2012 Subaru Impreza Rear Brakes: A Comprehensive Guide

by Alex Braham 55 views

Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of your 2012 Subaru Impreza's rear brakes. Keeping your brakes in tip-top shape is super important for your safety and the longevity of your car. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from recognizing the signs of worn-out brakes to the steps involved in replacing them. We'll cover what you'll need, how to do it, and some pro-tips to make the job easier. So, grab your tools (or get ready to call your mechanic) and let's get started!

Understanding Your 2012 Subaru Impreza Rear Brakes

First things first, let's get a handle on the basics. Your 2012 Subaru Impreza uses a disc brake system in the rear. This means you've got brake pads that clamp down on a rotor (the big, shiny disc you see behind your wheel) to slow your car down. The rear brakes do a significant amount of work, even though the front brakes usually handle a larger portion of the braking force. They're still crucial for stopping power, especially in emergency situations or when you're carrying a load. Over time, the brake pads wear down due to friction, and the rotors can warp or develop grooves. That's why regular inspection and maintenance are essential. Now, let's talk about the parts involved. You've got the brake pads, which are the friction material that presses against the rotor; the rotor itself, which is a metal disc that the pads clamp on; the caliper, which houses the brake pads and the piston that pushes them; and the brake lines, which carry brake fluid to the calipers. These components work together to bring your car to a stop. When you step on the brake pedal, you're essentially activating a hydraulic system that squeezes the brake pads against the rotors. The resulting friction converts the car's kinetic energy into heat, slowing your vehicle down. Pretty cool, right? But what about the specific components? The brake pads are probably the most important thing to keep in mind, because they need to be replaced at regular intervals. The rotors are going to outlast the brake pads, but they're going to need to be replaced, too. Calipers can go bad, and that's going to make the brakes drag. And obviously, you need good brake fluid in order to keep the whole system in working order. Brake lines are less of a problem, but they can crack and start to leak. Regular maintenance is going to head off all of these problems.

The Importance of Rear Brakes

Your rear brakes play a vital role in your vehicle's overall braking performance and safety. While the front brakes typically handle a larger percentage of the braking force, the rear brakes provide essential stability and control, especially during hard braking or in emergency situations. They work in conjunction with the front brakes to evenly distribute the braking load, preventing your vehicle from nose-diving or swerving out of control. Think of it like this: your front brakes are the workhorses, doing most of the heavy lifting, while your rear brakes are the supporting cast, ensuring a balanced and controlled stop. Neglecting your rear brakes can lead to a host of problems, including reduced stopping power, uneven wear on your tires, and even complete brake failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of your rear brakes are not just recommended – they're essential for your safety and the safety of everyone on the road. Remember, a well-maintained braking system is a cornerstone of safe driving. If you're going to keep your vehicle on the road for a long time, then you want to keep the brakes in good condition. That's the most important thing that you can do to make sure that you are safe in your vehicle.

Recognizing the Signs of Worn Rear Brakes

Alright, so how do you know when your 2012 Subaru Impreza's rear brakes need attention? Your car will usually give you some telltale signs. Here's what to watch out for:

  • Squealing or Grinding Sounds: This is one of the most common and obvious indicators. If you hear a high-pitched squealing or a grinding noise when you apply the brakes, it's a strong signal that your brake pads are worn down and need replacement. The squealing is often caused by a wear indicator (a small piece of metal designed to make noise when the pads get thin), while grinding means metal-on-metal contact between the pad backing plate and the rotor.
  • Reduced Braking Performance: Notice that your car takes longer to stop than usual? This is another red flag. Worn brake pads have less friction material, so they can't grip the rotors as effectively. You might also feel the brake pedal sink further towards the floor.
  • Vibrations or Pulsations: If you feel a pulsating sensation in the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking, it could indicate warped rotors. Warping is caused by excessive heat, and it affects the rotor's ability to provide smooth braking contact. This is something that you'll have to deal with sooner rather than later.
  • Uneven Wear on Tires: If your rear brakes are sticking or malfunctioning, they can cause uneven wear on your tires. This could show up as one tire wearing down faster than the others. Also, this could potentially indicate other mechanical problems.
  • Visual Inspection: Take a peek at your rear brakes. You can usually see the brake pads through the wheel. If the pads look thin (less than a quarter of an inch of friction material), it's time for a replacement. Also, check the rotors for scoring, cracks, or discoloration. Look for any kind of significant damage or wear on the brakes.
  • Brake Warning Light: Some cars have a brake warning light that illuminates on the dashboard when there's a problem with the braking system. Don't ignore this light! Get your brakes inspected immediately.

