SpudGT Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 I have had nothing but trouble with the stock front brakes on my wife's 2005 Outback XT: - soft pedal feel - vibrations - grinding noises - poor stopping performance (not confidence inspiring to say the least) Many trips to the dealer to check/fix rotors and pads, but at the end of the day nothing really improved. It got so bad that I considered selling the car to get rid of the brake problem; just gotta have trustworthy brakes. Lucky for me I saw a really great thread here that prompted me to contact Brakeswap.com: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102549 Eric at Brakeswap.com was very knowledgeable and answered all of my questions in a timely manner. In no time at all a brake upgrade kit was delivered: http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r252/SpudGT/Outback-Brakes/CaliperKit.jpg I think other threads here go through the details of the install process very well, but I wanted to share a couple pictures of my installation experience. There was one thing about this kit I wanted to change: I felt better having a washer between the caliper mounting bolts and the caliper. Nothing wrong with the kit setup, just my preference. The bolts included in the kit were too short to add a washer, so I got some longer Grade 8 bolts and some spacers (didn't want the bolts protruding through the bracket towards the rotor). You can see the kit setup on the right, mine on the left: http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r252/SpudGT/Outback-Brakes/mods-front.jpg A view from the other side, this time my setup is on the right: http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r252/SpudGT/Outback-Brakes/mods-back.jpg The first order of business was to remove the stock parts and get things cleaned up: http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r252/SpudGT/Outback-Brakes/stock-removed.jpg The kit's bracket then goes easily into place, fastened with the stock bolts: http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r252/SpudGT/Outback-Brakes/bracket-on-rear.jpg Next I put on the new rotor and attached the Wilwood calipers (remember that you are looking at my spacers here, the ones from the kit are between the caliper and the bracket): http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r252/SpudGT/Outback-Brakes/caliper-back.jpg In went the brake pads and the new stainless lines: http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r252/SpudGT/Outback-Brakes/installed.jpg It was a tight fit, but it all went under the stock 17 inch wheels: http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r252/SpudGT/Outback-Brakes/clearance.jpg I bled the brakes using the included Motul fluid and bedded in the pads according to the Carbotech instructions. Installation Impressions: The install process went smoothly, I just took my time and double checked everything. The hardest part was getting the stock brake lines off. If you have any experience working on brakes this install should go easily. Driving Impressions: This kit is simply amazing compared to the stock brakes. The pedal is firm and gives good feedback. Stops with confidence! While the cost of the kit was a bit daunting at the outset, I feel that it has really saved our Outback (plus the kit was way cheaper than a new car). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpudGT Posted November 15, 2009 Author Share Posted November 15, 2009 The kit and stock rotors: http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r252/SpudGT/Outback-Brakes/rotor-compare.jpg The kit and stock calipers: http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r252/SpudGT/Outback-Brakes/caliper-compare.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwiener2 Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 which carbotech pads? any plans on the rears and stopping the endos? My Mods List (Updated 8/22/17) 2005 Outback FMT Running on Electrons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpudGT Posted November 15, 2009 Author Share Posted November 15, 2009 They are the Carbotech Bobcats: http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r252/SpudGT/Outback-Brakes/bobcat.jpg No immediate plans for the rears, just going to put some miles on it and see how we like it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwiener2 Posted November 15, 2009 Share Posted November 15, 2009 I use carbotech XP10's and 8's for my track pads. Nothing stops 3600lbs from 130mph like XP10's My Mods List (Updated 8/22/17) 2005 Outback FMT Running on Electrons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SubyShop.com Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 I use carbotech XP10's and 8's for my track pads. Nothing stops 3600lbs from 130mph like XP10's did your front bumper ever scrape from the dive? Agreed, they are a nice pad. -Franz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwiener2 Posted November 16, 2009 Share Posted November 16, 2009 nope. I cheat in Auto-X too... I straddle cones My Mods List (Updated 8/22/17) 2005 Outback FMT Running on Electrons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93lc Posted November 17, 2009 Share Posted November 17, 2009 Can you tell me how much you paid & contact details?Thanx. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpudGT Posted November 17, 2009 Author Share Posted November 17, 2009 You can email Eric at: brakeswap@gmail.com The cost of the kit is probably going to depend on your choice of rotor and pad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.