Parts for your 2001 Subaru Forester-Pedal pads

2001 Subaru Forester Pedal Pads — What They Do and When to Replace Them

Pedal pads are absolutely used on the 2001 Subaru Forester (SF series, MY01). Subaru’s factory literature and parts catalogues list dedicated rubber covers for the brake pedal on all models, and for the clutch pedal on manual variants, the accelerator uses a moulded pedal plate rather than a slip-on pad. This is supported by Subaru’s Factory Service Manual (Brake and Clutch sections) and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue, which both show “Pad – Pedal (Brake)” and “Pad – Pedal (Clutch)” entries for the 2001 Forester.

On this Forester, pedal pads are those grippy rubber covers that slip over the bare metal pedal plates. Their job’s simple but critical: give the driver solid, non-slip footing in the wet, reduce vibration, and protect the pedal plate from wear. If the car’s an automatic, there’ll be one rubber pad on the brake pedal. If it’s a manual, there are two pads — one each for brake and clutch.

As part of regular servicing, it’s worth a quick look and feel. Rubber hardens and polishes smooth over time, especially with sandy beaches, muddy boots and day-to-day commuting. When they go glossy, crack, or the tread pattern flattens out, grip drops off — not ideal when it’s bucketing down and a quick stop’s needed.

• Check for: cracks, missing chunks, shiny/slick surfaces, and pads that have crept off-centre.
• Clean with: mild soap and water, avoid harsh solvents that can dry or swell the rubber.
• Replace when: tread is worn smooth, pad feels hard like plastic, or it won’t stay seated.

Swapping them out is a straightforward DIY: peel the old pad off the pedal plate, warm the new pad slightly (sunlight or warm water helps), then hook the top lip over the plate and work it on until the edges seat in the groove all the way around. No special tools, and it’s a five-minute job per pedal. For manuals, replace the clutch and brake pads as a pair so feel and grip match.

Genuine or quality aftermarket pads both do the trick — just match to the SF Forester. If the pad keeps slipping off or won’t fit snug, the underlying pedal plate could be bent or the pad’s the wrong spec. The accelerator pedal on this model isn’t a separate rubber pad, so if that surface is worn, you’re usually looking at cleaning or replacing the pedal assembly rather than a pad.

Popular questions about 2001 Subaru Forester pedal pads

How often should pedal pads be replaced on a 2001 Forester?

There’s no strict interval, it’s condition-based. Many last years, but heavy city driving, wet boots, or off-road use can wear them quicker. Replace as soon as the surface turns shiny, cracks appear, or grip feels iffy — don’t wait for it to fail a WOF or safety check.

Are the brake and clutch pedal pads the same on the 2001 Forester?

They’re typically similar in material and tread but are listed as separate parts in Subaru’s catalogues. Order specifically for “brake pedal pad” and “clutch pedal pad” for the SF Forester to ensure a proper fit and correct edge profile.

Can the accelerator pedal pad be replaced separately?

On the 2001 Forester, the accelerator is a one-piece pedal without a removable rubber pad. If the surface is worn or damaged, the fix is usually to clean or replace the accelerator pedal assembly rather than fitting a slip-on pad.