Experience with installing brake rotors and pads for 2007 WRX?

wlit · 05-06-2010, 01:31 PM

I would like to found out if anyone has experience installing brake rotors and pads for 07 WRX (one with red 4-piston front calipers) Can you refer me with some links on how to or step by step instruction on how to get this done? My cars has about 40K miles, normal driving, recently during tire rotation, I notices the front pads doesn’t have much meat left and thinking it may be time to replace it. The rotor still in good condition but I am thinking to replace it as well with Brembo plain.

I call the nearby Subaru dealership and found that they sell the OEM front pads for $170, a bit pricy than I expected but it is a set that comes with shims & clips. With one you get in TireRack maybe not included.

Thought and Suggestion?

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Daedalus · 05-06-2010, 02:27 PM

Don't replace the rotors. It'll be a waste of money. Do your self a favor and get the StopTech Street Performance Pads from www.wrxbrakes.com (There is a review thread floating around here). Well that is if you just want performance street pads.

Pad install is stupid easy!

1. Jack up car and secure on jack stands
2. Remove wheel
3. Remove the two pins in the caliper housing (for the fronts you must remove that retaining spring first)
4. Remove the + shaped thingy
5. Pull out one pad
6. Use that pad and leverage the piston(s) back into the caliper housing
7. Assemble new pad with original backing and antisqueel goo
8. Insert new pad
9. Repeat 5-8 for the other pad in the caliper
10. Reassemble in reverse order

Repeat for the other 3 wheels.

Uncle Scotty · 05-06-2010, 02:37 PM

forget the rotors

just put new pads on

takes 20 minutes

wlit · 05-06-2010, 03:08 PM

I need more info from step 3-6

3. Remove the two pins in the caliper housing (for the fronts you must remove that retaining spring first) - easy to remove and put it back with a screw driver?

4. Remove the + shaped thingy (huh?)

5. Pull out one pad

6. Use that pad and leverage the piston(s) back into the caliper housing (so you pull out the old pad and stuck it back to push the piston back to the caliper WITHOUT first removing the whole caliper like transitional brake and the use of c-clamp?)

--Do I need hand brakes on or off, when I work on the front pads?

--Do I need to open the cap of brake fluids and release/loosen the brake lines attach the caliper?

Turn in Concepts · 05-06-2010, 03:11 PM

Is there someone locally to you who knows brakes well that can teach you this? Perhaps in exchange for a pizza and a 6 pack?

I'm serious. Brakes are a no joke thing. Even on low horsepower cars they are a no joke thing. It is much better to have someone who knows the ropes teach you instead of risking it.

Daedalus · 05-06-2010, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wlit

I need more info from step 3-6

3. Remove the two pins in the caliper housing (for the fronts you must remove that retaining spring first) - easy to remove and put it back with a screw driver?

I used a larger needle nose plier to push them out from the back. Then grip from the front and pull. They aren't in very tight and you can probably get them in with your hands. Clean them up before re-inserting and it'll be easier.

It's funny that the rear pins have a phillips head on the front to make it easier to push/rotate in. But it's more needed on the front so you can realign the spring/clip for the front ones.

4. Remove the + shaped thingy (huh?)

There's a cross shaped, flat metal clip that I believe is used to control the vibrations of the pads. It's held in by the pins and will probably come shooting out when you pull the last pin.

5. Pull out one pad

Use the pliers to help wiggle them out.

6. Use that pad and leverage the piston(s) back into the caliper housing (so you pull out the old pad and stuck it back to push the piston back to the caliper WITHOUT first removing the whole caliper like transitional brake and the use of c-clamp?)

Pull pad out. Rotate 90 degrees, and kinda use it as a pry bar to push the piston back in. Because the red brakes aren't sliding calipers, you won't be removing them. So a C clamp won't fit. Leverage/hand pressure will be enough to compress the piston enough. Thats why you only do one at a time so that when you push one piston in, the other doesn't come out (held in by the other pad). When doing the fronts, you'll have to play with it a bit so that both pistons go in.

--Do I need hand brakes on or off, when I work on the front pads?

On if the car is jacked up only in the front and the rears are still on the ground. Chock them also. The last thing you want is your car rolling backwards and off the jackstands.

--Do I need to open the cap of brake fluids and release/loosen the brake lines attach the caliper?

Open the cap only. Surround the opening with towels to absorb any brake fluid that bubbles over. None did when I did my pads.

All this is explained much better in the Factory Repair Manual. See if you can borrow/buy one.

wlit · 05-07-2010, 12:47 AM

Thank you very much for the additional info. Here are some images I found on the web for 2008 STI. I think they are similar to 07 WRX

The pins, cross shaped, flat metal clip?

