Parts for your 2017 Subaru Forester-Brake shoes

2017 Subaru Forester brake-shoes — what they are and when to service them

Based on Subaru’s own technical documentation, brake-shoes are indeed fitted to the 2017 Subaru Forester. The model runs disc brakes front and rear for service braking, while the parking brake uses a drum-in-hat arrangement with dedicated brake-shoes inside the rear rotors. This is detailed in the Subaru Forester (SJ, MY2017) Service Manual under the Parking Brake section, and supported by the Subaru Genuine Parts catalogue listing for the “Parking Brake Shoe” set (e.g., Group 26, parking brake components). So, brake-shoes are absolutely relevant on a 2017 Forester—specifically for the handbrake.

On this Forester, the brake-shoes are all about secure parking. When the handbrake lever’s pulled, the shoes press outward against the machined drum surface inside the rear brake discs to hold the vehicle steady—handy on steep Aussie or Kiwi hills. Because they’re separate from the hydraulic disc system, they’re dependable even if the main brakes are hot.

For servicing, it’s smart to have the brake-shoes inspected during routine brake checks. A good workshop will:

• Measure shoe lining thickness and compare to the service limit specified in the service manual.
• Check for glazing, cracking, or oil contamination (from hub seals).
• Inspect and, if needed, replace the return springs, hold-down pins and adjuster hardware.
• Lightly lubricate contact points with the correct high-temp brake grease and clean dust with approved brake cleaner.

Replacement is usually done as an axle set and is often paired with refreshing the hardware kit. If the inner drum surface of the rear rotors is scored or out of spec, the rotors should be replaced or machined as appropriate. After fitting, the star-wheel adjuster is set so there’s slight drag, then backed off to achieve smooth rotation. Handbrake lever travel should be firm and even—typically just a handful of clicks—and final adjustment is part of the job.

Common signs the Forester’s brake-shoes need attention include weak holding power on a hill, a scraping noise from the rear when the handbrake is applied, or excessive lever travel. After replacement, a short bed-in routine—gentle, low-speed applications—helps the linings seat nicely. Look after the parking brake-shoes and they’ll look after the Forester, especially when it’s parked nose-up on a driveway.

Popular questions about 2017 Subaru Forester brake-shoes

Do all 2017 Foresters have brake-shoes?
Yes. While the car uses disc brakes to slow and stop, every 2017 Forester has a drum-in-hat parking brake with dedicated brake-shoes inside the rear rotors. They’re there solely for holding the vehicle when parked.

How often should the brake-shoes be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval—replacement depends on wear, condition and adjustment. Many owners go years without needing new shoes. Have them inspected during routine brake services, replace if the linings are at or below the service limit, contaminated, cracked, or the hardware is tired.

Can the handbrake be adjusted if it feels loose?
It can. A technician will set the star-wheel adjuster in the drum-in-hat and confirm lever travel meets spec. If correct adjustment can’t be achieved, worn shoes, stretched cables, or sticky hardware may need repair or replacement.