I'm in need of some back disk pads for the new to me 97 Legacy Wagon I just picked up and need some advice/opinion on where to get some. The rotors are in good shape so what type and brand should I be looking for?

 

Subaru?

NAPA?

Autozone?

Internet?

 

Also, semi-metalics, ceramic or some other type?

 

It's a go to work car, not a road racer, so I'm not really looking for ultimate performance. Just good service.

Id look at ceramics. Check out tirerack.com I run the ATE ceramics they are very good from my short experience with them. Brake pedal feels real nice and MUCH better then the metallic pads. Also be sure to grease up your sliders and make sure they are not sticking. (when i did my brakes a few were rusted solid, might need a torch. and you could see the uneven pad wear)

I'd say OE pads are the best choice money-wise, simply because they come with hardware. In my case, it's 2 clips and 4 shims per wheel. In normal driving, the hardware rusts out by the the time you need the pads. But some will argue it isn't all that necessary. Your mileage may vary (literally).

I'd say OE pads are the best choice money-wise, simply because they come with hardware. In my case, it's 4 clips and 6 shims per wheel. In normal driving, the hardware rusts out by the the time you need the pads. But some will argue it isn't all that necessary. Your mileage may vary (literally).

 

what hardware does it come with?

I switched to ceramics. Much better feel and performance then OE. Ceramics weren't available for Blu new at the time. They were only for high performance cars.

 

If you are staying with standard pads, then OE is good. If you got really long life out of the original pads, I would stick with OE.

 

 

nipper

what hardware does it come with?

For a pair of pads, there are two anti-rattle/wear clips that sit between their edges and caliper bracket contact surfaces, and for each pad, two shims clipped to the backing plate, one rubber coated and one smooth on top of it. Sorry, I made a mistake regarding the number of items, must be too late in the day.

Do ceramic pads reduce the life of the rotors more than metalic pads?

http://www.automotivedigest.com/WhitePapers/Akebono_Ceramic_Friction_Tech.pdf

 

 

nipper

OEM or ceramic is the way to go.

http://www.automotivedigest.com/WhitePapers/Akebono_Ceramic_Friction_Tech.pdf

 

 

nipper

 

 

Thanks for the good reading Nipper, looks like ceramic rear pads. Now I want to change out the fronts too! Guess I'll just wait until they need replacement.:-\

Thanks for the good reading Nipper, looks like ceramic rear pads. Now I want to change out the fronts too! Guess I'll just wait until they need replacement.:-\

 

I would do all 4 at once for best braking. I wouldnt put ceramics on the rear and metalics on the front. I would do it the other way around though. Remember that the front does all the breaking

 

 

nipper

True,

 

I guess all 4 wheels is still the way to go.

 

Any place I should shop for the best prices?

 

Thanks again Nipper

I got mine from Autozone, the middle brand.

 

 

I want to see how they work out, but am already impressed with the feel.

 

nipper

I like Akibono ceramic pads on my 1996 Outback. I originally bought pads at Kragen and they did not fit right. Ended up getting the Akibono pads from Rockauto and they fit perfect. I chose ceramic as they don't wear down the rotor as much and low dust.

I like Akibono ceramic pads on my 1996 Outback. I originally bought pads at Kragen and they did not fit right. Ended up getting the Akibono pads from Rockauto and they fit perfect. I chose ceramic as they don't wear down the rotor as much and low dust.

akibono Hp on the front and akibono rears