Parts for your 2022 Subaru Xv-Brake shoes

2022 Subaru XV brake shoes – what they do and how to look after them

Based on technical references including the Subaru G5X XV/Crosstrek workshop manual (Brake > Parking Brake > Parking Brake Shoe) and Subaru genuine parts listings that specify a parking brake shoe set for the 2018–2022 XV (e.g., p/n 26700FL020), the 2022 Subaru XV is fitted with brake shoes. They’re the small drum-style shoes that sit inside the “drum-in-hat” section of the rear brake rotors and serve the parking brake only, while the main service braking is handled by the disc pads and calipers.

On the XV, the brake shoes clamp outwards against the inside of the rear rotor hat to hold the car still when parked. They’re not used to slow the vehicle during normal driving, so they tend to wear very slowly compared with brake pads. Their job is all about secure holding on hills, reliable engagement, and consistent feel at the handbrake lever.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to have the parking brake shoes inspected and adjusted. A good workshop will remove the rear rotors, check lining thickness, look for glazing or contamination (from dust or a weeping hub seal), clean the assemblies, and set the shoe-to-drum clearance with the star wheel adjuster. Cable free play and lever travel should also be checked so the handbrake holds firmly without excessive clicks.

Common signs the XV’s parking brake shoes need attention include:

• Weak holding power on hills or an MOT/WOF brake imbalance note
• Excessive lever travel (too many clicks) or a spongy feel
• Scraping or grinding when the handbrake is applied
• Sticking after rain or beach use due to corrosion inside the hat

Replacement is typically infrequent—often well past 100,000 km—but depends on use and environment. When due, replace shoes in axle sets and renew the spring/hardware kit. Inspect the rotor hat’s inner drum surface, if it’s scored or out of spec, replace the rotor. After refit, the shoes should be adjusted, the lever/cables set correctly, and the parking brake bedded-in with a few gentle applications at low speed. For Aussie and Kiwi conditions—coastal air, dust, and the odd beach launch—periodic cleaning and adjustment go a long way to keeping the XV’s handbrake crisp and compliant.

Popular questions about 2022 Subaru XV brake shoes

Does the 2022 Subaru XV use brake shoes or just pads?
It uses both. Disc pads and calipers handle normal braking, while drum-style brake shoes inside the rear rotors are dedicated to the parking brake. This layout is confirmed in the Subaru XV service manual and OEM parts catalogue.

How often should the XV’s parking brake shoes be serviced or replaced?
Inspect and adjust them at each major service (around 12 months/15,000 km). Replacement intervals vary—many cars exceed 100,000 km before needing new shoes—but weak holding, excessive lever travel, or contamination are reasons to renew them sooner.

Can the parking brake be adjusted if it feels loose?
Yes. A technician will set shoe clearance with the star adjuster inside the rotor hat and fine-tune the cable/lever travel. If adjustment doesn’t restore a solid hold, the shoes may be worn or the inner drum surface may be damaged and need attention.