just pull the wheels off and look, simples.

 

Since you should replace or resurface rotors as well I wouldn't do anything til its necessary. When you get inspected they tell you what's left. You shouldn't need to change out brakes at 40K miles. But that's me. Rears should last at least 1/3 longer.

 

It seems that ABS-related EBD, or Electronic Brake-force Distribution, has changed the "formula" for front vs. rear pad wear. '09+ U.S. Foresters are equipped with EBD; I don't know about earlier models or other markets.

The '09 OM contains this statement on page 7-24:

Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system

The EBD system maximizes the effectiveness
of the brakes by allowing the rear
brakes to supply a greater proportion of
the braking force. It functions by adjusting
the distribution of braking force to the rear
wheels in accordance with the vehicle’s
loading condition and speed.

Our '06 Accord' is equipped with EBD, and its small rear brake pads wear more quickly than the big ones in front. Our '06 BMW wagon has EBD, which, according to the owner's manual, "...controls the brake pressure in the rear wheels to ensure stable braking behavior."

HTH,

 

My experience is consistent with that theory. I just replaced my rear pads and had the rotor machined. There was some small amount of vibration coming from them under hard braking. It IS unusual for rears to wear out before fronts, but perhaps Subaru economized on the size of the rear brakes (rears have never had as much brake force in them).

 

I had an Infiniti FX that used up it's rears before the front, and crewzer's EBD explanation covers that well.

Yeah I can pull a few wheels and check 'em, but I wanted to get some experience from the group as well. That's what forums are for!

I would rather change pads early than too late. If that's 5-10K miles early, that's OK. Got to find a local shop that can surface them.........I hope they have enough beef on them to take a light resurfacing. I know that some rotors on some cars are the minimum when you buy them, so resurfacing is out of the question at any mileage.

 

My rear pads were toast at 21,000 mi while the fronts were still in pretty good shape, ill be replacing them in the spring and checking the rears again to see how they are wearing.

 

My autoTranny failed within the first 1000 miles on my 01 Nissan.

I got a re-manufactured one under warranty and 116K miles later all is well.

Things fail early in their lifespan and late.

 

my experience is 20-30k on the fronts, 40-ish on the rears. Now at 76k but with original, untouched rotors all round.

 

My rears, and rotors had to be replaced at less than 33,000 km on my 2010. Now the fronts still have brake pad, but the calipers are not moving freely and there is a LOT of corrosion, pitting, and divots on them. That's at less than 37,000 km. All not covered under Subaru Canada's warranty. As an added bonus, the wheel bearings in the front left wheel had to be replaced today. At least that was covered.
Is the general idea that this is normal and okay? Might well be worth going to a class to learn how to replace the brakes myself if it needs doing every 30 or 40 thousand kms.
Any replacement parts that will do a better job, other than the standard issue?
Thanks for the forum!

 

You must live in a salt mining town!!! I'm at 45,000 miles and all are just fine. I'll be changing pads real soon to get a jump on it.

 

You don't need a class. Here's a classy DIY video courtesy of member Blue Fox... the 2009's and up are quite similar:

HTH,
Jim / crewzer

 

Thanks for the video crewzer! :woohoo:
Planning to do it on a weekend in the city where we'll have a level driveway to work. Is there something better than Subaru's rusting parts to replace with?
Nope, no salt mine here, and in winter, the roads are sanded not salted. Silly me, I thought the lack of salt would mean less corrosion....
Delighted with the help and feedback, makes me feel a thousand times better than my conversation with "customer support".

 

Thanks for the video crewzer!

My pleasure, but full credit goes to Blue Fox.

Best of luck!
Jim / crewzer

 

160000 kms rear
270000kms front and still in use.

 

interesting, yet irrelevant...

 

My Service Guy Came Through!

Just wanted to update that Muskoka Subaru came through with a Goodwill Gesture and covered the parts portion of the front brakes!
Way better than a kick-in-the-head.
Now just have to get ready for the 64K mark when the rears will most likely need redoing again. That video is going to come in super handy!