REALLY!? A SCAN TOOL To Do Rear BRAKES?! That’s Right. Modern Subaru Rear Brakes, The Right Way! 

Update! I was able to do this with my $39 Autel AP200. Thanks for the video.

Again, an excellent video.. so well done, clear, concise and I am a DIY on cars, a Marine Diesel professional. These are so informative and you never assume anything. Thanks .. keep them coming

I love your videos, and as the owner of a used 2011 Outback, I appreciate all of your work done on your brother's 2011. That said, please take the following with a grain of salt: as a professional aircraft mechanic since I was 20 years old and a heavy automotive DIYer, now at the age of 69, I wince when I see your hands being used as a hammer. Years of doing the exact same thing as shown at 5:09 and 5:23 have caused the palms of my hands to be very painful under certain conditions; not so much when working with them, but afterwards. It doesn't help that I have psoriatic arthritis, but please take my unsolicited advice and either use a soft mallet or a long breaker bar to loosen fasteners like that. Keep up with the great videos!

Great video - yet again. I'm glad I bought a base 2020 WRX manual that still has the mechanical parking brake!

Just wanted to say thanks for all your super informative videos! You do a great job!!

I built a harness with a switch and cigarette lighter plug which retracted the brake piston for me on a 2019 Outback and had no problems. You had to be aware of the polarity to insure the caliper completely retracted. The terminals had to be directly attached to the caliper harness pins, so you do NOT damage the circuitry. Made it easy for me. Appreciate the install demonstration of the lug studs.

Never even thought of this when I bought it, but boy am I glad my ‘21 is a 6mt with the old fashioned parking brake.

That was something new. Thanks for the video on electronic breaks. This gave me some good insight and or information. 👍

I hadn't realized Subaru had gone down that VW ebrake rabbit hole. Shame. Good to know for our car-care ministry. We do a lot of brake work.

You do not need a scan tool. It just makes it easier than winding them in manually. Oem service manual will tell you both procedures.

As others have said, scan tool not required for Gen 5 Outback (not positive on a '19 Forester but likely the same). I've done 3 rear brake jobs on my '15 OB now and simply unplug the EPB power connection (not sure it's necessary) and spin the caliper in using common brake caliper retraction tool and the correct adaptor plate. Once it bottoms out push the caliper in a bit further with a c-clamp or similar to bottom it out. Once powered back on and I cycle the EPB it finds 'home' and worked perfectly every time.

Thanks for showing this property install if rear pads on a modern car

From an experienced mechanic working on German cars up to 2022 I would tell you something easy and simple remove the parking brake motor two bolts alen head or start head remove the caliper rotate the spin on head in the back of caliper clock wise until it stops do not push hard by force when it stops push the caliper piston with your own hand inside you don't need any tools it's safer takes more time but you won't damage the parking brake motors that cost over $300 each

Thanks for the video Robert nicely done 👍✅. Take care of yourself and family ❤️ and be Blessed ❤️❤️❤️.

Remember when you could work on your car without the use of electronics.

I did my breaks(front and rear) on my 19 sport without a scan tool with no issue. Just did it the normal way of pushing and screwing in the parking breaks and used a c clamp on my calipers. Easy Peasy. Im sure the scan tool does make it a tad easier tho.

I like the look at that scan tool. I just got a launch and it’s very busy how it’s laid out.

thumbs up for doing a brake job outside while raining

I don't know if any other American makes/models do this, but my 2016 Cherokee has the rear brake service mode function in a menu in the infotainment screen. No scan tool required. It also doesn't need a scan tool to swap out TPMS sensors. Meanwhile our Subaru had me buying a (thankfully not too $) Autel tpms tool for DIYing winter tire swaps.

There are ways to retract the electronic parking brake without the scan tool. 1) Use a 9v battery and apply it to the input terminals of the EPB, reverse the polarity to wind it in or out. 2) Remove the back of the EPB and use a ratchet to wind back the piston that pushes the brake pads onto the rotor. I’ve done both methods with no problems. The battery method is less invasive and therefore preferable.

