Parts for your 2018 Subaru Forester-Brake shoes

2018 Subaru Forester brake shoes — what they do and when to service them

Yes, brake shoes are relevant on the 2018 Subaru Forester — but they’re for the handbrake, not for the main stopping power. Technical sources including Subaru’s Service Manual for the SJ-series Forester (Brake section), the Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue for MY2018, and the Owner’s Manual all show the Forester uses four-wheel disc brakes for service braking, with a small drum built into the rear disc “hat” that houses a pair of parking brake shoes. So if someone’s looking up “2018 Subaru Forester brake-shoes”, they’re really chasing the handbrake shoes that clamp inside the rear rotor’s drum.

Those shoes have one job: hold the car steady when parked. When the handbrake lever is pulled, a cable spreads the shoes against the internal drum surface of the rear rotors. Because they’re separate from the hydraulic disc system, they’ll hold even if there’s no brake fluid pressure. It’s a robust setup, ideal for hilly streets and boat ramps alike, and it’s been a Subaru staple for years.

Servicing the Forester’s handbrake shoes is mostly about inspection, cleanliness, and correct adjustment. During routine brake work (or any time the rear rotors come off), a tech will check the shoe lining thickness, look for glazing or contamination from grease, inspect return springs and hardware, and clean out brake dust with a vacuum and suitable cleaner. If the handbrake lever starts pulling higher than usual, the car creeps on a slope, or there’s scraping from the rear when parked, it’s time for an adjust and possibly new shoes. As a rule of thumb, have them inspected every 30,000–50,000 kilometres, or sooner if towing, beach launching, or city parking wears them quicker. Replacement is straightforward when the rotors are off: swap the shoes and hardware as a set, adjust the star wheel for slight drag, then fine-tune lever travel in the cabin. After replacement, bed the shoes in with a few gentle handbrake applications at low speed to seat the linings. Done right, the Forester’s handbrake will pass WOF/RWC checks, hold tight on steep driveways, and stay smooth and quiet for ages.

• Watch for: long lever travel, weak holding on hills, grinding or squeal when parked, or a failed WOF/RWC brake hold test.
• Best time to replace: when fitting new rear rotors, or if linings are worn, glazed, or contaminated.

Popular questions about 2018 Subaru Forester brake shoes

Do all 2018 Foresters have brake shoes?
Yes — but only for the handbrake. The service brakes are discs front and rear, while the handbrake uses small drum-style shoes inside the rear rotors. This layout is confirmed by the Subaru SJ Service Manual and the Subaru parts catalogue for MY2018.

How often should the handbrake shoes be adjusted or replaced?
Have them checked every 30,000–50,000 km, anytime the lever travel feels excessive, or when the rear rotors are off for service. Replace if the linings are thin, glazed, cracked, or contaminated, and always adjust the star wheel and lever free play after fitting.

Can they be serviced at home?
If they’re handy with tools, yes — but it requires removing the rear rotors and working with springs and an adjuster. Many owners time the job with rear disc/rotor replacement to save labour and ensure everything is set up spot on.