What are Subaru brake pads made of?
As a car owner, understanding the components of your vehicle is crucial for maintenance and safety. One of the key components of your Subaru's braking system is the brake pads. In this article, we will explore what Subaru brake pads are made of, their materials, and how these materials affect performance and longevity.
Materials Used in Subaru Brake Pads
Subaru brake pads are typically made from a variety of materials, each offering different benefits. The most common materials include:
- Organic Materials: These brake pads are made from a mixture of fibers, rubber, and other materials. They are known for being quiet and providing a smooth braking experience. However, they tend to wear out faster than other types.
- Metallic Materials: Made from a blend of metals such as copper, steel, and iron, metallic brake pads are known for their durability and excellent heat dissipation. They provide strong stopping power but can be noisier and may wear down the rotors more quickly.
- Ceramic Materials: These pads are made from a dense ceramic material mixed with other components. They offer a good balance of performance, low dust production, and quiet operation. Ceramic pads are often favored for their longevity and consistent performance.
Choosing the Right Brake Pads for Your Subaru
When selecting brake pads for your Subaru, consider the following factors:
- Driving Style: If you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic or engage in spirited driving, you may prefer metallic or ceramic pads for their performance.
- Noise Level: If a quiet ride is important to you, organic or ceramic pads may be the best choice.
- Longevity: For those looking for durability, metallic or ceramic pads typically last longer than organic options.
Conclusion
Understanding the materials used in Subaru brake pads can help you make informed decisions about maintenance and replacements. Whether you prioritize performance, noise reduction, or longevity, there is a suitable option available for your driving needs. Always consult with a professional mechanic to ensure you choose the best brake pads for your specific Subaru model.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should you replace brake pads on a Subaru?
Every time the brakes are applied, this material deteriorates, and eventually, the pads require replacement. Harrison says that replacing the brake pads every 15,000 to 20,000 miles is a good rule of thumb, and Subaru recommends having the pads inspected between 12,000 and 15,000 miles or 12 to 15 months.
How long do Subaru factory brake pads last?
between 30,000 and 70,000 miles
Subaru brake pads usually last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles depending on your driving habits. If you commute in heavy traffic and use your brakes frequently, you'll need to get an check more consistently.
Who makes brakes for Subaru?
Akebono brake
Akebono brake products: trusted by original equipment manufacturers worldwide. Akebono's OEM customers include Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan, Stellantis, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.
What is the downside of ceramic brake pads?
Cons: Higher Cost: Ceramic brake pads tend to be more expensive than organic and semi-metallic options. Not Ideal for Extreme Conditions: While they perform well under most conditions, ceramic pads may not be as effective for extreme driving situations, such as high-speed racing or heavy towing.
How can I tell if my brake pads are ceramic?
If there is a lip on the edge of the rotor and/or the rotor surface has a bumpy surface, that tells you that semi-metallic pads were on the vehicle. If there is a layer of friction material on the surface of the rotor, that tells you that ceramic pads were on the vehicle.
Do Subarus have drum brakes?
Modern Subaru vehicles come with front and rear disc brakes; however, this hasn't always been the case. If you have an older Subaru, it may be equipped with drum brakes--and if so, you'll eventually need to have them replaced just like the brake pads on disc brakes.
Are OEM brake pads ceramic or metallic?
On the other hand, OEM brake pads are often semi-metallic and are made of various metallic materials, such as shredded metal wire, iron powder, and steel wool. Ceramic and OEM brake pad manufacturers use different metallic materials to make their products.
What kind of brakes do subarus have?
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.
How much does it cost to replace Subaru brake pads?
Most Subaru franchise service centers will run brake specials each month and can save you a lot of money on front brake pad installation. Generally the cost for parts will range from $100-$200 per axle and labor can cost anywhere between $80 - $100.
What material is brake pads made of?
Perhaps the most commonly found brake pads, semi-metallic models consist of between 30% and 65% metal. Additional material could include steel wool, wire and copper among others. Once settled upon these elements are bound together by organic resin.