Thankfully my '20 WRX still has a manual hand brake. Subaru wheel studs are made out some silly soft steel. When a tire shop cross threaded one of mine I went to the dealer, a new stud and nut cost a whopping $8! I didn't have access to a tool, so I bought a few grade 8 flat washers because they are hardened and flatter than most, a nut that fit the stud, greased the washers and nut, and used those to install the new stud. Easy-peasy.

Vehicle service in the future will continue to be increasing computerized; we've become to dependent upon the convenience features added each year to new model year vehicles. I have no problem with many of the "advances" in the computerization in the vehicle; all the air bags, cruise control, ABS brakes/anti-skid/electronic brake force control and GPS. But, do we really need 30 way power seats with auto heating or cooling; voice activated controls for radio/heater-ac/sunroof? My 2016 domestic vehicle has 26 separate circuits/relays and control modules and so I'm told 5 miles of wiring and the item that really gets me is that these days parts are increasing sold as assemblies, which of course, makes repairs more expensive. One of the two other issues is the cost of updating the service equipment to do repairs. My Snap On scan tool, last updated in 2018, costs $1000 per year to update, though if you subscribe to a plan, it's somewhat less expensive. Even for a dedicated DIY person, a good aftermarket scan tool to do many maintenance functions will cost about $1000 or so. Some models of Snap On scanners are above $12k+ and more; though there are some other brands of scan tools that work well for far less money. Don't blame your independent garage for expensive labour and parts prices; we have very expensive equipment that needs regular upgrades just to keep pace with changes in the industry; it's just how it is. And because it's increasing computerized, a scope now is no longer a luxury, its a must have. If you're a generalist shop, you'll need at least two scan tools to try and cover the wide range of vehicles you might see. I own three different scan tools...It's one of the reasons I've retired..

The Autel MaxiDiag 808 I picked up a few years ago for $100 has the EPB service function. Its a bit odd on the 808 since the EPB service function in the Service menu does not work on Subaru's, it will report a communication failure, but in ABS/VSS module diagnostics there is a special menu which does contain another EPB service feature that does work on Subaru's. I just used it today to replace a rear caliper that had a stuck piston that led to a hot rotor last night on my 2016 Outback.. On the Autel exiting service mode does exactly as your Topdon tool does, seven second count down to depress the brake pedal, followed by an ignition off an start.

I got around it by cracking the brake line open an pushing the pistons in .I didn't get an lights...figure I would share some knowledge with you seeing you helped many times over .Happy 4th of July 🍻

Soon we'll need a scan tool to replace studs.

I know you’re “by the book” but you can get away with simply removing the EPB from the caliper, then retracing the piston without a scan tool. I’ve even heard of people cycling the motor by jumping a battery to it to get it to retract. But removing on Subarus is pretty easy. Definitely not what youre supposed to do, but its 2 bolts and an o-ring holding it on, just clean and grease when you put it back on after retracing the piston. No scantool needed.

I took my wrx in to get my winter tires put on back in November. They broke a stud and then cross threaded another one. Then a brake caliper bracket bolt snapped when the broken studs were being replaced. Not a fun day.

Convinced me to stick with the base models. Great video.

Wish I had a mechanic like Mr Subaru. We have a 2018 50th Anniversary Outback, love it. I would drive from WV to SC to have work done...correctly.

just came to say, Subaru rear calipers look really familiar to Honda ones, just saying for Honda you dont NEED the tool but makes it real easy if you do. got the amazon pneumatic caliper piston kit. no dtcs or anything. id be curious for other manufactures like subaru and euro cars.

I have a 2019 Subaru Forester. I saw this video and was concerned i might need a scan tool. I used a 9 volt battery to wind the e brake motor in. So be mindful if it comes out the simply switch terminals(you are changing the polarity). There are videos on this. You will still need to push the brake in, I was able to do it by hand since the battery had retracted the internals. So to those who may be concerned about doing it with a 9-volt battery. It has been couple weeks now. Brakes work, I have tested the ebrake with the car motionless and tested it going low speeds 5-10 mph, it worked. So far so good, the brakes work good been run through regular driving highway to back roads good stopping power. I have adaptive cruise control, brakes still come on automatically as they should to stop. So the 9-volt battery worked.

