Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Brake calipers

2014 Subaru Forester brake calipers: what they do and when to service them

Brake calipers are absolutely relevant to the 2014 Subaru Forester. Subaru’s own technical literature confirms the Forester runs disc brakes with calipers on the front axle across the range, with the rear axle using either disc brakes with calipers or drum brakes depending on model/market. See the Subaru Owner’s Manual (2014 Forester, Specifications section) noting “Front: ventilated disc, Rear: disc or drum (depending on model),” and the Subaru Service Manual (SJ Forester, Brake – Front Disc Brake) describing the floating-type front caliper assembly. The Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue for SJ Forester also lists front caliper assemblies for 2014 models. So, calipers are fitted—and they’re a key part of how the Forester stops.

On this model, the caliper’s job is to convert hydraulic pressure into clamping force, squeezing the pads onto the rotor to scrub off speed. The floating design lets the caliper slide on guide pins so both pads bite evenly. Dust boots keep road grime out, while seals maintain brake-fluid pressure. When everything is healthy, the pedal feels firm, the car brakes straight, and pad wear is even.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to have the brake calipers inspected every 12 months or about 20,000 kilometres, and whenever pads or rotors are replaced. A technician should check for torn boots, sticky slide pins, fluid leaks at the piston seal or hose fitting, and uneven pad wear. Slide pins should be cleaned and lubricated with a rubber-safe, high-temperature brake grease approved by Subaru. Brake fluid should be flushed roughly every two years because moisture absorption reduces performance and can corrode internal caliper surfaces.

If a caliper is seized, leaking, or causing tapered/rapid pad wear, replacement or a quality rebuild is on the cards. Always replace calipers in axle pairs, fit new crush washers on banjo connections, torque fasteners to the Subaru spec in the service manual, and bleed the system properly. After any brake work, bed-in the new pads and rotors as recommended. Note that some trims in certain markets have drum brakes on the rear (no rear calipers), while many Australian and NZ models feature rear discs with calipers—your VIN/variant will confirm which you’ve got.

• Warning signs: pulling under braking, a hot wheel, burning smell, fluid on the inside of the wheel, soft or sinking pedal, or uneven/thin pads on one side.

Does a 2014 Forester have rear brake calipers?

Front: yes, all models. Rear: many trims (especially in Australia and NZ) use disc brakes with rear calipers, some markets/variants use rear drums. Check the vehicle’s build plate, owner’s manual specs page, or your VIN/trim details to confirm.

How often should the calipers be serviced?

Have them inspected at least annually or every 20,000 km, and any time pads/rotors are changed. Lubricate slide pins during pad replacements and flush brake fluid about every two years to protect the caliper’s internals.

What are the signs a caliper needs replacement?

Common clues include uneven pad wear, the car drifting when braking, a hot or smelly wheel, visible fluid leaks, or a spongy pedal. If cleaning and lubricating the pins doesn’t fix drag or uneven bite, the caliper likely needs rebuilding or replacement.