Parts for your 2004 Subaru Forester-Brake shoes

2004 Subaru Forester brake shoes — what they are and how to look after them

Yes, brake shoes are relevant to the 2004 Subaru Forester. According to the Subaru SG Forester Factory Service Manual (Brake and Parking Brake sections) and Subaru parts catalogues for the 2003–2008 SG series, this model runs rear disc brakes for normal stopping, plus an internal “drum-in-hat” park brake that uses dedicated brake shoes. So while the foot brake relies on pads clamping rotors, the handbrake/park brake is handled by a pair of small drum shoes inside the rear disc hat.

Those park brake shoes are there to hold the Forester securely when parked, on the flat or on steep Kiwi and Aussie hills. They also provide a mechanical backup if the hydraulic system isn’t available. Because they live inside a drum, they don’t wear like front pads do, but they can glaze, delaminate, or go out of adjustment over time, especially with regular hill parking, boat ramp use, towing, or dusty/gritty conditions.

Good servicing focuses on cleanliness, adjustment, and hardware condition. At routine brake services, the drum-in-hat should be removed, the shoes and drum surface inspected, and the mechanism cleaned. Light glazing can be scuffed, any oil contamination (from a hub seal) or lining separation means replacement. Always renew the return springs and clips with the shoes, and apply a tiny amount of high-temp brake grease to the shoe contact points—never on the lining or drum surface. After refit, set the star-wheel adjuster so the shoes just kiss the drum, then fine-tune at the lever for even, moderate lever travel. Bed the new shoes in with a few gentle handbrake applications at low speed on a safe, flat road.

How often? There’s no fixed kilometre count, but a check every 20,000 km or 12 months suits most Foresters. Replace when linings are thin, cracked, contaminated, or the hardware is tired. Tell-tale signs include weak holding power on hills, excessive lever travel, scraping or grabbing, and uneven hold left-to-right. Using quality, vehicle-specific shoes (the SG Forester uses a particular drum size) keeps adjustment within spec and prevents noise. Done right, the park brake will hold firm, release cleanly, and last for years.

• Weak hill hold or long lever travel = inspect and adjust
• Glazing, oil contamination, or cracked linings = replace shoes
• Always renew springs/clips and adjust the star wheel correctly

Popular questions about 2004 Subaru Forester brake shoes

Do 2004 Foresters have both pads and shoes?
Yes. They use pads for the service brakes at all four wheels, and separate drum-style shoes inside the rear rotors for the handbrake/park brake. The shoes don’t stop the car while driving, they hold it when parked.

How long do the park brake shoes last?
Often many years, as they’re only used for holding. Lifespan shortens with frequent hill parking, towing, or contamination. Plan to inspect annually and replace when thin, glazed, noisy, or not holding well even after adjustment.

Can I drive with worn handbrake shoes?
You can still drive, because the foot brakes use pads. But worn or contaminated shoes reduce park brake holding, which is unsafe on inclines and can fail a WOF/rego inspection. If the lever travel is excessive or hold is weak, get them serviced.