Subaru Subaru Forester 1997-2002 Brakes Specifications
Explore the detailed brake specifications for the 1997-2002 Subaru Forester, including pad dimensions, rotor sizes, and maintenance tips. Perfect for DIY repairs, upgrades, and troubleshooting.
Overview Specifications
This document provides detailed specifications and technical information about the braking system of the 1997-2002 Subaru Forester. It is designed to assist mechanics, enthusiasts, and owners in understanding the brake components, maintenance requirements, and performance characteristics. Use the search and navigation instructions to quickly find relevant information. The document is divided into sections covering brake types, maintenance, and performance, with a quick reference guide for key specifications.
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Use the search bar to enter keywords related to brakes, such as 'rotor size' or 'brake pad material'. The search will highlight relevant sections and subsections for quick access.
Scroll through the document or use the table of contents to jump to specific sections. Each section is organized into subsections with detailed technical points for easy reference.
Key Specifications
Front Rotor Diameter
10.9 inches (277 mm)
Rear Rotor Diameter
10.3 inches (262 mm)
Brake Pad Material (Front)
Semi-metallic
Brake Fluid Type
DOT 3
60-0 mph Stopping Distance
135 feet (41.1 meters)
Available Specifications
Brake System Components
This section covers the primary components of the Subaru Forester's braking system, including the front and rear brakes, rotors, calipers, and brake lines. It provides detailed technical information about each component and its role in the overall braking performance.
Brake System Components
This section covers the primary components of the Subaru Forester's braking system, including the front and rear brakes, rotors, calipers, and brake lines. It provides detailed technical information about each component and its role in the overall braking performance.
Front Brakes
- Ventilated disc brakes for improved heat dissipation
- Single-piston sliding calipers
- Rotor diameter: 10.9 inches (277 mm)
- Brake pad material: Semi-metallic
- Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) integration
- Optional upgrade to performance brake pads
Rear Brakes
- Solid disc brakes for consistent performance
- Single-piston sliding calipers
- Rotor diameter: 10.3 inches (262 mm)
- Brake pad material: Organic
- Parking brake integrated into rear calipers
- Optional drum brake configuration for base models
Brake Maintenance
This section provides guidelines for maintaining the braking system, including inspection intervals, replacement schedules, and common troubleshooting tips. Proper maintenance ensures optimal braking performance and longevity of components.
Brake Maintenance
This section provides guidelines for maintaining the braking system, including inspection intervals, replacement schedules, and common troubleshooting tips. Proper maintenance ensures optimal braking performance and longevity of components.
Inspection Intervals
- Inspect brake pads every 12,000 miles (19,312 km)
- Check rotor thickness every 24,000 miles (38,624 km)
- Inspect brake fluid level and condition every 6 months
- Test parking brake functionality annually
- Look for signs of uneven wear or damage during inspections
Replacement Guidelines
- Replace brake pads when thickness is below 3 mm
- Replace rotors if thickness is below minimum specification (10.5 mm front, 9.5 mm rear)
- Brake fluid replacement every 30,000 miles (48,280 km) or 2 years
- Replace brake lines if signs of cracking or leakage are present
- Use only OEM or equivalent replacement parts
Brake Performance
This section discusses the performance characteristics of the Subaru Forester's braking system, including stopping distances, fade resistance, and the impact of ABS on safety. It also covers optional upgrades for enhanced performance.
Brake Performance
This section discusses the performance characteristics of the Subaru Forester's braking system, including stopping distances, fade resistance, and the impact of ABS on safety. It also covers optional upgrades for enhanced performance.
Stopping Distance
- 60-0 mph stopping distance: 135 feet (41.1 meters)
- Improved stopping distance with ABS activation
- Wet weather performance: Reduced stopping distance by 10% compared to non-ABS models
- Impact of tire type on braking performance
- Optional performance brake kits reduce stopping distance by 15%
Fade Resistance
- Ventilated front rotors reduce brake fade during heavy use
- High-temperature brake pads available for towing or mountain driving
- Fluid boiling point: 446°F (230°C) for standard DOT 3 brake fluid
- Upgrade to DOT 4 fluid for higher boiling point (500°F/260°C)
- Avoid prolonged braking to prevent overheating
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Brakes Specifications
Overview
- Type
- Hydraulic disc (front), drum or disc (rear)
- Configuration
- Dual-circuit, diagonally split
- Platform
- Subaru SF Forester platform
- Material
- Cast iron rotors, semi-metallic pads
- Location
- Front and rear axles
Dimensions
- Front Rotor Diameter
- 10.9 inches (277 mm)
- Front Rotor Thickness
- 0.98 inches (25 mm)
- Rear Rotor Diameter
- 10.3 inches (262 mm)
- Rear Rotor Thickness
- 0.39 inches (10 mm)
- Brake Pad Thickness
- 0.47 inches (12 mm)
- Brake Drum Diameter
- 7.87 inches (200 mm)
- Brake Line Diameter
- 0.31 inches (8 mm)
Materials
- Rotors
- Cast iron with anti-corrosion coating
- Pads
- Semi-metallic friction material
- Calipers
- Aluminum alloy
- Brake Lines
- Steel braided with rubber coating
Features
- Braking System
-
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
- Dual-circuit hydraulic system
- Diagonal split for safety
- Calipers
-
- Single-piston floating calipers (front)
- Dual-piston calipers (optional rear)
- Corrosion-resistant coating
- Rotors
-
- Vented front rotors
- Solid rear rotors
