Parts for your 2015 Subaru Forester-Brake shoes

2015 Subaru Forester brake shoes — what they do and when to service them

Based on Subaru’s 2015 Forester (SJ) Service Manual — Brake and Parking Brake sections — plus the Subaru global parts catalogue and mainstream workshop data (e.g., Autodata/Haynes for 2013–2018 Forester), this model runs four-wheel disc brakes for service braking and uses internal drum‑in‑hat parking brake shoes at the rear. So yes, brake shoes are relevant on a 2015 Subaru Forester: they’re the mechanical parking brake linings that expand inside the rear disc rotor’s hat when the handbrake is pulled.

The purpose of the Forester’s parking brake shoes is simple: hold the vehicle steady when parked, or provide controlled holding on hills without relying on the hydraulic system. Unlike the front and rear disc pads that stop the car while driving, these shoes only work for parking and low‑speed holding. They’re robust and often last years, but still need periodic inspection and adjustment to stay sharp.

For routine servicing, a good rule is to check the shoes every 20,000–30,000 km or annually, especially if the Forester sees beach trips, mud, or city parking. Technicians will remove the rear rotors, clean out dust and debris from the hat, measure shoe lining thickness, and inspect the return springs and adjuster. A light smear of high‑temp brake lube is applied to the backing plate contact points and the star adjuster threads — never on the linings.

• Tell‑tale signs they need attention: weak holding on hills, excessive handbrake lever travel, scraping or squeal when the brake is applied, or uneven hold left to right.
• Best practice on replacement: renew shoes in axle pairs, fit a fresh spring/hardware kit, deglaze the drum surface inside the rotor hat, and adjust to a slight drag before final lever click count is set.

Adjustment is done via the star wheel through the access hole, aiming for firm hold at roughly 6–8 clicks at the lever. After replacement, a gentle bed‑in helps — a few low‑speed applications over 1–2 km with the lever lightly engaged, allowing cooling between attempts. If the Forester tows or parks on steep streets, a shorter inspection interval is smart. Kept clean, correctly adjusted, and free of contamination, the Forester’s parking brake shoes will deliver reliable, drama‑free holding for years.

• Do all 2015 Foresters have brake shoes?
  Yes. While they use disc pads for driving, every 2015 Forester (SJ) uses drum‑in‑hat parking brake shoes at the rear for the handbrake function.
• How long do the parking brake shoes last?
  Often well over 100,000 km, but lifespan depends on terrain, parking habits, and exposure to water or dust. Regular cleaning and adjustment extend service life.
• Why does the handbrake need so many clicks?
  That usually points to wear or an out‑of‑adjustment star wheel. A quick inspection, clean, and proper adjustment typically restores a firm lever feel.