I am so grateful I found this fantastic video. I was shocked when the auto store quoted me $830 dollars to do this exact procedure (including a $230 electronic brake "recalibration" fee) and am so happy I came across this video. Easy to follow instructions, and allowed a car dummy like me to do the job myself for a fraction of the price I was quoted. I figure you saving me 600 dollars is definitely worth a like and a subscription. Thanks again!
I did the job today. This is by far the best video. One my passenger rear I could not release the power plug to the electronic brake so I dissembled it while plugged in. I RE greased it after taking it apart. So as an experiment it worked as well. But the caliper retraction tool made it the easiest like the video showed. Great job on this.
I'm so glad I found this video! I've changed many brakes in my lifetime. However, it's the first time I've dealt with the electronic parking brake on a Subaru. Much appreciated!!!
Just did the rear sets on my son in law’s Subaru. This video was the game winning video. Got it done and all went well. Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video.
Thanks man! I just replaced mine today and while I am not totally hopeless with auto repair, but it sounded hard to do rotors/pads for front and rear. Honestly, it went well (looked up a separate video for front)! Step by step made me feel really confident and spent $380 for a replacement kit rather than the like $1500 the dealer wanted. Just took it around the block and slammed on the brakes a few times. Works great. All in all was a fairly easy and straightforward repair. I just moved into a house so I had to also buy a couple of tools bc living in an apartment makes working on your car pretty dangerous. I started thinking I didn’t want the brake tool but decided it was worth the $40. But other than my Jack/stands I already had, I only had to spend about $60 in tools I didn’t have. And I get to keep those so I don’t necessarily count that bc now I can help out anyone else who needs it in the future.
Greg from Melbourne, Australia. I have a 2016 Outback diesel Premium and need to do rear pads (123k kilometres). This video and instructions make what looked like a difficult task much easier. The only thing I had to change is the compression of the piston back into the caliper body as I don't have the special tool. I used a set of multi=grip pliers and GENTLY screwed the piston back in. Brilliant video. Thanks again from Down Under.
So happy I found this video. Actually went out of my way to come back here and like/comment after finishing up and cleaning up. Keep doing wonderful work
Thank you! I thought this was gonna be a nut slap to do with the E-break and now I know it is. But you have prepared me to take on this challenge. Good on you, sir!
This is probably the clearest and best video with replacing rear brake pads for cars with the electronic parking brake. I have a 2019 Subaru Forester, and I think this videos of replacing rear brake pads also applies. Thankyou so much especially with the reasons why the electronic brake motor needs to be disengaged while pushing the piston back into the caliper. Joseph
I was stumped, never saw calipers that didnt compress before. I also had no idea about the power brakes, thanks to this video and to autozone for supplying me with the caliper spin tool for free, I got my wifes car back together :0
Great video, had my rear brake pads replaced at the dealership in Denver for $380 plus another $170 to replace and bleed the brake fluid, next time I’ll do it myself, thanks to you.
This is an awesome video that shows exactly how to change the pads and compress the piston on the Subaru rear brakes with the electronic emergency brake actuator. It worked perfectly.
doing my research and so far have seen few other videos doing the caliper piston retract without removing the ebrake actuator part off first , and on those video seeing a few comments about losing brake pressure even some damages, i am guess this is the critical part?
Very helpful did mine earlier today. Was a breeze after watching your video. Also, I didn't know about the 7mm hex bit socket which was cool of you to mention.
Thank you for this video. Is there any way you can post a list in the comment section of all parts needed and materials along with proper tools/sizes needed to do this job? Thank you in advance.
Thank you for your video. Can the electric parking brake be used after having retracted the brakes in this way despite the computer not having the information?
After giving it a test drive I then set the parking brakes and they automatically calibrate themselves. I also never used the special tool he had in the vid, I just use a long nose pliers to turn it and use the regular brake piston compressor tool and it works no issues so far
Having a hell of a time getting the caliper to fit over the new pads. I've used a two-pin tool but with a ratchet. Ordered the kit you link to so hopefully that helps. Thanks for the vid!
Why did you need to take the e-brake actuator off? You also should be more careful when taking the wheels off so you don’t mess up a stud. I know because I’ve done that and then had to replace a stud. The threads are very soft on Subaru studs.. Now I hold the wheel on when I loosen the last lug nut and then carefully lift the wheel off.
