Parts for your 1999 Subaru Forester-Pedal pads

1999 Subaru Forester pedal pads — what they do and when to replace them

Pedal pads are absolutely used on the 1999 Subaru Forester. Subaru’s SF-series service literature and the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST) for the SF5 Forester list rubber pedal pads for the brake (auto and manual) and an additional pad for the clutch on manual models. The factory workshop sections for Brake Pedal and Clutch also reference fitting and inspecting the pedal pad. That makes pedal pads a standard, serviceable safety item on this model.

On a ’99 Forester, the pedal pads are the grippy rubber covers fitted to the metal pedal arms. Their whole job is to give the driver solid, non-slip control when braking, clutching, or modulating the throttle. Over years of driving—especially with wet boots, sand, or city stop–start—the rubber hardens, wears smooth, or cracks. Once the surface glaze appears or the edges start to curl, grip drops off and stopping distance and pedal feel can suffer, particularly in the wet. It’s a small part that carries big safety weight, and it’s something inspectors look at for WOF/RWC compliance because the pedal surface must be secure and non-slip.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to check the brake and clutch pads every 10,000–15,000 km (or each service visit). Look for shine, flattening of the tread pattern, splits, or looseness on the metal pedal. The accelerator on many SF Foresters uses a different style of cover and typically wears slower, but it’s still worth a look.

Replacement is straightforward and affordable. With the car parked and powered off:

• Pull the old rubber off the pedal plate, starting at a corner.
• Clean the metal pedal face of grit and old rubber.
• Warm the new pad slightly (sunlight or warm water), then hook the bottom lip on and work the edges over until the pad seats all the way around.

After fitting, press the pedal by hand to be sure the pad isn’t twisted and that it fully covers the plate. If the Forester is a manual, always replace the brake and clutch pads as a pair so pedal feel and grip are consistent. Drivers who frequent the beach, farms, or muddy tracks should inspect more often—abrasive grit can chew through rubber quickly. Keeping fresh, quality pedal pads is an easy win for safety, roadworthiness, and confident pedal feel.

Popular questions about 1999 Subaru Forester pedal pads

How do I know my Forester’s pedal pads are worn out?
Common signs are a shiny or glassy surface, cracks around the corners, the pad slipping on the metal plate, or your foot sliding when it’s wet. If the tread pattern is mostly gone or the rubber feels hard and plasticky, it’s time to replace.

Are the brake and clutch pedal pads the same on a 1999 Forester?
On manual models, the brake and clutch typically use matching rubber pads, while automatic models have a single (often wider) brake pedal pad. Always match the pad to transmission type and check the SF Forester parts listing for your VIN.

How often should pedal pads be checked or replaced?
Give them a look at every service or about every 10,000–15,000 km. Replace immediately if they’re smooth, cracked, or loose—especially before wet-season driving or a WOF/RWC inspection.