If you experience any of these symptoms, don't delay! Get your 2012 Subaru Impreza's rear brakes inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive damage and potentially dangerous driving conditions. If you think that your brakes are not working right, then get them fixed now. You don't want to mess around with your brakes. That's a matter of safety and you need to get them right away. So don't put it off.

Tools and Parts You'll Need

Okay, so you've decided to tackle the rear brake job yourself? Awesome! Here's a list of the tools and parts you'll need to get the job done right on your 2012 Subaru Impreza:

Essential Tools

  • Jack and Jack Stands: These are crucial for safely lifting and supporting your car. Never work under a car supported only by a jack!
  • Wheel Chocks: Use these to secure the front wheels and prevent the car from rolling.
  • Lug Wrench: For removing the lug nuts and the wheel.
  • Wrench Set: You'll need various wrenches, including a socket set with metric sizes (typically 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, and possibly larger) to remove the caliper bolts, bracket bolts, and other components.
  • Torque Wrench: For tightening bolts to the correct specifications. Over-tightening or under-tightening can cause problems.
  • Caliper Piston Compression Tool: This tool is essential for retracting the caliper piston to make room for the new brake pads. You can use a C-clamp, but a dedicated tool makes the job easier.
  • Brake Cleaner: To clean the rotors and other components before reassembly.
  • Gloves and Eye Protection: Safety first! Protect your hands and eyes from brake dust and debris.

Parts You'll Need

  • New Brake Pads: Make sure you get the correct pads for your 2012 Subaru Impreza. There are different types of brake pads, so do your research or consult with a parts specialist to choose the right ones (ceramic, semi-metallic, etc.)
  • New Rotors (Optional, but Recommended): If your rotors are warped, grooved, or worn beyond the minimum thickness, replace them. This will ensure optimal braking performance.
  • Brake Caliper Grease: To lubricate the caliper slide pins and other moving parts. Be sure to use a high-temperature brake grease.
  • Brake Fluid: You might need to top off or replace brake fluid during the process. Make sure to use the correct type of brake fluid (usually DOT 3 or DOT 4) as specified in your owner's manual.

Important Note: It's always a good idea to have a repair manual specific to your 2012 Subaru Impreza on hand. This will provide detailed diagrams and torque specifications for your vehicle. You can often find these manuals online or at your local auto parts store. You need to make sure that you are going to get the right parts for your car. There are a lot of different makes and models, and you need to have the right stuff. Otherwise, it's not going to work.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Rear Brakes on Your 2012 Subaru Impreza

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of replacing those rear brakes on your 2012 Subaru Impreza. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

  1. Preparation is Key:

    • Park on a level surface: Engage the parking brake and chock the front wheels. This will prevent your car from rolling. Seriously, do this first!
    • Loosen the lug nuts: Before jacking up the car, loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Don't remove them completely, just break them loose. This makes it much easier when the wheel is off the ground.

  2. Lifting the Vehicle and Removing the Wheel:

    • Jack up the car: Use a jack to lift the rear of the car. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct jacking points. Make sure to use jack stands for safety! Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
    • Remove the wheel: Once the car is securely on jack stands, completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel. Now you can see the brakes.