Thank you very much for making this video and showing how to do this without a scan tool. I have to change my mother's rear brakes, and she lives 160 miles away, so I needed to know if there was anything funky with the electronic brake making this anything different than a standard rear brake job. BTW, I assume you didn't have to disconnect the negative cable first. BTW#2, how bad is it to change the serp belt on a 2016 Legacy with a 2.4L? I'm not asking for a paragraph break-down; maybe just a two word answer, if you will. Thank you. Almost forgot, thank you for explaining the sizes on the tools needed.
Sorry for late replay , but no did not remove negative cable just ignition off and parking brake disengaged , serp belt is pretty straight forward just adjusters to remove and adjust and some have the automatic tensioner bit it's pretty easy
I just did my back breaks and put new rotors on and I’ve always just removed the caliper and caliper bracket all in one piece then when I get it off slide out the pins and clean and grease
If I want to skim the disc rotor, I could just remove the caliper hold-down bolts, yes? I have a Subaru Impreza g4 2017. I also have an electronic parking brake.
I don’t get why you need to take apart the ebrake assembly? If you are winding the piston back what mechanical difference does it make to do that? Is there something in the actuator that you don’t want to twist?
I have everything but the allen wrench sockets...recommendation? I have watched many videos on this....I was able to follow and understand everything you did, thank you for posting.
Why did you take the actuator off since you had the tool to compress the piston and turn in the electric brake? Seem like that was an unnecessary step?
Nope with out putting the caliper in service mode with a scan tool you can upset position sensors for electronic park actuation , which is why indid it this way. I have a scan tool at home that can put them into "service mode' but this is a way for the DIYer to get it done
@JoeTheAutoGuy Thank you One other question: Many are saying you need a scan tool for Subaru legacy premium 2016 or else you can damage the piston Is there a way around that? Or no other choice but scan tool ??
What did you do best at 10:45? These guides should be clean and dry. This is the only way they can work properly. There are ribs in the rubber part that are to retract the brake caliper. When you lubricate the rails, these fringes do not work at all.
@@JoeTheAutoGuy thank you. So I understand that, once you step the fluid back into the brake lines, by pushing the brake pedal, when you run the parking brake, it will simply spin down and clamp?
I cannot get my caliper off. The screws are not in the way and I followed all of your steps. Can you give me any advice? I am just changing my brakes not the rotor
What is that amazing rust-remover brush attachment that you cleaned the lug bolts with (at 7:31)? I can't find anything like it. (Pretty sure I need one ;) Thanks !
@@JoeTheAutoGuy Thanks for the reply. GIven the piston moves in/out during normal driving, not sure I understand why pushing the piston in to do brake service while the electronic e-brake module is on would damage it? Does the Owners manual specifically call this out?
@@macker0077 if it's not in "service mode" it has a position sensor internal calibrated when you turn it with out a scan tool you change the position of the motor and it can brake the gear when it arking brake apply thinking it has further to go or to retract when it doesn't, so removing the motor while you perform service is away to get around not having the scan tool to put it into service mode
Followed your video to do my sisters Subaru Legacy 2017 and the parking brake light came on after about a week any suggestions? And also what are the little teeny wire things that come with the brake pads
@@JoeTheAutoGuy awesome, thanks ✔️✔️ there's a way to easily retract that piston without that tool gadget. Keep safe and enjoy, thanks for caring and sharing!! God Bless
Less parts to produce is the main reason , just a couple wires instead of cables to produce and house in a warehouse and have a brake caliper bracket produced , but they still have thier issues
I am so grateful I found this fantastic video. I was shocked when the auto store quoted me $830 dollars to do this exact procedure (including a $230 electronic brake "recalibration" fee) and am so happy I came across this video. Easy to follow instructions, and allowed a car dummy like me to do the job myself for a fraction of the price I was quoted.
I figure you saving me 600 dollars is definitely worth a like and a subscription.
Thanks again!
Glad I could help
Recalibration fee... I think somebody was trying to take advantage of you
I did the job today. This is by far the best video. One my passenger rear I could not release the power plug to the electronic brake so I dissembled it while plugged in. I RE greased it after taking it apart. So as an experiment it worked as well. But the caliper retraction tool made it the easiest like the video showed. Great job on this.
I'm so glad I found this video! I've changed many brakes in my lifetime. However, it's the first time I've dealt with the electronic parking brake on a Subaru. Much appreciated!!!
This video actually really helped me was stuck on how to get the callipers to retract. Thank you.
Random question, did you buy the proper tool or did you find a southern engineer solution?
Just did the rear sets on my son in law’s Subaru. This video was the game winning video. Got it done and all went well. Thank you for taking the time to make and post this video.
