Subaru Brake Calipers

5 Signs of a Failing Brake Caliper

• If your car pulls to one side when you hit the brakes, chances are you’ve got a sticking caliper. That uneven force is what tugs your car left or right, and it’s a classic sign something’s up.
• Notice one wheel’s brake pads wearing out way faster than the others? That usually means the caliper on that side isn’t releasing like it should.
• If you’re feeling brake drag, heat coming off the wheel, or even catching a burning smell, a seized caliper is probably keeping the pad pressed against the rotor and overheating things.
• Spotting brake fluid leaking near a wheel? That’s usually a failed piston seal, and at that point, the caliper needs to be replaced.
• If your brake pedal feels soft or sinks to the floor, fluid could be escaping past a bad caliper seal.

When a caliper sticks, it usually chews up the pads and can even warp the rotor. Always check both if you’re dealing with a bad caliper. 

New vs. Remanufactured, Loaded vs. Unloaded — Which Caliper Do You Need? Most folks get tripped up by two choices when buying calipers:

• Loaded or unloaded? If you want the quickest install, go with a loaded caliper. It comes with the bracket and pads already in place, so you’re basically just swapping the old one out and bolting the new one on. Unloaded calipers are just the bare housing, so you’ll need to reuse your old bracket and pads or pick up new ones. I always recommend checking the part details in our listings—look for 'Incl. Disc Brake Caliper Bracket'—so you know exactly what you’re getting and avoid any surprises.
• New or remanufactured? If you want maximum lifespan and all-new internals, new OEM calipers are the way to go. Remanufactured calipers are rebuilt to factory specs, save you some money, and are a solid choice for older or higher-mileage Subarus. Either option from our catalog will get your brakes working right—the main thing is deciding if you want to invest a little more for long-term peace of mind or keep things budget-friendly.

Always replace calipers in pairs—both fronts or both rears—to keep your braking balanced and safe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my brake caliper is bad or just the pads?

A bad caliper usually causes pulling to one side, uneven pad wear, brake drag, heat, or a fluid leak at the wheel. Worn pads alone cause squealing or grinding without the pulling or dragging.

Can I replace just one brake caliper?

You can, but it’s best to replace them as an axle pair so braking force stays balanced — a new caliper on one side and a weak one on the other can cause pulling.

New or remanufactured calipers — which should I buy?

New OEM calipers last longest and are ideal for newer vehicles. Remanufactured calipers cost less and are a good value for older, high-mileage Subarus. Both meet OEM braking specs.

What’s the difference between a loaded and unloaded caliper?

A loaded caliper includes the bracket and pads and is nearly bolt-on. An unloaded caliper is the body only — you supply the bracket and pads. Check the part details before ordering.

Do I need to replace brake pads when I replace a caliper?

Yes — a failed caliper almost always damages the pads through uneven wear or overheating, so install fresh pads and inspect the rotor at the same time.

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