Parts for your 2008 Subaru Forester-Brake shoes

2008 Subaru Forester brake shoes — what they do and how to look after them

Based on the Subaru Factory Service/Workshop Manual for the Forester (Parking Brake section), Subaru’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for this model year, and AU/NZ aftermarket catalogues from brands like Bendix and Protex, the 2008 Subaru Forester does use brake shoes. They’re the internal “drum-in-hat” handbrake shoes that sit inside the rear brake rotors. So brake-shoes are absolutely relevant for this vehicle.

On the 2008 Forester, the foot brake is disc all round, while the handbrake uses small drum shoes hidden inside the rear rotor hat. Their job is simple but crucial: hold the car steady when parked, help with hill starts, and provide a mechanical backup if needed. Because they’re cable-operated and only used when parking, they tend to wear slowly, but they still need periodic inspection and adjustment to keep things safe and tidy.

For routine servicing, it’s smart to check handbrake shoe lining thickness, condition and evenness every 12 months or 20,000 km. If the lever’s climbing too high, the car won’t hold on a hill, or there’s a scraping noise from the rear at low speed, it’s time for a look. Oil or grease contamination, glazing, or cracked linings mean replacement. Always replace shoes in axle pairs and fit a fresh spring/fitting kit at the same time — tired hardware is a common cause of poor handbrake feel.

When the rear rotors are off, clean the drum surface inside the rotor hat and the shoe faces with proper brake cleaner. Lightly lubricate the shoe-to-backing-plate contact points and adjuster threads with high-temp brake grease, but keep all friction surfaces clean and dry. Adjust the star wheel so the shoes just begin to drag, then back off per the workshop manual so the wheel spins freely. After reassembly, check lever travel and balance left to right.

New shoes bed in best with a few gentle handbrake applications in a safe, flat area at low speed — short, light engagements to seat the linings. If the rotor hats are scored or heavily glazed, replace or machine them to suit. And as with any brake job, refit the wheels to the correct torque and recheck the handbrake after a short drive.

• Signs they need attention: poor holding on hills, excessive lever travel, scraping or grinding, uneven hold left/right.
• Best practice: replace in pairs, renew hardware, clean and lubricate contact points, adjust correctly, and bed-in.

Do these Foresters have drum or disc rear brakes?

They run rear disc brakes for normal stopping, plus an internal drum-style handbrake using brake shoes inside the rear rotor hat. That’s why “brake shoes” apply to the handbrake on this model.

How often should handbrake shoes be adjusted or replaced?

Inspect and adjust at least every 12 months or 20,000 km, or sooner if the lever travel increases or hill-holding weakens. Replacement is typically infrequent, but contamination, glazing or wear can bring it forward.

Will worn handbrake shoes fail a WOF/RWC?

Yes. If the handbrake can’t hold to spec, or the shoes are contaminated or damaged, it can fail a WOF (NZ) or RWC (AU). Proper adjustment and healthy linings are required.