SO MUCH FOR RIGHT TO REPAIR. When it comes to my motorcycles and cars, I try to keep it as simple as possible. meaning ABS and traction control. that is it

Man, I am glad my BRZ is still manual hand brake. But now I am kinda wanting to avoid e-parking brake cars...

There's a cup tool with fingers that will back off those calipers and it's like $20 and goes on a ratchet. I do like the scan tool you have. I don't know if mine has that option?

That scanner reminds me of my Matco 4.0 will all trhe steps that I did on my Q5

You definitely do not need a scan tool to retract the E parking brake. You also don’t need to use battery power and jumper wires that many videos show. All you have to do is use a pinned caliper tool to turn the piston back until it stops. Then you push the piston back into the caliper like any normal brake job. Mr. Subaru has a lot of great info. This video was not one of them.

I ran into this on a 2018 f150 recently.

I replaced rear pads on my wife's 19 forester without a scan tool. The only difference is,you have to manually turn back caliper piston with special(inexpensive) tool.

Well I guess I'll keep my '21 Crosstrek with the manual hand brake so I can keep doing brake jobs myself.

Just did my rear 2019 Ascent rear pads and just unplugged from the caliper and manually retracted the caliper and did not have any problems after I was done

Best video yet! Thank You!

Add me as another one that didn't use a scan tool, I disconnected the battery and unplugged the connector on the back of the caliper. Screwed back in nicely and everything booted back up just fine.

Just did brakes on a 2022 OB Wilderness. 100% DO NOT need a scan tool. Unplug motors, screw in piston. Easy day. No codes, no service lights, just a regular brake job

I never thought to see if there was a name for the coating on brake rotors 🤔

Shocked no rust. My 2021 OB 11k its all surface rusted over. Weekly washing and fluid fim does not stop it in PA.

Would hitting the stud out like that damage the wheel bearing?

I swear there is a way to enable brake service mode with out a scan tool similar to how to enable coolant purge mode.

You can use the bolt that holds down the brake line to dislodge the rust seal with the rotor if it doesn’t come off.

Mr Subaru.... There are some comments on here, and I've seen elsewhere, that the digital diagnostic tool is not necessary to do this job, I that you can manually turn the caliper and eBrake back if you have the right tool to do so. Can you confirm one way or another??

Hi Mr.Subaru, just want to know if the jack you used is on the rear differential to lift both rear wheels up to put jack stands on the pinch weld jack points?

Not saying the tire guys aren’t morons. But I’ve spent many years working for a national tire chain. Most or the time someone “cross threads” a lug nut it’s not really cross threaded. What happens is they over tighten and essentially weld the nut to the stud. When you only need 80# to torque a nut but hit it with an 800 foot pound impact the nut is the weak link.

Just did my dads rear brakes on his 2017 legacy, all you gotta do is remove the the parking brake and compress the piston then put it back on. It does has some weird bolts though, think it was a 7mm Allen to get it off and then two 5mm Allens to open it. Don’t quote me on that lol. But yes def don’t need a scan tool

I watched your video about rear pads on our ‘16 Legacy. I got the rewinding tool, followed your example, and successfully installed the new pads. Everything works great, including the parking brake and the hill-holder. But I’m curious, when did the scan tool become a thing? Now I’m full of doubt and self-loathing… Thanks for the excellent tutorials!

Just picked up a 2020 Outback. I'm assuming this will be the same procedure. Any thoughts on the launch x431 CRP919e?

Do you have any info on the new electronic brake boosters? Do you to put in service mode to do front brakes now also?

Starting what year on an Outback do you need a scan tool for those electronic rear brake job?

just did this, a two prong bike tool to wind the piston in, then c clamp to push it the rest of the way once it bottoms out.

This brings up a question, does a Subaru forester 2014 need any update by dealer ? I bought my forester brand new in another country and moved out within few months now I have been driving it 90000 km, without ever visiting a dealer , usually do my own maintenance according to the book.

