Parts for your 2020 Subaru Legacy-Brake shoes

Brake Shoes and the 2020 Subaru Legacy: What You Need to Know

When it comes to the braking system on a 2020 Subaru Legacy, brake shoes are not part of the setup. This vehicle uses disc brakes rather than drum brakes on all four wheels, meaning brake shoes simply aren't relevant. So, what's the story behind this, and why does Subaru choose disc brakes over brake shoes for this model?

Brake shoes are a key component in drum brake systems. They work by pressing outward against the inside of a spinning brake drum to create friction and slow the vehicle down. This system is common in older cars or on the rear wheels of some vehicles where cost savings and less intense braking are acceptable. However, the 2020 Subaru Legacy employs a more modern braking design across the board.

The Legacy uses disc brakes, which rely on brake pads gripping a disc or rotor attached to the wheel. Disc brakes are widely preferred for passenger vehicles today, especially on all four wheels of mid-range and higher-end models like the Subaru Legacy. They offer better performance, fade resistance, and easier servicing than drum brakes and brake shoes.

One of the main reasons brake shoes are not fitted to the 2020 Subaru Legacy is the enhanced braking performance needed for modern driving conditions. With disc brakes, the Legacy benefits from quicker response times and more consistent stopping power, which is crucial in emergency situations or when driving on wet and slippery roads. Drum brakes and brake shoes can suffer from uneven wear and reduced effectiveness, especially when exposed to water or heat buildup.

Another factor is maintenance and longevity. Disc brakes and pads are easier to inspect and replace compared to brake shoes inside drums, which require more labour to access. For a daily driver like the Subaru Legacy, ease of maintenance is a big plus for owners and mechanics alike. Using brake pads also means manufacturers can better utilise modern materials and technology, delivering quieter and smoother braking performance.

Although brake shoes aren't part of the Subaru Legacy braking system, it's still useful to understand how brake shoes work and what maintaining a drum brake setup involves for vehicles that do use them. This knowledge helps put into perspective why so many modern vehicles have shifted to disc brakes fully.

Brake shoes serve the vital role of converting kinetic energy into heat through friction. When the driver presses the brake pedal, the hydraulic system pushes the brake shoes outwards inside the drum. This friction slows the rotation of the drum and the wheel, bringing the vehicle to a stop. The brake shoe is typically lined with a friction material that wears down over time and needs periodic replacement to maintain braking efficiency.

Replacing brake shoes involves removing the drum and carefully taking out the worn shoes, springs, and hardware. New brake shoes are fitted in place, ensuring proper alignment and tension, then the drum is refitted. Brake shoes usually need replacement less frequently than brake pads, but when they do wear thin, braking performance can suffer and safety is compromised.

Servicing brake shoes also includes inspecting the drum for scoring or damage and checking the wheel cylinder for leaks. Proper adjustment of brake shoes is necessary to maintain the correct clearance inside the drum, avoiding drag or insufficient braking. While modern vehicles seldom rely on this system for primary braking anymore, understanding the maintenance requirements is helpful for owners of older cars that still use drum brakes.

In contrast, maintaining the 2020 Subaru Legacy's disc brakes is more straightforward. Brake pads wear down and need replacing when the friction lining becomes too thin. Rotors or discs are inspected for scoring, warping, or damage and resurfaced or replaced as needed. Brake fluid is also regularly checked and replaced to maintain brake system performance and safety.

For owners of a 2020 Subaru Legacy, sticking with disc brake pads and rotors means enjoying consistent braking power and easier upkeep. While brake shoes play a critical role in drum brake systems, they are simply not part of the Legacy's braking design.