Parts for your 2017 Subaru Forester-Brake wheel cylinders

Understanding Brake Wheel Cylinders on the 2017 Subaru Forester

When it comes to the braking system on the 2017 Subaru Forester, it's important to understand the role certain components play - or don't play. The brake wheel cylinder is a part you'll find in drum brake systems, where it functions as a hydraulic piston that pushes the brake shoes out to contact the drum and slow the vehicle down. However, the 2017 Forester doesn't use drum brakes on the front wheels.

This Subaru model is fitted with disc brakes at the front, which rely on brake calipers instead of wheel cylinders. Disc brakes offer better stopping power and efficiency, especially under heavy use or wet conditions, which is why they're common on modern vehicles. Meanwhile, the rear brakes could be either disc or drum depending on the trim and options, but in the case of the 2017 Forester, most models come with rear disc brakes as well. This means brake wheel cylinders do not appear at all on this vehicle.

Drum brakes and their associated wheel cylinders are more typical of older or budget vehicles where cost-effective braking is sufficient for lighter demands. Wheel cylinders themselves play a crucial role if present - they seal in hydraulic brake fluid and apply the brake shoes against the drum. But in the Forester, Subaru opted for disc brakes all around to maximise performance, safety and ease of maintenance.

So why exactly are there no brake wheel cylinders on the 2017 Subaru Forester? It comes down to the design decision to use disc brakes, which eliminate the need for wheel cylinders altogether. Instead, hydraulically powered brake calipers clamp brake pads onto rotors, delivering smoother and more consistent stopping power with less maintenance fuss over time.

Disc brake calipers and pads are simpler to inspect and replace compared to drum brakes with wheel cylinders, where you'd also be checking for leaks and proper cylinder function. The move to disc brakes means fewer components prone to failure like wheel cylinder seals wearing out, which can cause fluid leaks or brake drag.

Even though the 2017 Subaru Forester doesn't use wheel cylinders, it's still important to regularly maintain the overall braking system. Keeping the brake fluid fresh and free of contaminants, checking disc brake pads for wear, and inspecting rotors for damage will ensure optimal performance and safety. Servicing the brakes every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometres or as recommended in the manual will keep stopping power sharp and prevent more costly repairs down the track.

In short, if someone is searching for brake wheel cylinders on their 2017 Forester, they won't find them thanks to the vehicle's full disc brake setup. This modern brake design omits the wheel cylinders entirely, offering more reliable and straightforward braking performance. Understanding this difference helps Subaru owners appreciate their vehicle's braking system and focus maintenance efforts on the components that truly matter for safety and drivability.