  3. Removing the Caliper:

    • Locate the caliper: The caliper is the part that clamps down on the rotor. It's usually held in place by two bolts.
    • Remove the caliper bolts: Use the correct wrench to remove the caliper bolts. These bolts are usually tight, so you might need a bit of muscle. Be careful not to damage the brake line.
    • Remove the caliper: Gently lift the caliper off the rotor. Be careful not to stretch or damage the brake line. You can hang the caliper from the suspension using a bungee cord or wire.

  4. Removing the Brake Pads:

    • Remove the old brake pads: The brake pads should slide right out of the caliper bracket. There might be retaining clips or hardware that need to be removed first. Note how the old pads are installed, so you can install the new ones the same way.

  5. Removing the Rotor (If Replacing):

    • Remove the caliper bracket: Remove the bolts that hold the caliper bracket to the hub assembly. It's usually two bolts.
    • Remove the rotor: The rotor may slide right off. If it's stuck, you might need to tap it gently with a rubber mallet. You can use penetrating oil to help loosen it up.

  6. Preparing for Reassembly:

    • Clean the hub: Use a wire brush to clean the hub where the rotor mounts. Remove any rust or debris.
    • Clean the new rotor: Before installing the new rotor, clean it with brake cleaner to remove any protective coating.

  7. Installing the New Rotor (If Replacing):

    • Install the new rotor: Slide the new rotor onto the hub. Make sure it sits flush against the hub face.
    • Reinstall the caliper bracket: Reinstall the caliper bracket and tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.

  8. Installing the New Brake Pads:

    • Compress the caliper piston: Before installing the new pads, you'll need to compress the caliper piston to make room for the thicker pads. Use a caliper piston compression tool or a C-clamp. Be careful not to damage the piston or the dust boot.
    • Install the new brake pads: Slide the new brake pads into the caliper bracket. Make sure they fit properly and that any retaining clips are in place.

  9. Reinstalling the Caliper:

    • Install the caliper: Carefully place the caliper back over the new brake pads and rotor. Make sure the brake pads are seated correctly.
    • Tighten the caliper bolts: Tighten the caliper bolts to the manufacturer's specifications.

  10. Reinstalling the Wheel and Finishing Up:

    • Reinstall the wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts by hand.
    • Lower the vehicle: Slowly lower the car until the tires touch the ground. Then, fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.

  11. Final Steps:

    • Pump the brake pedal: Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until you feel firm resistance. This will seat the new brake pads against the rotors.
    • Check the brake fluid level: If you opened the brake fluid reservoir, check the fluid level and top it off if necessary.
    • Test drive: Take a short test drive, braking gently at first to allow the new brakes to bed in. Check for any unusual noises or vibrations.

And that's it! You've successfully replaced the rear brakes on your 2012 Subaru Impreza! Remember to double-check all your work and torque specifications. And, if you're not comfortable with any of these steps, it's always best to consult a professional mechanic. It's really not too difficult to do the brakes yourself, but you have to do it right. If you don't do it right, then you can find yourself in a really dangerous situation. So, take your time, and do it right the first time.

Pro-Tips and Troubleshooting

Alright, you've got the basics down, but here are some pro-tips to make the job easier and avoid common headaches when working on your 2012 Subaru Impreza rear brakes:

  • Use Penetrating Oil: If bolts are stubborn, apply penetrating oil (like PB Blaster) a day or two before you start the job. This helps loosen rusty bolts, making them easier to remove. Believe me, it's worth the wait!
  • Clean and Lubricate: Always clean and lubricate the caliper slide pins with high-temperature brake grease. This ensures smooth caliper movement and even pad wear.
  • Torque Specifications: Use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. Over-tightening or under-tightening can cause problems. It's very important to torque all the bolts on your vehicle. If you don't use a torque wrench, then you may end up with a wheel that falls off your car!
  • Bedding-In the Brakes: After installing new pads, drive carefully for the first few hundred miles. Avoid hard braking. This allows the pads and rotors to