Hi there, whats the cheaper scanner you can buy and still function to do this job. My mechanic has a snap on, can he upgrade it to have this software for Subaru? Thanks for your time and the video

The newer vehicle requirement of a scan tool for a simple job is just one example of the DIY superiority of a well-maintained older vehicle.

Hey mr subi!! Quick question! Does the TOPDON Arti Diag Pro bidirectional scan tool do this aswell! Really just wondering if it winds back electronic brake calipers!? Thanks much

Yeah that's one of my interview questions (so you have used the scan tool to retract rear calipers?) if the prospective GST tells me he does brakes too.

I replaced the rear brakes without the scan tool. Everything seems to function correctly. What issues will I run into if I don't use the scan tool? All I did was rotate the piston in till they bottom out, then pushed piston in the rest of the way to allow propper pad placement. Buttoned everything back up and everything is functioning properly. E-brake and all. Please let me know what issues may come about by skipping the scan tool. I am assuming all it does is rotate the screw portion back so you don't need the rotating break tool. thank you

Question: Replacing rear rotors and pad on 2015 Subaru. Does NOT electronic park break. Can I replace both and then pump the brake pedal, or must I do it after each wheel is done?

For a second I thought I can’t buy this and won’t be able to do the brakes myself… reading the comments reassured me. Mr Subaru, we watch your vids for good content but you should also show us less expensive options. If I have the money to buy a $800 scan tool, I won’t be attempting to do the brakes myself.

You can disconnect the electrical connecter to the electronic retracting system and just add 12 V. You'll see one way it'll work one way it won't and it will retract the calliper pistons by simply doing that you do not need the big scan tool. I've done this I'm almost every brand.

Mr subaru. I have a question out of this subject. Does an 05 legacy wagon has the factory auto start feature on it. I am the 5 owner and was wondering if can get an oem remote. Will it work if programed?

You didn't put the topdon In your link I would like to purchase that is it on Amazon?

Electronic Parking Brake Calipers are the very reason I bought my ZurichPro. Don't you just love where all this technology going, as for making things even more difficult for the DIYer?

Is there a list of what tools you used? I would like to purchase them I have a Subaru Ascent and I'm sure it's not to different unless there's something unique about the Ascent

Feel free to comment scan tools that can get this job done! Need to find one to get this job done

What is oil maintenance mode? What am I missing not having a scan tool???

Hello. I have one question. I didnt see you grease the guide pins. Is there a reason for that because i know that they need to be greased with silicone grease. Thank you.

the hyper tough ht200 or autel ap200 scan tool for 50$ is able to do this..also good for sas...for ppl who wanna do there own stuff w.o expensive scan tool

Hey Mr. Ru. Question. Just had my rear brake pads replaced. Still squeaking. Mechanic offered rotors and pads for $300, but declined bc he said the rotors looked fine (no grooves, etc). Seems to be an honest mechanic. He also mentioned that he couldn’t promise the squeaking would stop by only replacing the pads. 🤔 I still declined. My thoughts were, if the rotors look to be good, why replace them? Anyhow. That’s my situation. Could the rotors be the issue? Or…possibly the quality of the pads they put on? Want what’s best for my Subaru. 2018 3.6 Outback touring. 🙏🏻

At the beginning I noticed you had a long pocket screwdriver placed in the park interlock override port on the middle console. Was that related to the brake job or was that a separate repair for some other problem?

I know this sounds like a silly question, but could any of you guys answer this for me as to why you're having so many cars have wheels come off in the middle of driving down the freeway. Is it due to these rounded out or broken bolts when you get your tires rotated or changed? I've seen it myself. I had a lady in front of me and her front left wheel just came flying off, bounced in the air and everything else. I mean it was crazy. It was lucky it didn't land on somebody's car. But it just seems like if you watched any of those dash cam videos once a week you see someone who loses a wheel just driving down the highway.

Hmm the spring must be for a antirattle ?

What shop towels are you using?