- Drilled for heat dissipation
- Pads
-
- Wear indicators
- Low-dust formulation
- High-temperature resistance
- Safety
-
- ABS with wheel speed sensors
- Brake fluid level sensor
- Parking brake with automatic adjustment
Safety Features
- Primary Safety
-
- ABS prevents wheel lockup
- EBD optimizes braking force
- Secondary Safety
-
- Parking brake with automatic adjustment
- Brake fluid level warning system
- Emergency Features
-
- Dual-circuit system for redundancy
- Diagonal split ensures partial braking
Comfort Features
- Noise Reduction
-
- Anti-squeal shims on pads
- Chamfered pad edges
- Pedal Feel
-
- Progressive brake pedal response
- Low effort for smooth braking
- Maintenance
-
- Self-adjusting rear brakes
- Easy-to-replace pads
Accessories
- Upgrades
-
- Performance brake pads
- Slotted rotors
- Stainless steel brake lines
- Tools
-
- Brake pad spreader
- Caliper compression tool
- Brake bleeder kit
- Consumables
-
- DOT 4 brake fluid
- Brake cleaner spray
- Anti-seize compound
Maintenance
- Service interval
- Every 12,000 miles or 12 months
- Service Items
-
- Inspect brake pads and rotors
- Check brake fluid level
- Inspect brake lines for leaks
- Test parking brake function
- Lubricate caliper slides
- Maintenance Notes
-
- Replace brake fluid every 2 years
- Inspect ABS system during service
- Check for uneven pad wear
Warranty
- Brake Pads
- Miles: 24,000Years: 2Coverage: Material defects
- Rotors
- Miles: 36,000Years: 3Coverage: Warping or cracking
- Calipers
- Miles: 60,000Years: 5Coverage: Seal failure or corrosion
- Labor
- Miles: 12,000Years: 1Coverage: Installation defects
Production Details
- Manufacturer
- Subaru Corporation
- Manufacturing Process
-
- Casting for rotors
- Extrusion for brake lines
- Molding for pads
- Quality Control
- Rotors: inspection: Dimensional accuracy, Testing: Heat resistancePads: inspection: Friction material bonding, Testing: Wear rate
- Sustainability
-
- Recycled materials in pads
- Low-emission manufacturing
- Recyclable packaging
- Production Metrics
- Annual Output: 500,000 unitsDefect Rate: 0.1%Lead Time: 4 weeks
Service Information for brakes Service
Maintenance and service requirements specific to the braking system
- Inspect brake pads and rotors
- Check brake fluid level
- Test parking brake function
- Lubricate caliper slides
Ensure proper brake fluid level and inspect for leaks
- Replace brake pads if necessary
- Inspect brake lines for wear
- Check ABS system functionality
- Flush and replace brake fluid
Use DOT 4 brake fluid for replacement
- Replace rotors if worn
- Inspect and replace calipers if needed
- Check brake master cylinder
- Perform full system bleed
Ensure all components are torqued to specification
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about torque specifications
Q1 Are these brakes compatible with all 1997-2002 Subaru Forester models?
Are these brakes compatible with all 1997-2002 Subaru Forester models?
Yes, these brakes are designed to be compatible with all 1997-2002 Subaru Forester models, including both manual and automatic transmissions. They meet OEM specifications and are suitable for both front and rear brake systems. Ensure you verify the exact model and trim level for precise fitment, as slight variations may exist between base and premium trims.
Q2 What is the recommended maintenance schedule for Subaru Forester brakes?
What is the recommended maintenance schedule for Subaru Forester brakes?
Subaru recommends inspecting brake pads and rotors every 12,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Replace brake pads when they are worn down to 3mm or less. Rotors should be checked for warping or scoring and replaced if necessary. Brake fluid should be flushed every 30,000 miles or 2 years to maintain optimal performance and safety.
Q3 How do I replace the brake pads on a 1997-2002 Subaru Forester?
How do I replace the brake pads on a 1997-2002 Subaru Forester?
To replace brake pads, first, lift the vehicle and remove the wheels. Unbolt the caliper and hang it securely to avoid damaging the brake line. Remove the old brake pads and inspect the rotors. If rotors are in good condition, clean them with brake cleaner. Install new pads, reassemble the caliper, and torque bolts to manufacturer specifications. Test brakes before driving.
Q4 What should I do if my brakes are squeaking or vibrating?
What should I do if my brakes are squeaking or vibrating?
Squeaking or vibrating brakes may indicate worn pads, uneven rotor surfaces, or debris buildup. Inspect the brake pads and rotors for wear or damage. Clean the brake components with brake cleaner and check for proper alignment. If the issue persists, consider resurfacing or replacing the rotors and installing new brake pads.
Q5 How can I optimize the performance of my Subaru Forester brakes?
How can I optimize the performance of my Subaru Forester brakes?
To optimize brake performance, use high-quality brake pads and rotors designed for your vehicle. Regularly inspect and maintain the braking system, including fluid levels and pad thickness. Avoid aggressive driving, which can overheat brakes. Consider upgrading to performance brake components if you frequently drive in demanding conditions.
Factory Service Resources
Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.
1997-2002 Subaru Forester Service Manual
Coming SoonComprehensive service manual covering brake system maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for 1997-2002 Subaru Forester models.
Subaru Technical Service Bulletin: Brake System Updates
Coming SoonTechnical bulletin addressing common brake system issues and updates for 1997-2002 Subaru Forester models.
Subaru Forester Brake Parts Catalog
Coming SoonCatalog listing OEM and aftermarket brake parts for 1997-2002 Subaru Forester models, including pads, rotors, and calipers.
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Technical Information
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