Parts for your 2017 Subaru Outback-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes and the 2017 Subaru Outback: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the braking system in the 2017 Subaru Outback, it's important to understand the components that make it all work smoothly and safely. One key question often asked is whether brake shoes are part of this vehicle's brake setup. After checking technical manuals, repair guides, and Subaru's official specifications, it's clear that brake shoes are not used on the 2017 Subaru Outback. Instead, this vehicle relies on disc brakes at all four wheels.

The main reason brake shoes are not used is because they belong to drum brake systems, which have been largely replaced by disc brakes on modern cars, especially on all four wheels of SUVs like the Outback. Drum brakes operate with brake shoes pressing outward onto a rotating drum to slow the wheel down. In contrast, disc brakes use pads that clamp onto a rotor, providing more consistent and efficient stopping power.

The 2017 Subaru Outback sports disc brakes front and rear, which offer several advantages over drum brakes. Disc brakes generally perform better in wet conditions because water is quickly slung off the rotor, whereas drum brakes can suffer more from moisture buildup inside the drum. Disc brakes are easier to inspect and service and often provide more immediate and controlled braking force. These factors contribute to why Subaru has equipped the Outback with discs all around.

Even though brake shoes aren't part of this vehicle's system, it's still useful to have a bit of background on what brake shoes are and what their role would have been in an older or different model that used drum brakes. Brake shoes are curved friction components, lined with a special material that grips the inside of a brake drum to slow the vehicle. When the driver hits the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure pushes the shoes against the rotating drum, turning kinetic energy into heat to stop the car. They are crucial for the braking function in drum systems and require periodic inspection and replacement to maintain safety.

For the 2017 Subaru Outback owner, though, the focus should be on disc brake pads and rotors rather than brake shoes. Regular servicing involves checking the thickness and condition of the brake pads, ensuring the discs are smooth and free from deep grooves or excessive rust, and topping up brake fluid to maintain proper hydraulic pressure. Pads generally need replacing more frequently than other brake components, as the friction material wears down with use.

Brake shoes still see use on some vehicles today, mostly on older cars or certain rear brake applications where cost and packaging favour drums. But for an all-wheel-drive crossover SUV like the Outback that aims to offer reliable performance and good handling, disc brakes with pads on all four wheels take priority. They're easier to maintain and provide better braking reliability across varied driving conditions.

To keep the braking system in top shape, Subaru service centres recommend inspections every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometres or during regular servicing intervals. This includes checking brake pad thickness, rotor condition, brake lines, and fluid levels. If the brake pads on the Outback look thin or the car exhibits squealing noises or diminished braking response, it's definitely time to replace them. It is a good idea to get the brake fluid flushed out and replaced around every two years to prevent moisture contamination that could affect performance.

In short, while brake shoes are a vital part of some braking systems, they are not part of the 2017 Subaru Outback's setup. If you own this crossover and are looking after its brakes, focusing on the disc brake pads and the condition of the rotors is the way to go. Regular maintenance and timely replacement will keep the Outback stopping reliably and safely for years to come.