Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Brake shoes

2014 Subaru Forester brake shoes – what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2014 Subaru Forester (SJ) uses brake shoes — not for the main service braking, but for the mechanical handbrake built into the rear disc rotors. Subaru’s Factory Service Manual for the 2014 Forester (SJ) brake/parking brake section describes a “drum-in-hat” parking brake with shoes inside the rear rotor hat, and Subaru’s parts catalog lists rear “parking brake shoes” and hardware kits for this model. The Owner’s Manual also identifies a mechanical parking brake system operated by a lever and cables. So while the car stops with disc pads at all four corners, it holds on hills with a small internal drum brake that uses shoes.

Those brake shoes have one job: hold the vehicle securely when parked, including on steep driveways and boat ramps. When the handbrake lever is pulled, cables actuate the shoes to press against the inner drum surface of the rear rotors. They aren’t designed to slow the car from speed — that’s the pads’ territory — but they do provide reliable, independent mechanical holding power.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the parking brake shoes any time the rear rotors are off or during scheduled brake checks. Look for thin linings, glazing, cracking, contamination from grease or brake fluid, and worn or rusty hardware. Check the star-wheel adjuster moves freely, the return springs aren’t stretched, and the cables and lever pivot return cleanly. Adjustment should set a light, even drag in the drum and deliver correct handbrake lever travel per spec — a tech will fine-tune this via the star wheel and cable equaliser.

When replacement is needed, swap both sides as a pair. Clean the drum surface in the rotor hat, replace tired springs and clips, and bed-in the new shoes with a few gentle handbrake applications at low speed. If the inner drum is heavily scored or out of round, replace the rotor. Beach launches, dusty tracks, and frequent water crossings can shorten shoe life, so foresters used off the beaten track benefit from more frequent checks. Done right, the parking brake will hold firm and click on smoothly for years.

• Tell-tale signs: excessive lever travel, poor holding on a hill, scraping/grinding from the rear, or a burning smell after using the handbrake.

References: Subaru Forester 2014 (SJ) Factory Service Manual – Parking Brake section, Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue – rear parking brake shoes and hardware, 2014 Forester Owner’s Manual – Parking Brake operation.

Popular questions about 2014 Subaru Forester brake shoes

Do 2014 Foresters use brake shoes or pads?
They use both. Pads handle the normal stopping on all four wheels, while small drum-style brake shoes live inside the rear rotors to operate the mechanical handbrake. If someone mentions “Forester brake shoes,” they’re talking about the parking brake.

How often should the parking brake shoes be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval. They’re replaced based on wear or damage. Have them inspected during regular brake services or whenever the rear rotors are off. Vehicles that tow, see a lot of hills, beach use or mud may need attention sooner.

Can the handbrake on a 2014 Forester be adjusted?
Yes. A technician adjusts the star-wheel inside the rear rotor hat to set shoe-to-drum clearance, then checks lever travel and fine-tunes the cable. Over-tightening causes drag and heat, proper adjustment gives firm holding with smooth release.