Where can i get that small cube? I want to diy the brakes on my 2020 forester

What level of TopDod scan tool could a DIY use for my 2020 Subaru Legacy 2.5 brake system. Is this also needed for the front brakes? Paul

Well for the same purpose and the same vehicle I just got theAutel Mx900ts and after market brake parts,my car has over 150K miles with original parts 😅

Hello, is there a cheaper scanner tool you can recommend for my 2019 wrx eyesight?

My wife's 2017 Outback has the electronic parking brake, had the dealer take care of them; didn't trust any local repair shop to do it correctly, but if I lived in SC, it would have been you! I still do the front brakes myself. BTW, the front pads lasted over 80k (mostly highway) miles; the rear only around 55k. Apparently the rear pads have less surface area than the older design. Heard that because of the electronic parking brake design, the pads were reduced in size; there wasn't enough physical space. What is your opinion on this? Thanks for a great Subaru channel! I have learned so much from you. BTW, our Subie currently has 97k miles, mostly trouble free. Much better than the previous '06 Outback; I managed to eke out 149k miles before trading it in.

I started too love the subbies since my wife got a 2017 legacy a couple years ago. The seats are hard AF and suck for a long drive without a lumbar pad/pillow or whatever. Now finding out a freaking scan tool is needed just for a brake job is ridiculous. I've always owned toyota besides a 2001 escalade for a year "complete mistake and my ex-wifes idea to get one. Also she was a mistake as much as that escalade. Then a 92 Taurus years ago which was a freaking tank of a beast and really liked it. I did have 2 other cars but after that it's been toyota being the first was a 92 celica gt 2.2 5 speed hatchback. That was my baby and miss it sooooo much. Edit: I forgot to add at least hers when I hit the gas it feels like a split second of nothing before it moves but then again I'm used to driving manuals for 2 decades now.

I thought most epb calipers, you could push the piston back in, just like front calipers.

Unless the outback is different, my dad's 2020 outback also has epb, but did NOT require the scan tool for rear brake replacement. I have the scan tool to due so, but it was not required. I just made sure the parking brake was off, and it wound in like normal

So you're saying whenever I need to do my brakes to buy a bidirectional scan tool on Amazon credit and return it when I'm done?

Do you need to do this if you're working on the front brakes? I know when I compress the Piston I need to open the bleeder on the caliper not force stuff back through the ABS

@MrSubaru1387 Can you recommend a scan tool that supports bi-directional control for a 2007 Subaru Legacy? I'll only use it for my own car, so budget options are preferred. And I know that the 2007 doesn't have electric handbrake or anything else that really requires bi-directional control, but being able to test injectors, ignition coils, fans etc. at will is appealing.

How have you liked the Topdon scanner. We have multiple OEM’s and the red truck one. Looking to add a better/comparable option to the red truck brand.

What a joke. I agree with poster below that should fall under right to repair act. Subaru: "You do have the right to repair. All you need is this special scan tool. We will sell you one for.......$4,500. How does that sound?" cough-cough JOHN DEERE Cough. Car manufacturers that do this can eat a hot soft steaming mushy mealy shet sandwich packed with dog hair. Stay gold.

Will this apply to a 2019 ascent too?

If you just want to take the pads out to clean them up, do you need to do any other adjustements or preps? Surely you can just take out the pads and put them back in...?

Is it possible to place vehicle in Neutral with key on? Find it hard to believe that the E-Parking Brake would be applied.

My mechanic used the scan tool to get it in brake maintenance mode freed up the calipers but I believe he used a clamp to push them back in now the car can't come out of brake maintenance mode. The other guy is having the same issue

how do we know if we need a new rotor? The old one still looks okay

While it's pretty disheartening to see the scan tool reliance taking over, once it happens to enough cars I'm sure we'll see an app that you can use with a wifi OBD2 reader to do the same thing. Fingers crossed.

I noticed you didn't lubricate anything. Is that not needed? I'm asking because I'll be doing rear brakes soon. Great quality video!

Do you have a suggestion for a scan tool for home use that will allow for the rear brake to be properly fixed. I would have to drive 60 miles to a Subaru dealership to get my brakes replaced. As a retired mechanic I want to do simple jobs myself.