Don't see much room to fit my finger to it nor rotate it 90 degrees

Uncle Scotty · 05-07-2010, 12:57 AM

and if you got somebody to show you what to do.......it would be better

brianha42 · 05-07-2010, 12:58 AM

not gonna leave my brakes to my novice self, getting a shop to do pads, rotors, ss lines, and tic master cylinder brace for 250.

Uncle Scotty · 05-07-2010, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianha42

not gonna leave my brakes to my novice self, getting a shop to do pads, rotors, ss lines, and tic master cylinder brace for 250.

d0000000000d....that is a waste of $250

you should post in your local area forum for somebody to help ya......beer and pizza is cheaper than $250

hell....I'd do it for ya for $100....and the only reason I'd charge at all is 'cuz I'm broke

Web Foot STi · 05-07-2010, 08:15 AM

Brake pads are so easy it's one of the few jobs I still do my self. Just dive in.

wlit · 05-07-2010, 10:36 AM

Uncle Scotty you are big help, images more than a thousand words. Brakes are very critical parts of any vehicle and I do hear many people said it is very easy things to do. I do not have any experience with installing pads, that worry me the most but at the same time I really want to do it myself since I have interest to work on cars (I am sure we all are if you are driving a Subaru and posting in NASIOC =) and learn from it and help friends and families out when needs.
So we have a 16 inch type huh? What is 16 inch stand for, the rotor size?
The instruction show how to remove the existing pad but it did not mention how to put it back on, so I assume it is in reverse order. But what about pushing the piston back into the caliper (by finger, screw driver, or the old pads) any brake pressure I need to adjust to ensure it working correctly? Thank you!

Web Foot STi · 05-07-2010, 11:19 AM

Yep, just use the old pads to push to pistons back in. Then slide in the new pads. It really is that easy.

16" is wheel size, not manhood...

journey · 12-30-2010, 12:31 AM

For anyone following the above directions, I wanted to note that the 2006/2007 WRX (i.e., non-STI) with the red calipers will follow the directions for the "16 INCH TYPE" even though stock wheels are 17 inch -- there is an M-clip that keeps the "pad pins" in place, and one end of the "cross springs" has a bend/ curve in it. If anyone is interested, I took a pix of it when replacing my front brake pads tonight.

dnorton · 12-31-2010, 09:45 AM

I hate to be the only guy here that has anything to say about the rotors. My 07 when I did my brake job instead of putting new pads on old rotors I switched the Rotors also and added SS brake lines. It was easy to do just did a lot of research before I started. My Rotors might have been ok to turn down and use again but myself I wouldn't put new pads on used Rotors that haven't been at lease turned. Just my 2 cents not trying to piss anyone off just thought I'd share my feelings on brakes.

05-06-2010, 01:31 PM	#1
wlit Scooby Newbie Member#: 157385 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, MD Vehicle: 2007 Impreza WRX Urban Gray Metallic	Experience with installing brake rotors and pads for 2007 WRX? I would like to found out if anyone has experience installing brake rotors and pads for 07 WRX (one with red 4-piston front calipers) Can you refer me with some links on how to or step by step instruction on how to get this done? My cars has about 40K miles, normal driving, recently during tire rotation, I notices the front pads doesn’t have much meat left and thinking it may be time to replace it. The rotor still in good condition but I am thinking to replace it as well with Brembo plain. I call the nearby Subaru dealership and found that they sell the OEM front pads for $170, a bit pricy than I expected but it is a set that comes with shims & clips. With one you get in TireRack maybe not included. Thought and Suggestion? * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by wlit; 05-06-2010 at 03:14 PM.

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05-06-2010, 02:27 PM	#2
Daedalus Scooby Newbie Member#: 29049 Join Date: Nov 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Fairfax, VA Vehicle: 2007 WRX Wagon SWP	Don't replace the rotors. It'll be a waste of money. Do your self a favor and get the StopTech Street Performance Pads from www.wrxbrakes.com (There is a review thread floating around here). Well that is if you just want performance street pads. Pad install is stupid easy! 1. Jack up car and secure on jack stands 2. Remove wheel 3. Remove the two pins in the caliper housing (for the fronts you must remove that retaining spring first) 4. Remove the + shaped thingy 5. Pull out one pad 6. Use that pad and leverage the piston(s) back into the caliper housing 7. Assemble new pad with original backing and antisqueel goo 8. Insert new pad 9. Repeat 5-8 for the other pad in the caliper 10. Reassemble in reverse order Repeat for the other 3 wheels.

