Parts for your 2017 Subaru Impreza-Brake wheel cylinders

Brake Wheel Cylinders on the 2017 Subaru Impreza: What You Need to Know

When diving into the brake system of a 2017 Subaru Impreza, one part that often comes up in general brake discussions is the brake wheel cylinder. But here's the thing - for this particular model, brake wheel cylinders are not part of the braking setup. So what exactly does this mean and why does the 2017 Subaru Impreza steer clear of these components? Let's unpack it.

Brake wheel cylinders are a crucial component found primarily in drum brake systems. Their job is quite straightforward - they use hydraulic pressure to push the brake shoes against the inner surface of the drum, creating the friction needed to slow the vehicle down or bring it to a stop. These cylinders are small, round, and typically feature rubber seals that help control the hydraulic fluid and prevent leaks. They are responsible for converting the brake fluid pressure into mechanical force at the wheel end on drum brakes.

Now, the 2017 Subaru Impreza uses disc brakes on all four wheels, or at the very least on the front wheels, and disc brakes do not require brake wheel cylinders. Instead of brake wheel cylinders, disc brake systems use calipers and brake pads. The calipers are the ones that receive hydraulic pressure from the master cylinder and press the brake pads against a spinning disc or rotor, which slows the car down through friction. This choice is based on the benefits of disc brakes, which include better stopping power, improved heat dissipation, and generally easier maintenance compared to drum brakes.

Since the 2017 Subaru Impreza does not have drum brakes, it does not have or need brake wheel cylinders. Instead, the braking system's hydraulic force is managed by the master cylinder and the brake calipers. So there's no need to worry about brake wheel cylinders when servicing the brakes on this vehicle.

Despite the absence of brake wheel cylinders, maintaining your Subaru Impreza's braking system is still super important. While the wheel cylinders handle hydraulic pressure in drum brakes, in this case, all the hydraulic action happens at the calipers. Regular maintenance should focus on:

• Checking brake fluid levels and quality
• Inspecting and replacing brake pads when worn
• Ensuring brake rotors are smooth and within thickness specifications
• Checking brake calipers for leaks or sticking
• Flushing brake fluid as recommended by Subaru

By sticking to these maintenance points, owners of a 2017 Subaru Impreza will keep their brakes performing well and ensure their safety on the road without needing to worry about brake wheel cylinders. They are a vital part of some braking systems, but not for this model.

It's also worth noting why manufacturers like Subaru choose disc brakes for vehicles like the Impreza. Disc brakes offer better response under repeated heavy braking conditions due to superior heat management. Unlike drum brakes, which can fade under heat and wear unevenly, disc brakes tend to provide consistent braking performance. This is particularly useful for a sporty, all-rounder vehicle such as the Impreza, which is built for reliable everyday driveability and confident handling in a variety of conditions.

So if you're hearing about brake wheel cylinders and wondering if your 2017 Subaru Impreza uses them, the answer is no. They just aren't designed into this car's braking system. Instead, your focus should be on the discs, pads, calipers, and hydraulic fluid - those are the parts keeping your brakes working smoothly and safely.

For those who might be swapping parts or searching for replacement components, it's essential to note that brake wheel cylinders will not be compatible or found in the parts catalogue for the 2017 Subaru Impreza. If brake issues arise or brake components need servicing, consulting the car's manual and sticking to disc brake parts is the way to go.