Hey there, Subaru enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Subaru Forester rear drum brakes. While disc brakes might steal the spotlight, drum brakes are still hanging in there, especially on older models. Understanding how they work, common issues, and how to maintain them is crucial for keeping your Forester running smoothly and safely. So, let's get started and unravel the mysteries of the rear drum brakes!

Understanding Subaru Forester Rear Drum Brakes

Let's kick things off with the basics of drum brakes. Unlike disc brakes that use calipers and pads to clamp onto a rotor, drum brakes utilize shoes that press outwards against the inside of a rotating drum. This friction slows down or stops the wheel. Inside the drum, you'll find several key components working together to make it happen:

• Brake Shoes: These curved surfaces are lined with friction material, similar to brake pads. When you hit the brakes, these shoes are forced against the inside of the drum.
• Wheel Cylinder: This hydraulic component receives pressure from the brake master cylinder and pushes the brake shoes outwards.
• Return Springs: These springs pull the brake shoes back to their resting position when you release the brake pedal, allowing the wheels to turn freely again.
• Adjuster Mechanism: This clever little device maintains the correct clearance between the brake shoes and the drum as the friction material wears down. It ensures consistent braking performance over time. Star wheel adjusters are very common in drum brake designs.
• Parking Brake Linkage: This system mechanically applies the brakes using cables and levers, allowing you to securely park your vehicle, especially on hills.

Now, why did Subaru choose drum brakes for the rear of some Forester models? Well, drum brakes are generally more cost-effective to manufacture than disc brakes. They also offer a higher parking brake holding force, which is a definite plus for those hilly terrains. However, drum brakes are more prone to overheating and fading under heavy use compared to disc brakes. This is because the enclosed design doesn't dissipate heat as efficiently. Also, water and debris can accumulate inside the drum, leading to reduced braking performance and increased wear.

Common Issues with Subaru Forester Rear Drum Brakes

Okay, let's talk about some common problems you might encounter with your Subaru Forester rear drum brakes. Knowing these issues can help you diagnose problems early and prevent costly repairs down the road.

• Brake Noise: Squealing, grinding, or scraping noises are often the first signs of trouble. Squealing can be caused by worn brake shoes, contamination on the friction surfaces, or even glazed brake shoes. Grinding or scraping noises usually indicate that the brake shoes are severely worn and the metal backing plate is rubbing against the drum. Ignoring these noises can lead to damage to the drums themselves.
• Reduced Braking Performance: If you notice that your Forester takes longer to stop or the brake pedal feels spongy, it could be a sign of worn brake shoes, a leaking wheel cylinder, or air in the brake lines. Low brake fluid can also contribute to reduced braking performance, so it's always a good idea to check the fluid level regularly.
• Uneven Braking: If your Forester pulls to one side when braking, it could be due to uneven wear on the brake shoes, a sticking wheel cylinder, or contamination on one of the brake drums. This is a serious safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
• Parking Brake Problems: A loose or ineffective parking brake can be a real headache, especially if you live in a hilly area. Common causes include stretched parking brake cables, worn parking brake shoes, or a malfunctioning parking brake lever. Make sure to adjust your parking brake regularly to ensure it's working properly.
• Drum Brake Drag: This occurs when the brake shoes don't fully release from the drum, causing the wheel to drag and overheat. This can be caused by corroded or sticking wheel cylinders, broken return springs, or an improperly adjusted parking brake.

Maintaining Your Subaru Forester Rear Drum Brakes

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your Subaru Forester rear drum brakes in top condition. Here are some essential maintenance tasks you should perform:

• Regular Inspections: Inspect your brake shoes and drums regularly for wear, damage, and contamination. A visual inspection can often reveal potential problems before they become serious. Pay close attention to the thickness of the brake shoe lining and the condition of the drum surface. Look for signs of cracks, scoring, or excessive rust.
• Brake Shoe Replacement: Replace your brake shoes when they are worn down to the wear indicators or if they are contaminated with oil or grease. Always replace brake shoes in pairs to ensure even braking performance. Use high-quality brake shoes that are specifically designed for your Forester.
• Drum Resurfacing or Replacement: If your brake drums are scored, warped, or excessively worn, they may need to be resurfaced or replaced. Resurfacing involves machining the drum surface to restore a smooth, flat surface. However, there is a limit to how much material can be removed from a drum before it becomes too thin and weak. If the drums are too damaged or worn, it's best to replace them.
• Wheel Cylinder Service: Inspect your wheel cylinders for leaks and corrosion. If you find any signs of leakage, replace the wheel cylinder immediately. It's also a good idea to replace the wheel cylinders when you replace the brake shoes, as they are often subjected to the same wear and tear.
• Brake Cleaning: Clean your brake drums and shoes regularly with brake cleaner to remove dust, dirt, and debris. This will help to improve braking performance and reduce noise. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that could damage the friction material.
• Brake Adjustment: Adjust your drum brakes regularly to maintain the proper clearance between the brake shoes and the drums. This will ensure consistent braking performance and prevent the brakes from dragging. Most Subaru Foresters with rear drum brakes have a self-adjusting mechanism, but it's still a good idea to check the adjustment periodically.
• Brake Fluid Flush: Flush your brake fluid every two to three years to remove moisture and contaminants. Moisture in the brake fluid can cause corrosion and reduce braking performance. Use a high-quality brake fluid that meets Subaru's specifications.
• Parking Brake Adjustment: Adjust your parking brake regularly to ensure it's working properly. A loose or ineffective parking brake can be a safety hazard, especially on hills. Refer to your owner's manual for the proper procedure for adjusting the parking brake.

Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Subaru Forester Rear Drum Brakes

Alright, let's get our hands dirty! Here's a general step-by-step guide to replacing your Subaru Forester rear drum brakes. Keep in mind that this is a simplified overview, and you should always consult your vehicle's repair manual for specific instructions and torque specifications. Safety first, guys! Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working on your brakes.

1. Gather Your Tools and Parts: You'll need new brake shoes, new drums (if necessary), new wheel cylinders (if necessary), brake cleaner, a brake spring tool, pliers, sockets, wrenches, a torque wrench, jack stands, and a wheel chock.
2. Loosen the Lug Nuts: Before jacking up the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels.
3. Jack Up the Vehicle and Secure It: Use a jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and securely support it with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle that is only supported by a jack.
4. Remove the Wheels: Remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheels.
5. Remove the Brake Drum: You might need to tap the drum with a rubber mallet to loosen it. If the drum is stuck, make sure the parking brake is released and try adjusting the brake shoes inward using the adjuster mechanism.
6. Disconnect the Brake Springs and Hardware: Use a brake spring tool to safely disconnect the brake springs and hold-down springs. Pay close attention to the location of each spring and component, as you'll need to reinstall them in the same positions.
7. Remove the Brake Shoes: Carefully remove the brake shoes, disconnecting them from the wheel cylinder and parking brake linkage.
8. Inspect the Wheel Cylinder: Inspect the wheel cylinder for leaks or damage. If necessary, replace it.
9. Clean the Backing Plate: Clean the backing plate with brake cleaner to remove dirt and debris.
10. Install the New Brake Shoes: Install the new brake shoes, connecting them to the wheel cylinder and parking brake linkage.
11. Reinstall the Brake Springs and Hardware: Reinstall the brake springs and hold-down springs, making sure they are properly seated.
12. Adjust the Brake Shoes: Adjust the brake shoes to the proper clearance using the adjuster mechanism. The shoes should be close to the drum, but not dragging.
13. Install the Brake Drum: Install the brake drum, making sure it is properly seated.
14. Reinstall the Wheels: Reinstall the wheels and tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque specification.
15. Lower the Vehicle: Lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
16. Adjust the Parking Brake: Adjust the parking brake cable to ensure proper operation.
17. Test the Brakes: Test the brakes carefully before driving the vehicle. Make sure the brake pedal feels firm and the vehicle stops properly.

Important Note: This is a general guide only. Consult your vehicle's repair manual for specific instructions and torque specifications. If you are not comfortable performing this repair yourself, it is best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.

Upgrading Your Subaru Forester Rear Drum Brakes

While maintaining your drum brakes is essential, you might be thinking about an upgrade. While not strictly necessary, many owners consider converting to rear disc brakes for improved performance and reliability. Here's a quick look at what that entails:

• Benefits of Disc Brake Conversion: Disc brakes offer better stopping power, improved heat dissipation, and are less prone to fading under heavy use. They also tend to be easier to maintain and are less susceptible to water and debris contamination.
• Conversion Kits: Several aftermarket kits are available that include all the necessary components for converting your rear drum brakes to disc brakes. These kits typically include new rotors, calipers, brake pads, mounting brackets, and brake lines.
• Installation: Converting to disc brakes can be a complex undertaking and may require some modifications to your vehicle's brake system. It's generally recommended to have this type of conversion performed by a qualified mechanic.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! A comprehensive guide to understanding, maintaining, and even upgrading your Subaru Forester rear drum brakes. Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your brakes in top condition and ensuring your safety on the road. Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or prefer to leave the work to the professionals, knowing the ins and outs of your brake system is always a smart move. Now go forth and conquer those roads, safely and confidently! Drive safe, everyone!