05-06-2010, 02:37 PM	#3
Uncle Scotty NASIOC Supporter Member#: 16200 Join Date: Mar 2002 Vehicle: OK Houston we have an Uncle	forget the rotors just put new pads on takes 20 minutes

05-06-2010, 03:08 PM	#4
wlit Scooby Newbie Member#: 157385 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, MD Vehicle: 2007 Impreza WRX Urban Gray Metallic	I need more info from step 3-6 3. Remove the two pins in the caliper housing (for the fronts you must remove that retaining spring first) - easy to remove and put it back with a screw driver? 4. Remove the + shaped thingy (huh?) 5. Pull out one pad 6. Use that pad and leverage the piston(s) back into the caliper housing (so you pull out the old pad and stuck it back to push the piston back to the caliper WITHOUT first removing the whole caliper like transitional brake and the use of c-clamp?) --Do I need hand brakes on or off, when I work on the front pads? --Do I need to open the cap of brake fluids and release/loosen the brake lines attach the caliper?

05-06-2010, 03:11 PM	#5
Turn in Concepts NASIOC Vendor Member#: 93646 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Vehicle: Many Track Records Let us help you go fast!	Is there someone locally to you who knows brakes well that can teach you this? Perhaps in exchange for a pizza and a 6 pack? I'm serious. Brakes are a no joke thing. Even on low horsepower cars they are a no joke thing. It is much better to have someone who knows the ropes teach you instead of risking it.

05-07-2010, 12:47 AM	#7
wlit Scooby Newbie Member#: 157385 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, MD Vehicle: 2007 Impreza WRX Urban Gray Metallic	Thank you very much for the additional info. Here are some images I found on the web for 2008 STI. I think they are similar to 07 WRX The pins, cross shaped, flat metal clip? Don't see much room to fit my finger to it nor rotate it 90 degrees

05-07-2010, 12:57 AM	#8
Uncle Scotty NASIOC Supporter Member#: 16200 Join Date: Mar 2002 Vehicle: OK Houston we have an Uncle	and if you got somebody to show you what to do.......it would be better

05-07-2010, 12:58 AM	#9
brianha42 Scooby Newbie Member#: 193148 Join Date: Oct 2008 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Redmond, WA Vehicle: 2006 WRX Wagon WRB	not gonna leave my brakes to my novice self, getting a shop to do pads, rotors, ss lines, and tic master cylinder brace for 250.

05-07-2010, 08:15 AM	#11
Web Foot STi Scooby Guru Member#: 39086 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2004 STi White	Brake pads are so easy it's one of the few jobs I still do my self. Just dive in.

05-07-2010, 10:36 AM	#12
wlit Scooby Newbie Member#: 157385 Join Date: Aug 2007 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, MD Vehicle: 2007 Impreza WRX Urban Gray Metallic	Uncle Scotty you are big help, images more than a thousand words. Brakes are very critical parts of any vehicle and I do hear many people said it is very easy things to do. I do not have any experience with installing pads, that worry me the most but at the same time I really want to do it myself since I have interest to work on cars (I am sure we all are if you are driving a Subaru and posting in NASIOC =) and learn from it and help friends and families out when needs. So we have a 16 inch type huh? What is 16 inch stand for, the rotor size? The instruction show how to remove the existing pad but it did not mention how to put it back on, so I assume it is in reverse order. But what about pushing the piston back into the caliper (by finger, screw driver, or the old pads) any brake pressure I need to adjust to ensure it working correctly? Thank you!

05-07-2010, 11:19 AM	#13
Web Foot STi Scooby Guru Member#: 39086 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Portland, OR Vehicle: 2004 STi White	Yep, just use the old pads to push to pistons back in. Then slide in the new pads. It really is that easy. 16" is wheel size, not manhood...

12-30-2010, 12:31 AM	#14
journey Scooby Newbie Member#: 74555 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Charlotte, NC, US Vehicle: 2006 WRX Wagon-Stg 3 San Remo Red	For anyone following the above directions, I wanted to note that the 2006/2007 WRX (i.e., non-STI) with the red calipers will follow the directions for the "16 INCH TYPE" even though stock wheels are 17 inch -- there is an M-clip that keeps the "pad pins" in place, and one end of the "cross springs" has a bend/ curve in it. If anyone is interested, I took a pix of it when replacing my front brake pads tonight.

12-31-2010, 09:45 AM	#15
dnorton Scooby Specialist Member#: 218997 Join Date: Jul 2009 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Jax Vehicle: 07 WRX Mikey Tuned JE/FSR built,35r 1300c	I hate to be the only guy here that has anything to say about the rotors. My 07 when I did my brake job instead of putting new pads on old rotors I switched the Rotors also and added SS brake lines. It was easy to do just did a lot of research before I started. My Rotors might have been ok to turn down and use again but myself I wouldn't put new pads on used Rotors that haven't been at lease turned. Just my 2 cents not trying to piss anyone off just thought I'd share my feelings on brakes.