By Core Brake Parts Tech Team — Circleville, OH warehouse
Short answer: The Subaru Crosstrek/XV runs 11.6 in (294 mm) ventilated front rotors, solid rear discs, and 5x100 mm five-lug wheels torqued to 89 lb-ft. 2013-2017 use a cable hand-brake; 2018+ use an electronic parking brake. This guide walks through the exact diagnostic steps, replacement thresholds, product comparisons, and cost breakdown so you can decide with confidence whether to DIY or take it to a shop.
Direct experience note: we ship these parts daily from our Circleville, OH warehouse to customers across the country. The picks in this guide reflect what fits, what lasts, and what our repeat-buyer mechanics come back for.
The parts that fix this — verified to fit your Subaru Crosstrek
- 2014-2018 Subaru Crosstrek Front & Rear Brake Kit - Detroit Axle — $292.99
- 2017-2023 Subaru Crosstrek / Impreza Front Brake Kit - Power Stop — $208.99
- 2018-2023 Subaru Crosstrek Front Brake Kit - Max Advanced Brakes — $162.99
Ships from our Circleville, OH warehouse. Free shipping over $75.
What to Know About Subaru Crosstrek Brake Replacement
Understanding Subaru Crosstrek brake replacement matters because it directly affects stopping distance, brake pedal feel, and how often you replace consumables. Getting it right the first time saves both money and follow-up shop visits.
- Front rotors are 11.6 in (294 mm) ventilated discs across Crosstrek and XV Crosstrek trims.
- Rear brakes use solid discs, roughly 10.8 in (274 mm) in diameter, not drums.
- Crosstrek wheels are five-lug with a 5x100 mm bolt pattern on 2013-2023 models.
- Lug nut torque is 89 lb-ft (120 Nm); re-torque after about 50 miles of driving.
- 2013-2017 models use a cable hand-lever parking brake; 2018 and newer use an electronic parking brake.
- Front pads commonly last 40,000-70,000 miles, varying with terrain and driving style.
Spec Chart by Vehicle Class
| Vehicle class | Pad thickness | Rotor thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Front rotor | 11.6 in (294 mm) vented | Ventilated disc on all trims |
| Rear rotor | 10.8 in (274 mm) solid | Solid disc, rear discs standard |
| Wheels | 5 x 100 mm, five lugs | Lug torque 89 lb-ft (120 Nm) |
| Parking brake | Cable 2013-17, EPB 2018+ | Verify type before rear service |
| Front caliper bolts | Slide pins ~27 lb-ft | Bracket bolts ~74-89 lb-ft |
How to Diagnose or Replace
- Loosen the five lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jack stands.
- Remove the wheel to expose the front caliper and 11.6 in ventilated rotor.
- On 2018-plus models, set the electronic parking brake to maintenance mode before pushing any piston.
- Unbolt the caliper slide-pin bolts, pivot the caliper up, and lift out the worn pads.
- Remove the two caliper bracket bolts, then slide the old rotor off the hub.
- Fit the new rotor and pads, retract the piston, and reinstall the caliper assembly.
- Torque lug nuts to 89 lb-ft, pump the pedal firm, then bed the brakes.
Once diagnosis is complete, order the exact replacement parts for your vehicle - fitment matters. Related Subaru Crosstrek brake replacement products are listed in the next section.
Recommended Parts and Where to Buy
Every product below is in stock at our Circleville, OH warehouse and ships same-day when ordered before 2 PM Eastern. Free shipping on orders over $75.
If your exact vehicle is not listed, use the site search or filter the full brake parts collection by year and make.
Cost Breakdown - DIY vs Shop
| Job | DIY parts only | Shop parts and labor |
|---|---|---|
| Front pads only | $30-$70 | $150-$300 |
| Front pads plus rotors | $120-$250 | $300-$500 |
| Rear pads plus rotors | $110-$230 | $280-$480 |
| Brake fluid flush | $10-$20 | $90-$150 |
DIY savings scale with vehicle size and job complexity. A full-size truck brake job saves $450-700 in labor. For most passenger cars, plan on 90-120 minutes per axle for pads only, 2-3 hours for pads plus rotors.
Install Tips - Where Most DIYers Go Wrong
- On 2018-plus EPB models, enter brake maintenance mode via the menu or scan tool before compressing pistons.
- Apply silicone paste to slide pins and shim backs only, never on the rotor friction surface.
- Bed new pads with eight to ten moderate stops from 35 mph without fully stopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the short answer on Subaru Crosstrek brake replacement?
The Subaru Crosstrek/XV runs 11.6 in (294 mm) ventilated front rotors, solid rear discs, and 5x100 mm five-lug wheels torqued to 89 lb-ft. 2013-2017 use a cable hand-brake; 2018+ use an electronic parking brake.
How much does Subaru Crosstrek brake replacement cost?
It depends on your vehicle and how much you replace. For example, front pads only runs about $30-$70 in parts for a DIY job, or $150-$300 at a shop with labor included. The full cost breakdown is in the table above.
What should I check first?
Key things to check: Front rotors are 11.6 in (294 mm) ventilated discs across Crosstrek and XV Crosstrek trims; Rear brakes use solid discs, roughly 10.8 in (274 mm) in diameter, not drums.
Can I do this job myself?
Many DIYers can with basic tools. The first steps are: Loosen the five lug nuts, raise the vehicle, and support it securely on jack stands; Remove the wheel to expose the front caliper and 11.6 in ventilated rotor; On 2018-plus models, set the electronic parking brake to maintenance mode before pushing any piston. The complete step-by-step is above.
Key Takeaways
- The Subaru Crosstrek/XV runs 11.6 in (294 mm) ventilated front rotors, solid rear discs, and 5x100 mm five-lug wheels torqued to 89 lb-ft. 2013-2017 use a cable hand-brake; 2018+ use an electronic parking brake.
- Measure friction material and rotor thickness at every tire rotation - catches wear before it becomes damage.
- Replace pads at 3 mm; below 2 mm is unsafe.
- Loaded calipers (with brackets, pads, and hoses) save 1-1.5 hours of labor per side over bare calipers.
- Bed new pads properly with 8-10 medium stops from 40 to 10 mph.
- Free shipping on orders over $75; same-day shipping on in-stock orders before 2 PM Eastern.
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