I am sure this has been answered somewhere on this forum or on NASIOC, but I seem to have misplaced my Fingerless Gloves of Forum Topic Finding and so my searches were fruitless. I am looking at an 02 WRX Wagon. It is high miles - 103,000 - but they are primarilly highway miles and it has been dealer maintained with records. It has run on Amzoil since the 2nd owner bought it at 77,000 miles. Not sure yet about the oil before that. It is pretty much completely stock except that it has EBC slotted and drilled rotors and Greenstuff pads. I know the rotors are larger than stock, but not exactly what size they are. They fit under the stock rims. I am going to look at the car this week but wanted to ask about the brakes before I go. EBC seems to generate a lot of passion/opinion from folks... So are these +1 or -1; are they or will I have to replace them right away? Thanks all!
Hey, welcome to the site. Here's a site with some user reviews http://www.subarureview.com/brake.php If you already haven't, check on the big stuff for that car like the timing belt, pulleys, etc...ask if it's had the 105K service done Interval: 105000 miles / 105 month service ActionDescriptionReplaceEngine oilReplaceEngine oil filterInspectDisc brake pads and discs, front and rear axle boots and axle shaft joint portionsPerformInspect brake lines and check operation of parking and service brake systemInspectClutch operationInspectSteering and suspensionReplaceDrive belt(s) [Except camshaft]ReplaceCamshaft drive beltPerformRotate and Inspect Tires
The Redstuff is more standard. My bro runs them and they do work well for daily use as well as light sport use like auto-x with no fade issues. They're not overly grabby and are dead quiet. You will need to figure out what pads you are running though. Stock should be D721 front and D770 rear, but this changed on newer years. If the previous owner did a big brake kit, the pads may be completely different. Measure your rotors to see what size they are(stock or otherwise) so you can get the right sized new ones. The stock front rotors should be 294x24mm vented. The common rear size is 266x10mm but many people like to upgrade it to the larger diameter ones that came on the Outbacks, 290x10mm. This provides more even brake bias as well as take some of the brake effort off the front brakes. It's a nice upgrade reguardless...if the previous owner hasn't already done it. All that's needed is the Outback caliper bracket to move the stock caliper out farther. There's even a kit(rotors + brackets) available from a couple places like www.subaruproparts.com subarugenuineparts.com etc... Drilled, slotted rotors are for looks. If you want that look, fine. If you just want straight performance, no frills, blank rotors do just fine. If you want to ensure a quality blank rotor, Tire Rack does sell Brembo rotors for our cars(if you don't trust oem or cheap ones for Napa, Autozone, etc.). I'll also note, Autozone apparently has our sized rotors at sub $20 if price is a concern. I'll note that www.subarugenuineparts.com has both the rear upgrade kit plus sells EBC pads if you want all-in-one-place shopping. Brake upgrade time is also a good time for fresh brake fluid, so you may want to grab a liter and flush your system. You can consider upgrading to a higher temp one if you plan on sport driving too. Info on WRX pad types, which do you have? http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/showthread.php?t=131703
Thanks for the replies, eh. Good stuff. The 105k service has not been done, but I know that. Anyone wanna quote me on a timing belt change? The rotors were put on ~18k miles ago and new Greenstuff pads (same as when the rotors were installed) were put on about 1k ago. I still don't know the exact sizes but the brakes are stock. I should know the sizes in a day or so. I did find out the clutch has been replaced and upgraded from stock about 23k miles ago to something that is a little more sensitive. Stiffer springs as well or somesuch - I don't really know the inner workings of a clutch. Not yet. Anyway, thanks for the replies!