Thanks man! I just replaced mine today and while I am not totally hopeless with auto repair, but it sounded hard to do rotors/pads for front and rear. Honestly, it went well (looked up a separate video for front)! Step by step made me feel really confident and spent $380 for a replacement kit rather than the like $1500 the dealer wanted. Just took it around the block and slammed on the brakes a few times. Works great. All in all was a fairly easy and straightforward repair.
I just moved into a house so I had to also buy a couple of tools bc living in an apartment makes working on your car pretty dangerous. I started thinking I didn’t want the brake tool but decided it was worth the $40. But other than my Jack/stands I already had, I only had to spend about $60 in tools I didn’t have. And I get to keep those so I don’t necessarily count that bc now I can help out anyone else who needs it in the future.
Rotor on backwards to clean is a genius idea! Thanks for the tip!!
You bet!
Greg from Melbourne, Australia. I have a 2016 Outback diesel Premium and need to do rear pads (123k kilometres). This video and instructions make what looked like a difficult task much easier. The only thing I had to change is the compression of the piston back into the caliper body as I don't have the special tool. I used a set of multi=grip pliers and GENTLY screwed the piston back in. Brilliant video. Thanks again from Down Under.
No error codes or nothing thanks a lot for showing us the way! Was easy job to do after watching
So happy I found this video. Actually went out of my way to come back here and like/comment after finishing up and cleaning up. Keep doing wonderful work
Excellent Subaru rear brake tutorial with electronic parking brake. thanks for posting. 🤩
Where’s the part about the parking brake?
Thank you! I thought this was gonna be a nut slap to do with the E-break and now I know it is. But you have prepared me to take on this challenge. Good on you, sir!
This is probably the clearest and best video with replacing rear brake pads for cars with the electronic parking brake. I have a 2019 Subaru Forester, and I think this videos of replacing rear brake pads also applies. Thankyou so much especially with the reasons why the electronic brake motor needs to be disengaged while pushing the piston back into the caliper.
Joseph
Thanks for the video! Just replaced rotors and pads and this was huge help
If you don't have a rear caliper winder, you can just use the tips of heavy needle nose pliers and pressure to wind/push it in.
You can, but renting the proper tool at a part store tends to be free and will save you a lot of pain and anger
Dude I posted this 2 YEARS AGO!?!?!@@samtime3803
I just used my naked hands hahaha
I was stumped, never saw calipers that didnt compress before. I also had no idea about the power brakes, thanks to this video and to autozone for supplying me with the caliper spin tool for free, I got my wifes car back together :0
thank you sir... used this vid... i pulled out just the tools i needed 5mm and 7mm allens = and went to town.. it was breeze... thanks again
Great video, had my rear brake pads replaced at the dealership in Denver for $380 plus another $170 to replace and bleed the brake fluid, next time I’ll do it myself, thanks to you.
This is an awesome video that shows exactly how to change the pads and compress the piston on the Subaru rear brakes with the electronic emergency brake actuator. It worked perfectly.
Glad it helped
If you go by the views you’ve helped over 20,000 people. Nice informative video.
This was the best and clearest video and instructions I have seen for this. Thank you!
Fantastic video. I just bought a 2024 forezter and already worried about being able to service brakes. Thank you for showing me how to do this.
This IS the best video on this. Ignore all others
thank you !!!!!!
Great concise video thank you so much for sharing this was invaluable to me.
Good call on taking the brake module off, before compressing the piston🤘
Thanks 👍
doing my research and so far have seen few other videos doing the caliper piston retract without removing the ebrake actuator part off first , and on those video seeing a few comments about losing brake pressure even some damages, i am guess this is the critical part?
Very helpful did mine earlier today. Was a breeze after watching your video. Also, I didn't know about the 7mm hex bit socket which was cool of you to mention.
Thank you for this video. Is there any way you can post a list in the comment section of all parts needed and materials along with proper tools/sizes needed to do this job? Thank you in advance.
Really excellent video. Have not done a Subaru yet so this is exactly what I needed. Thanks Joe.
Thanks for the help! You’re awesome bro! Very informative! 👍🏻💪🏻
Thank you did my rear brakes tonight!!
Great vid, thanks for taking the time to make it.
Thank you for your video. Can the electric parking brake be used after having retracted the brakes in this way despite the computer not having the information?
I wanna know this as well, just finished one side after watching his vid.
After giving it a test drive I then set the parking brakes and they automatically calibrate themselves. I also never used the special tool he had in the vid, I just use a long nose pliers to turn it and use the regular brake piston compressor tool and it works no issues so far
Having a hell of a time getting the caliper to fit over the new pads. I've used a two-pin tool but with a ratchet. Ordered the kit you link to so hopefully that helps. Thanks for the vid!
