Subaru drum brake recommendation

[Soobs]

Any recommendation or ones to avoid for rear Subaru drum brake kits? It’s about time for them on my 2008 Subaru Forester. Rockauto has a complete kit from Centric and PowerStop with coated drums. I’ll be doing the whole shabang.. drums, hardware, cylinder, shoes. I’m not sure who Subaru used for their OE?

 

[Marcozi]

I've always preferred brake parts from the car's manufacturer or the company that supplies the parts. I recommend you go that route and avoid aftermarket brake parts.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

For the drums, either Powerstop or Wagner coated drums.

For the shoes, either Centric, or MK Kashiyama (not sold on Rock Auto)

 

[D60]

Drums are pretty basic. Many stories recently of non-concentric manufacturing but I question how common that really is.

I'd buy one of the least expensive kits and forget it. IME Subaru drums don't do a lot in the grand scheme of braking.

 

[benjamming]

What's the reason for replacing drums? Rusted out?

 

[goblin]

Raybestos. Rockauto usually has them.

 

[Soobs]

I've always preferred brake parts from the car's manufacturer or the company that supplies the parts. I recommend you go that route and avoid aftermarket brake parts.

I tend to stick with OEM for everything as well; however, Subaru hasn't had OEM drums or shoes available for this year/model in years. Every dealership parts department sources aftermarket for these parts and that varies depending on local suppliers/contracts.

 

[Soobs]

What's the reason for replacing drums? Rusted out?

Age and wear. They're original, have never been machined, and are on the end of life with their second set of shoes. The exterior is incredibly rusted and I'm fine with that, but it's just time for some fresh drums. At $20-$40 per drum i figure why not!

 

[Soobs]

Drums are pretty basic. Many stories recently of non-concentric manufacturing but I question how common that really is.

I'd buy one of the least expensive kits and forget it. IME Subaru drums don't do a lot in the grand scheme of braking.

I tend to agree. It seems like if you look at any brand whether it be Powerstop, Centric, Raybestos, Durago, etc they're all made in China for this application. I think I'll just order whatever has some partial or full exterior rust protection and the extra holes to help push it off the wheel. Oddly, most brands don't have these holes.

 

[Soobs]

For the drums, either Powerstop or Wagner coated drums.

For the shoes, either Centric, or MK Kashiyama (not sold on Rock Auto)

Thanks! Any idea if MK Kashiyama was the OEM provider? I'm wondering if those are made somewhere other than China? I found those at NAPA and some online parts retailers.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Thanks! Any idea if MK Kashiyama was the OEM provider? I'm wondering if those are made somewhere other than China? I found those at NAPA and some online parts retailers.

The MK shoes are made in Japan, but they're not the OE supplier. I think Akebono is OE, but Akebono doesn't sell any aftermarket drums or shoes.