Parts for your 2012 Subaru Forester-Brake shoes

2012 Subaru Forester brake shoes

Yes, brake shoes are used on the 2012 Subaru Forester. Technical documentation confirms it runs disc brakes for service braking front and rear, with a drum-in-hat parking brake that uses internal brake shoes inside the rear rotors. References: Subaru Forester SH (2009–2013) Factory Service Manual – Brake/Parking Brake section, and Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue listing “Parking Brake Shoe” for 2012 Forester.

On this model, the brake shoes aren’t there to stop the car at speed, they’re dedicated to the handbrake. When the lever is pulled, a cable spreads the parking brake shoes inside the “hat” of the rear disc rotor, locking the vehicle when parked. It’s a simple, robust setup that holds well on hills and keeps the main disc pads for driving and stopping.

Good brake-shoe maintenance helps avoid long handbrake travel and poor holding. As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the shoes whenever the rear rotors come off, or at least every 12 months/20,000–30,000 km. Look for glazing, oil contamination, cracked or thin linings, uneven wear, and tired hardware. Replace as an axle set and refresh the springs and adjuster while you’re there. Clean with brake cleaner and only lubricate the shoe contact points and adjuster threads with a tiny amount of high-temp brake grease—never the friction surfaces.

Adjustment matters. After fitting, set the star wheel so the shoes just kiss the drum surface, then back off slightly to avoid drag. Check handbrake lever travel, most tech data targets a firm hold within several clicks. Bed the shoes in with a few gentle parking-brake applications at low speed on a safe, flat surface, allowing cool-down between pulls.

• Signs it’s time for attention: handbrake needs too many clicks, weak holding on hills, scraping sounds from the rear, one side grabbing more than the other, or a hot brake smell after short drives.
• Many Forester parking brake shoes last well over 100,000 km, but frequent hill parking, off-road water crossings, or contamination can shorten life.

Remember, the Forester’s service brakes are pads and rotors, the shoes are strictly for parking. Keeping them clean, correctly adjusted, and free of rusted hardware will make every park-up feel solid and drama-free.

Popular questions about 2012 Subaru Forester brake shoes

Do all 2012 Foresters have brake shoes?
They do—just for the parking brake. The service brakes are discs and pads on all four corners, while the handbrake uses small drum-style shoes inside the rear rotors (drum-in-hat).

How often should the parking brake shoes be adjusted or replaced?
Inspect at least annually or every 20,000–30,000 km. Adjust when the lever travel increases or the hold weakens. Replace if the linings are thin, glazed, or contaminated. With gentle use, they can last well past 100,000 km.

Can a DIYer replace the brake shoes at home?
Yes, if they’re confident removing rear rotors and setting the star-wheel adjustment. It’s fiddly and dusty—eye protection and proper supports are a must. Many owners prefer a pro to ensure correct setup and bed-in.