Parts for your 2011 Subaru Legacy-Pedal pads

2011 Subaru Legacy (Liberty) pedal pads — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Subaru’s Factory Service Manual for the 2010–2014 Legacy/Outback (BM/BR) and the Subaru FAST electronic parts catalogue, this model does use pedal pads: there’s a rubber brake pedal pad on all variants, and a rubber clutch pedal pad on manual models. The accelerator is a one-piece drive-by-wire pedal and doesn’t take a separate rubber pad. The Service Manual lists the brake pedal pad as an inspection item for wear, damage and contamination, and the EPC shows it as a replaceable part.

For the 2011 Subaru Legacy (sold as Liberty in Australia), the pedal pads are the grippy rubber covers bonded by friction over the metal pedal plates. Their job’s simple but important: give the driver solid traction underfoot, reduce vibration, and help prevent the foot slipping—especially when shoes are wet from a bit of Kiwi rain or an Aussie downpour. Over time the rubber hardens, the ribs wear smooth, or oil and silicone overspray make them slick. When that happens, braking feel gets vague and the risk of a slip rises.

As part of routine servicing, a quick look and feel test tells the story. If the ribs are worn flat, the rubber’s cracked, shiny, or slippery, it’s time to replace. On manuals, check the clutch pad the same way. Replacement is straightforward: lever the old pad off, clean the pedal plate, then work the new pad on starting from one corner. No special tools, no fiddly setup—just make sure it’s fully seated all the way round. Because the accelerator pedal on this model is an integrated plastic tread, don’t try to fit a rubber pad to it.

Practical tips the workshop follows:

• Inspect pedal pads at every service or around 15,000 km, sooner if there’s heavy city driving or lots of wet, sandy gear underfoot.
• Avoid silicone tyre shine or cleaners near the footwell—overspray can make the pads slick.
• Use quality, model-correct pads. “Universal” metal clip-on covers can foul the pedal or floor mat and aren’t recommended.
• After fitting, sit in the car with proper footwear and do a firm brake and clutch feel check before driving.

Keeping fresh, grippy pedal pads is a small cost that pays back in confident pedal feel and safer stops—exactly what Subaru intended in the service literature.

Popular questions

Do all 2011 Subaru Legacy models have a brake pedal pad?
Yes. Every 2011 Legacy/Liberty has a replaceable rubber brake pedal pad. Manual models also have a clutch pedal pad. The accelerator is a solid assembly and doesn’t use a separate pad.

How often should the brake pedal pad be replaced?
There isn’t a fixed kilometre interval. Replace on condition—when the ribs are worn smooth, the rubber is cracked or hardened, or the pad feels slippery. Many drivers see replacement somewhere between 60,000 and 120,000 km, but wet or gritty conditions can speed that up.

Can universal pedal covers be used safely?
They’re not recommended. Generic clip-on covers can shift, reduce grip, or interfere with pedal travel and floor mats. Stick with genuine or high-quality pads designed for the 2011 Legacy/Liberty to maintain proper fit and safety.