Parts for your 2014 Subaru Outback-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes and the 2014 Subaru Outback: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the braking system on the 2014 Subaru Outback, brake shoes aren't actually part of the setup. This is mainly because brake shoes are typically used in drum brake systems, and the 2014 Outback is fitted with disc brakes on all four wheels. The technology and design choices made for this vehicle mean that it relies on brake pads rather than brake shoes to handle the friction needed to stop the car.

So, why does the 2014 Subaru Outback use disc brakes with brake pads instead of drum brakes with brake shoes? It mostly comes down to performance and durability. Disc brakes provide better stopping power, especially in wet or muddy conditions, which suits Australia's varied and often harsh driving environments. The open design of disc brakes also helps dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the chances of brake fade during long downhill drives or heavy braking situations.

On the other hand, brake shoes sit inside a drum and are pushed outward to create friction, which is a more traditional design found in older or more basic vehicles. While drum brakes with brake shoes can offer decent stopping force and tend to be less expensive to manufacture and maintain, they usually don't perform as well in tough conditions and can overheat more easily.

In light of this, your 2014 Subaru Outback is built for reliability and consistent performance with disc brakes. Brake shoes just aren't relevant for this model, so you won't find them inside the brake system. Instead, all the maintenance focus should be on the brake pads and rotors, along with the associated brake fluid and hardware.

Despite brake shoes not being part of the mix for this Outback, it's still worth knowing a bit about what brake shoes do and how they differ from brake pads, especially for those who might own older cars or other makes that do use drum brakes.

Brake shoes are curved pieces of metal lined with a friction material that press outward against the inside of a drum, which is attached to the wheel. This friction slows down and eventually stops the wheel from turning. Because they work inside a sealed drum, brake shoes are often less exposed to the elements but can suffer from build-ups of dust and dirt. Given their enclosed position, they tend to last longer than brake pads in some circumstances, but they generally don't offer the same level of braking performance in high-demand or wet conditions.

For the 2014 Subaru Outback, which uses brake pads mounted on calipers that squeeze onto a spinning brake rotor, maintenance is more about keeping the pads thick and the rotors smooth. The pads press flat against the rotors to stop the wheel, and over time, these pads wear down and need replacing. Regular checks of the brake pad thickness, rotor condition, and brake fluid are essential to keep the stopping power sharp and safe.

Whenever it's time for a brake service on the Outback, the mechanic will measure the remaining thickness of the brake pads and examine the brake rotors for any signs of warping, grooves or excessive wear. Brake pads typically need replacement before they get too thin, as continuing to drive with worn pads can damage the rotors, which are more costly to fix or replace. The whole brake system's performance and safety depend on timely maintenance to avoid unwanted surprises on the road.

Brake shoes don't appear in the Subaru Outback's system, but if they did, replacing them would typically involve removing the drum covering the entire braking assembly on the rear wheels, taking out the worn shoes and installing new ones. Since the Outback has disc brakes all around, maintenance is a bit more straightforward, usually just involving swapping out brake pads and possibly resurfacing or replacing rotors if needed.

To keep the 2014 Subaru Outback's brakes in top shape, it's recommended to have regular inspections during service intervals or at least once every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres, though this can vary depending on driving conditions. Dirty or worn brake components can result in less effective stopping power and increase the risk of accidents. Additionally, brake fluid should be checked and replaced as recommended by Subaru to ensure the hydraulic system stays responsive and free of moisture contamination.

While brake shoes are a critical part of braking in many vehicles, the 2014 Subaru Outback's design steers clear of them for a reason. Its use of disc brakes with brake pads offers a more modern, higher-performing braking system that better suits the vehicle's capabilities and the kind of Aussie driving it will encounter. Keeping the disc brakes well maintained is the key to confidence and safety when behind the wheel of this trusty SUV.