How to Replace Brake Pads and Rotors on a 2019 Subaru Outback: A Step-by-Step Guide to Safety and Optimal Performance

Replacing the brake pads and rotors on your 2019 Subaru Outback isn’t just a maintenance task—it’s a critical safety measure. Brake pads and rotors work together to slow or stop your vehicle, and wear over time can compromise their effectiveness. If ignored, worn components may lead to longer stopping distances, vibrating steering wheels, or even brake failure. For 2019 Subaru Outback owners, understanding when and how to replace these parts is key to maintaining your family’s safety on the road. This guide walks you through the process, from recognizing wear signs to installing new components correctly, ensuring you can tackle the job confidently or make informed decisions about professional service.

Why Brake Pads and Rotors Matter for Your 2019 Subaru Outback

The 2019 Subaru Outback, like most modern vehicles, uses a disc brake system on all four wheels. The front brakes handle the majority of stopping power (up to 70% in many vehicles), so they wear faster than the rear. Brake pads are the replaceable friction material that clamps onto the rotors (metal discs) when you press the brake pedal. Over time, the pads wear down, and the rotors can develop grooves, cracks, or warping from heat and friction.

Subaru recommends inspecting brake pads annually or every 10,000–12,000 miles, though real-world conditions (e.g., frequent city driving, towing, or mountainous terrain) may require more frequent checks. Ignoring wear signs not only reduces braking performance but can also damage the calipers, wheel bearings, or other braking components, leading to costly repairs.

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your 2019 Subaru Outback’s Brake Pads and Rotors

Recognizing the early warning signs of worn brakes can prevent safety risks and save money by avoiding secondary damage. Here are the most common indicators:

1. High-Pitched Squealing or Grinding Noises

Many 2019 Subaru Outback brake pads include a metal “wear indicator”—a thin tab that scrapes against the rotor when the pads are too thin (typically less than 3mm thick). This produces a high-pitched squeal, especially when braking lightly. If the noise escalates to a grinding or scraping sound, the pads may be completely worn, and metal is grinding directly on metal. This damages the rotor irreparably and requires immediate replacement.

2. Vibrations When Braking

Warped or unevenly worn rotors often cause the steering wheel, brake pedal, or vehicle to vibrate when you apply the brakes. This happens because the rotor’s surface is no longer smooth, creating inconsistent contact with the brake pads. Vibration is more noticeable at higher speeds and worsens as the rotor degrades.

3. Longer Stopping Distances

Worn brake pads have less friction material, reducing their ability to grip the rotor. If you notice your Outback takes longer to stop than usual—especially in wet or cold conditions—it’s a clear sign of reduced braking efficiency.

4. Thick Brake Dust on Wheels

Brake dust (a fine black residue) is normal, but excessive buildup on your wheels may indicate rapidly wearing pads. Dark, gritty dust could also signal contaminated pads (e.g., from oil or brake fluid leaks), which requires immediate attention.

5. Pulling to One Side When Braking

If your Outback drifts left or right when you brake, it may mean one set of brakes (front or rear) is more worn than the other. Uneven pad wear can occur if calipers are sticking or brake hoses are blocked, preventing equal pressure from reaching all pads.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need to Replace 2019 Subaru Outback Brakes

Before starting, gather the right tools to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. Missing even one tool can lead to frustration or mistakes. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jack and Jack Stands: The 2019 Subaru Outback has specific jack points (marked with notches under the frame near each wheel). Use these to lift the vehicle; never rely solely on a jack.
• Lug Wrench or Impact Gun: To remove the wheel lug nuts. A torque wrench is also essential for reinstalling lug nuts to Subaru’s specified tightness (typically 80–90 ft-lbs).
• C-Clamp or Brake Piston Tool: To retract the brake caliper piston. The 2019 Outback uses rear calipers with electronic parking brakes, which require extra steps (see “Step 4” below).
• Socket Set and Ratchet: Including 17mm, 19mm, and possibly 21mm sockets for lug nuts, caliper bolts, and rotor retaining screws.
• Brake Cleaner and Rags: To clean rotor surfaces and remove debris. Avoid using household cleaners, as they may leave residues.
• New Brake Pads and Rotors: Always purchase parts designed for the 2019 Subaru Outback. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts from Subaru are guaranteed to fit, but high-quality aftermarket brands (e.g., Akebono, Brembo) may offer better performance. Avoid cheap, generic parts—they often lack the proper friction coefficients and can wear unevenly.
• Silicone Grease or Anti-Squeal Shims: To lubricate brake pad backing plates and caliper slides, reducing noise and preventing seizing.
• Safety Gear: Gloves, safety glasses, and a wheel chock (to prevent the vehicle from rolling when lifted).

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing 2019 Subaru Outback Brake Pads and Rotors

Step 1: Safely Lift and Secure the Vehicle

Park your Outback on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels opposite the one you’re working on (e.g., if replacing the front driver’s side brake, chock the rear passenger wheel). Loosen the lug nuts slightly (1/2 turn) with the lug wrench before lifting the vehicle—this prevents the wheel from spinning when you raise it.

Use the jack to lift the Outback until the wheel is 2–3 inches off the ground, then place a jack stand under the designated jack point (check your owner’s manual for exact locations). Lower the jack slowly until the vehicle rests securely on the jack stand. Repeat for the opposite wheel if working on both sides (e.g., both front brakes).

Step 2: Remove the Wheel

Finish unscrewing the lug nuts with the lug wrench or impact gun and pull the wheel straight off. Set it aside in a safe place.

Step 3: Remove the Old Brake Caliper and Pads

Locate the brake caliper, which is bolted to the rotor bracket. The 2019 Outback’s front calipers use two 17mm bolts (some models may have 19mm bolts—check your manual). Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove these bolts. Gently slide the caliper off the rotor. If it’s stuck, tap it with a rubber mallet (never pry it loose, as this can damage the brake line).

