Parts for your 2012 Subaru Outback-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes and the 2012 Subaru Outback: What You Need to Know

If you've got a 2012 Subaru Outback, you might be wondering whether this vehicle uses brake shoes at all. The short answer is no. The 2012 Subaru Outback is fitted with disc brakes on all four wheels, meaning brake shoes are not part of its braking system. Instead, it uses brake pads that press against a disc or rotor to slow the vehicle down. So why isn't this rugged Aussie favourite using brake shoes? It all comes down to the advantages of disc brakes over drum brakes, where brake shoes would be found.

Brake shoes are typically found in drum brake systems. These are common on older cars, some smaller vehicles, or on the rear wheels of certain models. Brake shoes have a curved shape and are located inside a drum. When you press the brake pedal, the shoes push outwards to press against the inner surface of that drum, creating friction to slow the car. Drum brakes can be effective and are often cheaper to manufacture, but they do have some downsides.

The Subaru Outback, aiming for reliable performance and solid stopping power, especially given its popularity among drivers who take it off-road or on long trips, uses disc brakes all around. Disc brakes, with brake pads clamping onto a disc, cool more quickly, provide more consistent braking, and offer better performance in wet or muddy conditions. This is a great match for the Outback's versatile use cases.

So, if you are servicing your 2012 Subaru Outback, there is no concern with brake shoes because they simply don't exist on this model. Instead, the focus is on the brake pads and rotors. Maintenance and replacement advice tends to revolve around keeping those clean, in good condition, and ensuring the hydraulic system that operates the brakes is all working well.

However, understanding brake shoes can still be useful, especially if you come across the term when researching brakes or dealing with older cars or different vehicles. Here's a bit of info on what brake shoes do and how they are taken care of, even though your Outback won't need them.

Brake shoes play the key role in stopping a vehicle fitted with drum brakes. When the driver pushes the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the shoes outward to grip the drum's interior surface. This friction converts the kinetic energy of the moving car into heat, slowing the wheels and bringing the vehicle to a stop. The brake shoes are lined with a friction material that wears down over time, just like brake pads on disc brakes.

Unlike brake pads that sit flat and squeeze the rotor, the brake shoes curve around the inside of the drum and must be properly adjusted to maintain good contact and stopping power. As they wear, the shoes need to be replaced. Failure to do so can result in poor braking performance and even damage the brake drums, leading to more costly repairs.

For older vehicles that use brake shoes, regular inspection is a must. Typically, brake shoes need checking every 20,000 to 40,000 kilometres, depending on driving conditions. Maintenance involves removing the drum and visually inspecting the lining thickness. If the lining is worn to the recommended minimum thickness or if it is cracked, glazed, or contaminated with brake fluid or grease, replacement is required.

When replacing brake shoes, it is important to replace them in pairs on the same axle to keep balanced braking. You also want to clean the drum and inspect it for scoring or damage. Another key point is adjusting the shoes so they gently contact the drum without dragging, offering the best braking feel and less wear.

While brake shoes are perfectly fine for certain applications, the 2012 Subaru Outback benefits from the superior stopping power and responsiveness of disc brakes. So, if you hear the term brake shoes related to Outbacks or service, rest assured there are none to worry about. Instead, focus on following Subaru's recommended schedule for inspection and replacement of brake pads and rotors, keeping your Outback's braking performance safe and reliable for every journey.