Parts for your 2016 Subaru Forester-Brake shoes

2016 Subaru Forester brake shoes — what they do and how to look after them

Referencing Subaru’s 2016 Forester Service Manual (Brake: Parking Brake), Subaru Technical Information System (STIS) procedures, and OEM parts catalogues for the SJ-chassis Forester, this model does use brake shoes — specifically as drum-style parking brake shoes housed inside the “hat” section of the rear brake rotors. The service brakes are discs front and rear, while the shoes serve the handbrake/parking brake only. So brake-shoes are very much relevant to a 2016 Subaru Forester.

On this Forester, the brake shoes provide secure holding when parked, especially on hills. Actuated by a mechanical lever and cables, the shoes expand against the inside of the rear rotor hat to lock the wheels when the handbrake is applied. Because they’re not used for normal stopping, they tend to wear slowly, but they still need periodic inspection and adjustment to keep the handbrake bite consistent and reliable.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to check the shoe linings, hardware and the inner drum surface of the rear rotors. A technician will usually remove the rear rotors, clean out brake dust, inspect for glazing, cracking or contamination (like fluid or grease), and measure components against Subaru’s service limits. If the lever travel feels long or the vehicle doesn’t hold firmly on an incline, the shoes may need adjustment via the star wheel, or replacement if the friction material is worn.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech but involves springs and adjusters that are best handled with the right tools. It’s good practice to fit new hardware (return springs and hold-down pins) with new shoes, lightly lubricate the specified contact points with high-temp brake grease (keeping it well clear of the linings), and reset the adjustment so the shoes just kiss the drum before backing off slightly. After fitting, a brief bed-in — gentle applications at low speed — helps the linings seat evenly.

• Typical signs they need attention: poor holding on hills, excessive handbrake lever travel, scraping or grinding from the rear when the handbrake is applied, or the rear brakes dragging after release.
• Service tip: inspect the parking brake system at regular service intervals (commonly every 12 months or around 15,000 km in AU/NZ schedules) and whenever rear rotors are replaced.

Does a 2016 Subaru Forester have brake shoes?

Yes. It has drum-style parking brake shoes inside the rear brake rotors. The main brakes are discs, but the shoes handle parking/handbrake duties only.

How often should the parking brake shoes be adjusted or replaced?

Have them inspected and adjusted at routine services (about every 12 months or 15,000 km). Replacement depends on wear and condition — they often last many years if not contaminated.

What are the signs the parking brake shoes need work?

If the Forester struggles to hold on a slope, the handbrake lever travels further than usual, or there’s scraping when the handbrake is on, they likely need adjustment, cleaning or replacement.