Change Brake Pads on Subaru Outback 2019: A Step-by-Step Guide for Safe, Cost-Effective Maintenance

Replacing the brake pads on your 2019 Subaru Outback isn’t just a maintenance task—it’s a critical safety measure that directly impacts your driving experience, stopping power, and the longevity of your vehicle’s braking system. As a Subie owner myself (and someone who’s tackled this job more than a few times), I can tell you firsthand: doing it right saves you money, prevents costly damage to other components, and gives you peace of mind on every drive. Whether you’re a DIY newbie or a seasoned hobbyist, this guide will walk you through the process from start to finish, with tips tailored specifically to the 2019 Outback’s design quirks. Let’s dive in.

Why Brake Pad Replacement Matters for Your 2019 Subaru Outback

The 2019 Subaru Outback is built for adventure—whether you’re hauling gear up a mountain trail or cruising down the highway. Its full-time all-wheel-drive system, combined with a responsive braking setup, relies heavily on well-maintained brake pads to function safely. Unlike older vehicles, the 2019 Outback uses ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels (with larger front rotors, as is standard for front-wheel-drive-dominated powertrains). These pads are designed to handle moderate to heavy loads, but they wear down over time due to friction, heat, and debris.

Neglecting brake pad replacement leads to three big problems: First, metal-on-metal contact between the worn pads and rotors damages the rotors themselves, costing hundreds more in repairs. Second, thin pads reduce stopping power—even a 1mm reduction in pad thickness can increase stopping distance by 10-15% in wet conditions. Third, worn pads generate more dust, which coats your wheels and undercarriage, leading to premature corrosion. For a vehicle as versatile as the Outback, keeping your brakes in top shape isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Outback’s Brake Pads

How do you know when it’s time? The 2019 Subaru Outback has a wear indicator—a thin metal tab on the brake pad that scrapes against the rotor when pads are too thin (usually around 3mm thick). This creates a high-pitched squealing noise when you brake, especially at low speeds. Don’t ignore it: by the time you hear that noise, you’re already approaching the “danger zone.”

Other warning signs include:

• Vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal or steering wheel (a sign of warped rotors, often caused by overheated pads).
• Longer stopping distances—if you notice it takes more pressure to slow down, or the car doesn’t halt as quickly as it used to.
• Grinding or scraping sounds—this means the pads are completely worn, and metal is grinding into the rotor. At this point, you’ve likely damaged the rotors and need immediate service.
• Pulling to one side when braking—could indicate uneven pad wear or a stuck caliper.

For most Outback owners, brake pads last between 30,000–70,000 miles, depending on driving habits. If you frequently tow, drive in stop-and-go traffic, or live in hilly areas (like Colorado or the Pacific Northwest), expect to replace them closer to 30,000 miles. If you stick to highway driving, 70,000+ is possible. Always check your owner’s manual for Subaru’s official recommendation—but remember, real-world use trumps the manual.

Tools You’ll Need to Change Brake Pads on a 2019 Subaru Outback

Before you start, gather these tools. Skipping even one can lead to frustration or mistakes:

• Jack and jack stands: The Outback’s jack points are marked with small notches behind the front wheels and in front of the rear wheels. Never rely solely on a jack—you need jack stands rated for at least 3 tons.
• Lug wrench or impact gun: To remove the wheels. A torque wrench is also critical for reinstalling lug nuts to Subaru’s specified 89 ft-lbs (front) and 84 ft-lbs (rear).
• C-clamp or brake piston tool: The 2019 Outback uses rear brake calipers with integrated parking brake mechanisms. You’ll need a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston back into its bore—this is non-negotiable.
• Socket set: You’ll need 17mm sockets for the caliper bolts, 19mm for the lug nuts, and possibly a 14mm for the brake pad retaining clips (varies by trim).
• Brake cleaner and rags: Old brake dust is abrasive and contains asbestos (in older vehicles, though 2019 Outbacks use non-asbestos pads). Clean all surfaces thoroughly before installing new pads.
• Anti-seize compound: Apply a small amount to the back of the brake pads where they contact the caliper bracket—this prevents seizing, which can cause uneven wear.
• Gloves and safety glasses: Brake dust is messy and can irritate your skin and eyes.

Step 1: Safely Lift and Remove the Wheel

Start by parking your Outback on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake (important—even if you’re working on the rear brakes, the parking brake affects the rear calipers) and chock the wheels opposite the one you’re lifting (e.g., chock the rear wheels if you’re working on the front).

Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the car—this is a common mistake. Use the lug wrench to turn them counterclockwise until they’re loose, but don’t remove them yet. Then, position the jack under the correct jack point (check your owner’s manual for diagrams) and pump or crank until the wheel lifts 2–3 inches off the ground. Place a jack stand under the frame (not the suspension) and lower the car onto the stand. Repeat for the other side if you’re replacing both front or rear pads at once (always do both sides of an axle to ensure even braking).

Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel. Set everything aside—you’ll need the wheel later to test-fit the new pads.

Step 2: Remove the Caliper and Old Brake Pads

Now you’ll see the brake rotor and caliper. The 2019 Outback’s calipers are straightforward, but they’re heavy—support their weight with one hand to avoid dropping them on your foot.

