Hey guys, came here for a little information on doing the brakes on my 1991 Subaru Legacy L.

 

Have had the car for about 3 years, runs great, no complaints.

 

About 6 months ago I started to hear grinding while braking. Eventually, the brake light came on.

 

I didn't drive much for the last few months, and just a week ago I got new Rotors and Pads installed on the front brakes.

 

While getting that done, I learned that the core of the problem was in the rear brakes, and the caliper on the rear drivers side was shot.

 

So, I have new fronts, and I think all I need is a new caliper in the back to fix the problem.

 

Is it possible to just fix the caliper? Or will I need new pads and rotors for the rear brakes as well?

 

Any help appreciated, thanks in advance!

If the caliper has gone bad, that is not fully releasing when your foot is off the brake pedal, you will need to replace the caliper. If it has been "grinding," then the dragging caliper has worn down the brake pad and prolly put grind marks in the rotor.

 

The bottom line is that you will need a caliper, rotor, and new brake pad. If you are somewhat mechanical, doing all the above work is not difficult, and by doing the work yourself, you will save a good amount of money.

 

While you are at it, replace the brake pads on the other rear wheel. That way, you will have new brake pads on all four corners of your car.

Thanks for the response.

 

I am not good with cars, so I didn't know if I could replace the caliper separately, or needed a new rotor, pad, etc.

 

I was prepared to replace everything, which is what I am going to do, just needed some feedback.

 

I am going to get new rotors and pads for both rear brakes. Should I replace both calipers, or just the drivers side one that was busted?

In the rust belt if you have done that much work, I'd replace both.

The caliper, rotor, and pads on that car are all extremely easy. All you need to do is take off the rim, remove the two bolts that hold the caliper on (these are like 15mm), and the rotor will come right off. For a first time, I'd say you'd need an hour at most. The biggest pita will probably be bleeding the caliper.

Remember there is a left and right caliper. Don't swap sides if you ever want to bleed the brakes.