Sorry to hear that, hope it works out
@@JoeTheAutoGuy worked like a charm! Thank you for the guide, and happy holidays!
a good video I would put some never seize around hub in rust belt areas, so rotor does not get seized on there.
Putting my caliper back on was really snug. You looked like it had a lot more play in it. Did I do something wrong?
Worked well on a 2018 outback
Wish it had the torque specs for all 4 bolts.
Great video!
Thank you so much !!
When you perform this is car in park or neutral with car off?
Hey Joe, the first tool in the description is not active, I will like to know what exactly that is, thank you
Thank you sir. Best information ever.
the pad you had in the milwaukee grinder that was flat is that a roloc thing that fits the same base as the one for doing around bolts?
Why did you need to take the e-brake actuator off? You also should be more careful when taking the wheels off so you don’t mess up a stud. I know because I’ve done that and then had to replace a stud. The threads are very soft on Subaru studs.. Now I hold the wheel on when I loosen the last lug nut and then carefully lift the wheel off.
Thank you very much for making this video and showing how to do this without a scan tool. I have to change my mother's rear brakes, and she lives 160 miles away, so I needed to know if there was anything funky with the electronic brake making this anything different than a standard rear brake job. BTW, I assume you didn't have to disconnect the negative cable first. BTW#2, how bad is it to change the serp belt on a 2016 Legacy with a 2.4L? I'm not asking for a paragraph break-down; maybe just a two word answer, if you will. Thank you.
Almost forgot, thank you for explaining the sizes on the tools needed.
Sorry for late replay , but no did not remove negative cable just ignition off and parking brake disengaged , serp belt is pretty straight forward just adjusters to remove and adjust and some have the automatic tensioner bit it's pretty easy
Do I have to take the actuator off the caliper before I compress them? I’ve seen video where people don’t take it off and ones where they do
Yes if you don’t have a scan tool
I just did my back breaks and put new rotors on and I’ve always just removed the caliper and caliper bracket all in one piece then when I get it off slide out the pins and clean and grease
If I want to skim the disc rotor, I could just remove the caliper hold-down bolts, yes? I have a Subaru Impreza g4 2017. I also have an electronic parking brake.
I don’t get why you need to take apart the ebrake assembly? If you are winding the piston back what mechanical difference does it make to do that? Is there something in the actuator that you don’t want to twist?
If you don’t have a scan tool you don’t want to rotate the position sensor of the non applied brake caliper motor
@@JoeTheAutoGuy thank you
I have everything but the allen wrench sockets...recommendation? I have watched many videos on this....I was able to follow and understand everything you did, thank you for posting.
Why did you take the actuator off since you had the tool to compress the piston and turn in the electric brake? Seem like that was an unnecessary step?
Nope with out putting the caliper in service mode with a scan tool you can upset position sensors for electronic park actuation , which is why indid it this way. I have a scan tool at home that can put them into "service mode' but this is a way for the DIYer to get it done
Thank you for the video. It was helpful
Did you leave the electronic parking brake off?? I would think that is a yes
Yes
@JoeTheAutoGuy
Thank you
One other question:
Many are saying you need a scan tool for Subaru legacy premium 2016 or else you can damage the piston
Is there a way around that? Or no other choice but scan tool ??
Good job about pressing the brake pedal afterwards before you put it in drive.
Bad job about not using a torque wrench.
Are you using seal Glyde on the rubber o ring? I need to tackle my rear brake job but I need to order the caliper retracting tool and get some grease
What did you do best at 10:45? These guides should be clean and dry. This is the only way they can work properly. There are ribs in the rubber part that are to retract the brake caliper. When you lubricate the rails, these fringes do not work at all.
says to lubricate them in the service manual so i did
Is this the same setup for a 2018 Legacy?
You don’t have too remove electrical parking brake because you have the tool to do the job
Recommended torque settings for bolts?
thanks for this and the link to the caliper brake condenser set
Thanks for the great info, nice job on the video
Thank so much for video you awesome 👏 👍👍👍
Excellent video. Thanks.
Which brand pads for the rear on a 2016 Subaru legacy LX 4 cylinder are the best to install? Are they available on Amazon please? Thanks
I have a uk spec 2008 legacy asin pads i find are a good set front and rear and febi bilstien discs
Once the caliper is back on And you have stepped on the break until you get a firm pedal ,what do you do to get the parking brake correctly reset?
