Parts for your 2017 Subaru Exiga-Brake shoes

2017 Subaru Exiga brake shoes (parking brake shoes)

Based on technical references, brake shoes are indeed relevant to the 2017 Subaru Exiga. The Subaru Exiga (YA series) Service Manual (Brake—Parking Brake section) and Subaru’s FAST electronic parts catalogue both specify an internal drum “drum-in-disc” parking brake with dedicated shoe linings for the rear hubs. That means the Exiga uses conventional rear disc brakes for stopping, and separate brake shoes inside the rear rotors purely for the handbrake.

On this Exiga, the brake shoes sit inside the “hat” of the rear discs and are cable-actuated. Their job is to hold the car securely when parked, especially on hills, and to provide a reliable mechanical hold independent of the hydraulic braking system. They’re not for slowing the vehicle at speed, think of them as a park-hold system rather than a service brake.

As part of regular servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to have the parking brake shoes checked every 12 months or around 15,000 kilometres, or sooner if there’s a change in feel. Common signs they need attention include poor holding on an incline, a high or uneven handbrake lever travel, scraping noises from the rear, or a binding sensation after rain.

• Replace shoes in axle pairs and inspect the rotor “hat” surface for glazing, heat spots or ridges. Clean thoroughly and avoid contaminating the linings with grease or brake fluid.
• Lubricate only the shoe backing-plate contact points and the adjuster threads with the correct high-temp brake lubricant, keep friction surfaces dry.
• Check return springs, pins and the lever mechanism on each shoe for wear or corrosion, replace tired hardware to maintain even application.
• Adjust the star wheel so there’s light, even drag with the rotor fitted, then fine-tune at the lever/equaliser so the handbrake engages firmly with a moderate number of clicks.
• Bed the shoes in with a short series of low-speed applications in a safe area, then recheck the adjustment.

Owners who tow, park on steep streets, or live near the coast may need more frequent inspections, as heat and corrosion can accelerate wear or cause sticking. During a professional service, it’s also worth checking the handbrake cables for free movement, verifying rear caliper slide health, and confirming the system meets WOF/roadworthy holding requirements. Quality OEM-equivalent shoe sets and fresh fitting hardware will keep the Exiga’s handbrake dependable for the long haul.

Popular questions about 2017 Subaru Exiga brake shoes

Does the 2017 Subaru Exiga have brake shoes or only discs?
The Exiga runs rear disc brakes for normal stopping, plus separate internal drum brake shoes for the parking brake. Subaru specifies a drum-in-disc (drum-in-hat) handbrake system on the YA-series Exiga, so brake shoes are absolutely fitted.

How long do the parking brake shoes last?
It varies with use, but many Exiga owners see well over 80,000 km from the shoes. Frequent hill parking, towing, or contamination from road grime can shorten life. A yearly inspection and adjustment usually keeps them spot on.

Can worn or misadjusted shoes cause a WOF/roadworthy fail?
Yes. If the handbrake can’t hold the vehicle to spec, applies unevenly, or drags, it can fail a WOF in NZ or a roadworthy in Australia. Proper adjustment or replacing the shoes and hardware typically resolves it.