Parts for your 2006 Subaru Tribeca-Brake shoes

2006 Subaru Tribeca brake shoes (parking brake shoes)

Technical references confirm brake shoes are used on the 2006 Subaru Tribeca. The Subaru B9 Tribeca (2006) Service Manual specifies a drum-in-hat parking brake integrated within the rear disc rotors, using brake shoes to provide holding force. Subaru’s genuine parts catalogue for Tribeca lists a dedicated Parking Brake Shoe Set (commonly referenced as P/N 26266XA00A), and major aftermarket catalogues list matching parking brake shoes for 2006 Tribeca. That means brake shoes are absolutely relevant on this model—specifically for the handbrake—while the service brakes are discs and pads at all four corners.

On a 2006 Tribeca, the brake shoes live inside the “hat” section of the rear rotors. Their job is to hold the vehicle steady when parked—on the driveway, at the boat ramp, or on a steep Aussie or Kiwi hill. Unlike the hydraulic disc pads that slow the car while driving, these shoes are cable-operated and only work when the handbrake is applied. The design is robust, but as the linings wear or glaze, holding power drops and lever travel increases.

During regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the parking brake shoes every 12 months or 20,000 kilometres. Look for glazing, oil contamination from a leaky hub seal, cracked linings, or hardware corrosion. If the friction material is down near the minimum (typically around 1.5 mm) or the drum surface in the rotor hat is scored beyond spec, replacement is the go. Always replace shoes as an axle set, and it’s good practice to fit new springs and clips at the same time. A light smear of high-temp brake grease belongs only on the shoe contact points and adjuster threads—never on the lining or drum surface.

Adjustment is via the star wheel inside the rear rotor hat. After fitting new shoes, adjust so the drum just brushes, then back off slightly, and check the lever travel—usually in the ballpark of 5–8 clicks. Bed the shoes in with a few gentle handbrake applications at low speed so they seat evenly. If the handbrake won’t hold on a hill, the lever feels too high, or there’s a scraping sound from the rear when parked, it’s time for an inspection.

• Service check: inspect and clean yearly or every 20,000 km.
• Replace: if lining is thin, contaminated, cracked, or hardware is tired.
• Adjust and bed-in: set the star wheel properly and bed the shoes for solid, reliable holding.

Popular questions about 2006 Subaru Tribeca brake shoes

Do 2006 Tribecas have brake shoes or just pads?
Yes, they have both. The service brakes use pads and discs, while the handbrake uses drum-in-hat brake shoes inside the rear rotors. This setup is documented in the Subaru 2006 Tribeca service manual and parts catalogue.

How often should the parking brake shoes be replaced?
They don’t usually wear as quickly as pads, but they do age, glaze, or get contaminated. Plan on inspecting them every 12 months or 20,000 km. Replace if the lining is near minimum thickness, performance is weak, or the hardware is corroded or noisy.

What are the signs the handbrake shoes need attention?
If the Tribeca won’t hold on a hill, the lever needs heaps of clicks, there’s a scraping noise when parked, or there’s a burning smell after using the handbrake, the shoes may be worn, out of adjustment, or contaminated and should be checked.