How to Change the Brake Pads on a 1991 Subaru Legacy
The front disc brakes on the 1991 Subaru Legacy endure more stress than the rear drum brakes during braking. The front brakes are designed with two brake pistons that force the brake pads against the rotors to slow and eventually stop the vehicle. Subaru recommends that you replace the brake pads between 35,000 and 50,000 miles to ensure proper function of the braking system. During the brake pad replacement is also a good time to inspect the brake lines and rotors to catch any maintenance needs early.
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Things You'll Need
- Lug wrench
- Jack
- Jack stands
- 14 mm socket
- Ratchet
- C-clamp
- Brake grease
- Brake pads
Instructions
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1
Park the Legacy on a flat stretch of road. Use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheels of the brake pads you plan to replace.
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2
Place the jack beneath the pinch-weld section of the undercarriage and lift the vehicle so that the tires are at least two inches off the ground.
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3
Place jack stands under the frame and lower the Subaru onto the stands.
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4
Finish removing the lug nuts and take the wheels from the wheel bolts.
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5
Remove the two bolts on the back side of the caliper with the 14 mm socket and ratchet. Lift the caliper from the caliper mount. The brake pads will be left in the mount on either side of the brake rotor.
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6
Slide the two brake pads from the caliper mount.
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7
Place spent brake pad against the two pistons inside the caliper. Secure the pad to the pistons with a C-clamp. Twist the screw handle of the clamp to force the pistons into the side of the caliper. Remove the clamp and the brake pad once the pistons are fully depressed inside the caliper's side.
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8
Apply brake grease around the pistons. The '91 Legacy's pistons do not have a rubber coating. The grease helps prevent seizing.
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9
Slide the new brake pads into the slots in the caliper mount on either side of the rotor.
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10
Return the caliper to the mount and screw in the caliper bolts. Tighten the bolts with the 14 mm socket and ratchet.
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11
Repeat steps 4-10 to replace additional sets of brake pads on the Subaru. The rear brake calipers will have only one piston. You will not need to use a worn brake pad when depressing the pistons.
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12
Replace the wheels and lug nuts onto the wheel bolts, lift the vehicle and remove the jack stands. Lower the Legacy to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
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