Hang the caliper from the suspension or a nearby part using a bungee cord—do not let it hang by the brake hose, as this can stretch or damage the hose. Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Take note of their orientation (e.g., shims, clips, or anti-rattle springs) to ensure the new pads are installed correctly.

Step 4: Retract the Brake Piston (Critical for Rear Brakes)

The 2019 Subaru Outback’s rear brakes include an electronic parking brake (EPB) system, which means the caliper piston retracts electrically. To replace rear pads, you must first deactivate the EPB:

1. Start the vehicle and press the EPB button (located on the dashboard) to release the parking brake.
2. Locate the small access hole on the caliper bracket (near the piston). Insert a flathead screwdriver or a dedicated piston tool to manually retract the piston. Some models may require turning the piston clockwise while applying light pressure.
3. Once the piston is fully retracted, you can remove the old pads.

Note: Front calipers on the 2019 Outback use traditional floating calipers, which don’t require EPB deactivation. Simply retract the piston with a C-clamp or piston tool.

Step 5: Inspect and Clean the Rotor

Remove the rotor from the hub (if it’s not already loose). Some 2019 Outbacks have rotor retaining screws (usually 12mm or 14mm) that must be removed first. Inspect the rotor for deep grooves, cracks, or excessive warping. If the rotor thickness is below Subaru’s minimum specification (check your manual—typically around 28mm for front rotors), replace it. Even if the rotor looks smooth, measure its thickness to confirm.

Clean the rotor surface with brake cleaner to remove dirt, grease, or old brake pad material. Use a fine-grit sandpaper (220–320 grit) to smooth out minor scratches, then wipe again with brake cleaner. Avoid using steel wool, as it can leave metal particles embedded in the rotor.

Step 6: Install New Rotors (If Needed)

If replacing the rotors, align them with the hub and hand-tighten the retaining screws (if applicable). Torque the screws to the manufacturer’s specification (usually 40–50 ft-lbs) in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.

Step 7: Prepare and Install New Brake Pads

Apply a thin layer of silicone grease to the back of the new brake pads (where they contact the caliper bracket) to prevent squealing. Install any shims, clips, or anti-rattle springs exactly as they were on the old pads. Gently press the pads into the caliper bracket to ensure they’re seated correctly.

Step 8: Reinstall the Caliper and Tighten Bolts

Slide the caliper back over the new rotor, aligning it with the bracket. Insert the caliper bolts and tighten them gradually in a cross pattern to avoid warping the rotor. Torque the bolts to Subaru’s specification (typically 25–35 ft-lbs for front calipers).

Step 9: Reinstall the Wheel and Lower the Vehicle

Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Use the lug wrench to tighten them in a star pattern (starting from the top and moving to the bottom) to 80–90 ft-lbs. Double-check the torque with a torque wrench.

Lower the jack stand slowly and remove it, then lower the vehicle completely. Remove the wheel chock.

Step 10: Bed-In the New Brakes

New brake pads and rotors require a “bed-in” period to transfer friction material evenly onto the rotor surface. This process prevents glazing (hardening of the pads) and ensures optimal braking performance.

To bed-in your 2019 Outback’s brakes:

1. Drive at 30–40 mph, then apply moderate brake pressure to reduce speed to 10–15 mph. Avoid hard braking.
2. Repeat this process 5–7 times, allowing the brakes to cool between sessions.
3. Do not come to a complete stop during the first few stops, as this can cause uneven material transfer.

Common Questions About 2019 Subaru Outback Brake Replacement

Q: Do I need to replace the rear brakes at the same time as the front?

A: Not necessarily, but it’s wise to check both. Front brakes wear faster due to weight distribution, but rear brakes may also need replacement if they’re excessively worn or making noise. Always inspect all four brakes during a service.

Q: Can I use aftermarket brake pads instead of OEM?

A: Yes, but choose high-quality aftermarket parts that meet or exceed OE (Original Equipment) standards. Brands like Akebono, EBC, and Brembo are trusted for their performance and durability. Avoid cheap, unbranded pads—they may produce more dust, wear unevenly, or fail prematurely.

Q: Why does my brake pedal feel soft after replacing pads and rotors?

A: Air in the brake hydraulic system is the most common cause. This can happen if the caliper was removed during the service. Bleeding the brakes (removing air from the lines) will fix the issue. If you’re not comfortable bleeding brakes, take your Outback to a professional.

Q: How long do new brake pads and rotors last?

A: With normal driving, 2019 Subaru Outback brake pads typically last 30,000–70,000 miles, depending on driving habits. Rotors last longer—usually 50,000–100,000 miles. Aggressive driving, towing, or frequent stop-and-go traffic will shorten their lifespan.

When to Call a Professional Mechanic

While replacing brakes on a 2019 Subaru Outback is a manageable DIY project, some situations require professional help:

• If you’re unsure about any step (e.g., retracting the electronic parking brake).
• If the caliper piston is stuck or the brake hose is damaged.
• If you notice uneven brake wear, fluid leaks, or other signs of deeper braking system issues.

A certified mechanic can use specialized tools (e.g., brake lathes for resurfacing rotors) and perform a thorough inspection to ensure all components—including calipers, slides, and brake lines—are functioning correctly.

Final Thoughts: Prioritize Safety and Precision

Replacing the brake pads and rotors on your 2019 Subaru Outback is an investment in your safety and your vehicle’s longevity. By following this guide, you’ll ensure the job is done correctly, saving you money on future repairs and giving you peace of mind on every drive. Remember: brakes are not a component to cut corners on. If you’re ever in doubt, consult a professional—your family’s safety is worth it.