusty and not smooth round surface, that's your brake drum.
How to tell drum or disc brakes?
The primary difference between disc brakes and drum brakes is relatively straightforward. Disc brakes create friction with a disc-shaped rotor and a pair of brake pads, whereas drum brakes use a circular drum and brake shoes.
Why don t cars use drum brakes anymore?
The effectiveness of a disc brake is due to friction management. The front pads ensure that the heat generated from the friction is dissipated effectively. Heat dissipation on the rear drum brakes is not very effective.. Front discs and pads can work well regardless of the weather condition.
Do subarus have drum brakes?
Though most Subaru models come with front and rear disc brakes, some older models had rear drum brakes. If you're driving a Subaru with rear drum brakes, you'll need to get your brake shoes replaced regularly, as well.