That’s the point of removing the parking brake motor position sensor it won’t require it to be reset
@@JoeTheAutoGuy thank you. So I understand that, once you step the fluid back into the brake lines, by pushing the brake pedal, when you run the parking brake, it will simply spin down and clamp?
@@33turtles95 correct
Is it okay to use dielectric grease instead of Sil Glyde on the o-ring? I haven't had to pull an electronic parking brake motor off before.
some kind of lube is needed preferably silicone based and dielectric grease works fine
Can you do this to all vehicles with electronic e-brake?
every manufacturer is different
I pressed mine in…. Hmm hope i didnt screw it up. I did use a 9mm to turn the spline first
I cannot get my caliper off. The screws are not in the way and I followed all of your steps. Can you give me any advice? I am just changing my brakes not the rotor
Same model I'm assuming with electronic parking brake ?
What is that amazing rust-remover brush attachment that you cleaned the lug bolts with (at 7:31)? I can't find anything like it. (Pretty sure I need one ;) Thanks !
Il have to put one I'm description
Need to know where to purchase the tool to wind piston back in its place
Link in the description to Amazon, if you buy through that link it helps the channel out at no cost for you
Is it really necessary to take the E-brake module off when you're compressing the piston?
To not damage the electric motor yes
Or if you have a scan tool you can just put it in service mode
@@JoeTheAutoGuy Thanks for the reply. GIven the piston moves in/out during normal driving, not sure I understand why pushing the piston in to do brake service while the electronic e-brake module is on would damage it? Does the Owners manual specifically call this out?
@@macker0077 if it's not in "service mode" it has a position sensor internal calibrated when you turn it with out a scan tool you change the position of the motor and it can brake the gear when it arking brake apply thinking it has further to go or to retract when it doesn't, so removing the motor while you perform service is away to get around not having the scan tool to put it into service mode
@@JoeTheAutoGuy Ok, thanks for the explanation.
What is the point of taking off the actuator cover?
If you don’t have a scan tool to reset the position then you have to remove it otherwise it will error out
Where can I get the Brake caliper retaining spring to purchase from?
Do you think this process would be similar for a 2012 legacy?
Same question here
@@johncornell1335 my sons 2012 ended up not having this style brake system and the regular clamp you'd use to push the piston back did the job.
@@johncornell1335 his is a pzev? Something like that. The eco version of the car.
Will this work on a Gen 7 (2020) legacy?
I cannot guarantee it would
Does anyone know if this will work for a 2021 legacy? Touring xt model
what # in the caliper brake set did you use the retract the piston
the one that fits lol , sorry dont remember off hand
Why open the actuator side if you just need to turn the piston?
So you don’t move the disengaged position of the sensor
1:51 you made that connector removal look so easy
Push in , pull tab then pull back should be easy to remove
Tab is toward the bottom
Ok not sure how you got that parking brake thing disconnected!
Followed your video to do my sisters Subaru Legacy 2017 and the parking brake light came on after about a week any suggestions? And also what are the little teeny wire things that come with the brake pads
break pad wear sensor are the tiny wires , red , yellow,or service parking light illuminated?
I couldn't find the link below for that caliper piston retractor tool? Please help, thanks
IN THERE NOW!!!! sorry for delay
@@JoeTheAutoGuy awesome, thanks ✔️✔️ there's a way to easily retract that piston without that tool gadget. Keep safe and enjoy, thanks for caring and sharing!! God Bless
Yeah I’m letting Subaru do this next time. Just pads took all day. And the caliper tool from advance is already broken. 😅
I hate ebrakes. Why not just a lever… great video
Less parts to produce is the main reason , just a couple wires instead of cables to produce and house in a warehouse and have a brake caliper bracket produced , but they still have thier issues
Thank you Buddy
Where to you find this rear caliper tool
IN THE DESCRIPTION!
You also forgot abutment clips bro
No torque specs on the bolts? Lol
Found them at a Subaru forum. 5.9 foot pounds for the electronic brake controller and 18.4 foot pounds for the caliber slides
@@jonsimonsonthanks. How about bracket bolts? Thanks again
@@edwardjackson9871 48.7
My ECU errored out after this.
Parking brake is separate from your ecu , what dtc are you getting ?
I did everything you did. Now the car’s e brake is not working, eyesight is turned off, RAB is turned off. Do I need to reset something?
@@kristoffergalvan5365 potentially moved motor when you removed it from caliper , need to get it into service mode and reset positions
@@JoeTheAutoGuyhow do you do that? I’m having the same problem
good job ..and clear ..thanks