First, remove the caliper bolts. Most models have two 17mm bolts: one at the top (securing the caliper to the bracket) and one at the bottom. If your Outback has after-market brake components, there might be more bolts—consult a service manual if unsure. Once the bolts are out, gently slide the caliper off the rotor. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose—this can stretch the hose or damage the brake line. Instead, use a bungee cord or rope to hang it from the suspension or frame.

Next, remove the old brake pads. They’re held in place by small retaining clips or pins. On the 2019 Outback, these are usually plastic or metal clips with a spring mechanism. Use a flathead screwdriver or trim tool to gently pry them loose. Take note of how the old pads fit—they’re directional, so the new ones must go in the same way (look for arrows indicating rotation direction).

Step 3: Compress the Caliper Piston

This is where many DIYers get stuck. The 2019 Outback’s rear calipers have an integrated parking brake, which means the piston doesn’t just slide back—it needs to be rotated and compressed. Front calipers are simpler, but rear ones require extra care.

For rear calipers: Insert the C-clamp over the piston and the brake pad (or a piece of wood to protect the piston face). Slowly tighten the clamp until the piston is fully retracted into its bore. You’ll feel resistance as the parking brake mechanism engages—keep going until the piston is flush with the caliper housing.

For front calipers: The piston is simpler. Use the C-clamp to compress it straight back into the bore. If the piston is stuck (common in older vehicles), tap it gently with a rubber mallet—never use a metal hammer, as this can damage the piston seal.

Step 4: Clean and Prep the Brake Components

Brake dust and debris can cause the new pads to squeal or wear unevenly. Use brake cleaner and a wire brush to scrub the rotor surface, caliper bracket, and piston area. Wipe everything dry with a clean rag—no moisture allowed.

Inspect the rotor for grooves, cracks, or warping. If you see deep scratches (more than 0.010 inches) or the rotor is warped (you’ll feel vibration when braking), it’s time to replace the rotors, too. The 2019 Outback’s rotors are affordable, and replacing them now saves you from having to do it later.

Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the back of the new brake pads (where they contact the caliper bracket). This prevents metal-to-metal contact and reduces noise. Do not put grease on the friction surface—it will contaminate the rotor and reduce braking power.

Step 5: Install the New Brake Pads and Reassemble

Slide the new pads into the caliper bracket, making sure they align with the retaining clips. Gently press the clips into place—you should hear a click when they’re secure. If your Outback has shims or anti-rattle springs, install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions (they’re usually pre-installed on new pads, but double-check).

Reinstall the caliper by sliding it back over the rotor. Align the caliper bolts and tighten them by hand first to avoid cross-threading. Use a torque wrench to tighten them to Subaru’s specification: 29 ft-lbs for front caliper bolts and 22 ft-lbs for rear ones. Overtightening can crack the caliper bracket; undertightening can cause the caliper to shift and wear the pads unevenly.

Put the wheel back on, hand-tighten the lug nuts, then lower the car from the jack stands. Once the wheel is on the ground, use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (front: 89 ft-lbs; rear: 84 ft-lbs). This ensures even pressure and prevents warping the rotor.

Step 6: Bed-In the New Brakes

Bedding-in is a critical step most beginners skip—and it’s why your new brakes might squeal or feel “soft” at first. The goal is to transfer a thin layer of material from the new pads to the rotor, creating a bond that improves friction and reduces noise.

Here’s how to bed-in your 2019 Outback’s brakes:

1. Find a safe, empty road (avoid traffic and wet surfaces).
2. Accelerate to 40 mph, then brake firmly (but not hard enough to lock the wheels) to 10 mph.
3. Repeat this process 5–7 times, allowing the brakes to cool slightly between cycles.
4. On the final pass, brake gently to a stop.

This process heats the pads and rotors to the optimal temperature for material transfer. Avoid hard braking for the next 200–300 miles to let the bond fully form.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Brake Pads on a 2019 Subaru Outback

Even experienced DIYers make mistakes. Here are the top ones to watch for:

• Skipping the brake cleaner: Old dust and oil can cause squealing and premature wear.
• Not compressing the piston fully: Rear calipers with parking brakes require extra attention—if the piston isn’t all the way in, the caliper won’t seat properly, leading to uneven pad wear.
• Overtightening lug nuts: This can warp the rotor or strip the threads. Always use a torque wrench.
• Ignoring the rotors: If the rotors are warped or scored, new pads won’t fix the problem—they’ll just wear out faster.
• Forgetting to bed-in the brakes: This leads to noise and reduced performance. Take the time to do it right.

When to Call a Professional

While changing brake pads on a 2019 Subaru Outback is manageable for most DIYers, there are times to call a pro:

• If you notice uneven pad wear (one pad much thinner than the other)—this could mean a stuck caliper or brake hose.
• If the caliper piston won’t compress (rare, but possible if the piston is seized).
• If you’re unsure about any step—brakes are critical, and a mistake can lead to failure.

Final Thoughts

Changing the brake pads on your 2019 Subaru Outback is a rewarding project that saves you money and keeps you safe. By following these steps, using the right tools, and taking your time, you’ll ensure your brakes perform reliably for thousands of miles. Remember: brakes aren’t something to rush. If you’re ever in doubt, consult a certified Subaru technician. Your family, passengers, and fellow drivers will thank you. Now get out there and enjoy the ride—your Outback’s ready.