Parts for your 2020 Subaru Outback-Brake shoes

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

When it comes to the braking system of a 2020 Subaru Outback, one important detail to understand is that this vehicle does not use brake shoes. Instead, the Outback relies on disc brakes for all four wheels. This may come as a surprise to some, especially if you are familiar with older or certain types of vehicles where brake shoes are common.

So why are brake shoes not relevant or used on the 2020 Subaru Outback? The answer lies in the type of braking technology adopted by modern vehicles. The 2020 Outback features disc brakes both at the front and rear, as opposed to drum brakes which use brake shoes. Disc brakes have become the preferred choice in recent years because of their superior performance, ease of maintenance, and better heat dissipation. They provide more consistent stopping power and respond more effectively under heavy braking conditions compared to drum brakes.

Brake shoes are integral to drum brake systems, which have been largely phased out on newer cars, including the Outback. A brake shoe is a curved piece of metal with friction material bonded to it, designed to press outward against the inside of a rotating drum to slow the wheel down. In drum brakes, the drum rotates with the wheel, and when the brake pedal is applied, the brake shoes are forced outward to create friction inside the drum, thereby slowing the vehicle. Drum brake systems were quite popular in the past and are still found on some older models, some rear wheels of older vehicles, or certain trucks and budget cars to save costs.

However, for a 2020 Subaru Outback, the engineering choice was to go with disc brakes all around. This means the braking system consists of a rotor (disc) that spins with the wheel and a caliper that squeezes brake pads against the rotor's surface to slow the car. Because of this setup, brake shoes simply don't come into play.

Why is this important to know? If you are servicing or maintaining brake components on a 2020 Subaru Outback, it's crucial to focus on brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid rather than brake shoes. Misunderstanding this could lead to ordering incorrect parts or trying to service a system that isn't installed on the vehicle.

To keep the 2020 Subaru Outback's brakes in tip-top shape, regular checks and maintenance of disc brake components are recommended. Brake pads, which are the wear items in a disc brake system, should be inspected every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres, depending on driving habits and conditions. These pads gradually wear down as they create the friction necessary to slow the car, and once they become too thin, they must be replaced to avoid damaging the rotors.

Rotors should also be inspected during servicing. They can become warped or grooved over time, especially if brake pads have been left worn down for too long. Signs of rotor issues include vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal when stopping. Rotors can usually be resurfaced or "skimmed" to restore a smooth surface, but if the damage is too severe, replacement is necessary.

For the 2020 Outback, regular brake fluid changes are vital. Brake fluid attracts moisture over time, which can corrode internal brake components and reduce braking efficiency. Subaru typically recommends changing the brake fluid every two years, helping maintain reliable brake operation.

Another maintenance point is to keep an eye on the brake calipers and associated hardware. Calipers can sometimes stick, leading to uneven pad wear or dragging brakes. Regular servicing helps ensure these parts move freely and don't cause additional wear.

Driving habits also play a role in brake wear. Gentle braking and avoiding hard stops except when necessary can prolong brake component life. But whether you're cruising on country roads or tackling urban traffic, knowing exactly what parts your Outback uses means you can maintain it properly and keep it stopping safely.

In short, while brake shoes are a well-known part of older or different braking systems, they have no place on a 2020 Subaru Outback. Instead, focusing on brake pads, rotors, calipers, and fluid is the best way to ensure the Outback stays reliable and safe on the road. Keeping up with regular servicing and paying attention to any brake-related symptoms will save time and money, and more importantly, keep the braking performance at its best.