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WRX Brake pads

Your WRX

Pick your year to see what fits.

This page covers the WRX and STI. The non-turbo Impreza has its own page.

Stronger stops, less fade
Medium$105–$2101–2 hrs
All WRX mods

Why do it

Performance pads bite harder and fade less than worn stock pads.

Tools you'll need

Starting out? See our budget tool list.

Parts to buy

Double-check fitment before buying. We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Before you start

  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.
  • Pump the pedal until it's firm before you drive. Never let the caliper hang by its hose.

Steps

  1. Open up the caliper

    • Remove the wheel and take the pad pins and clips out.
    Watch this step (The Eddys Garage, on an 02-07 WRX) (0:47–2:23)

  2. Push back and remove the pads

    • Press the pistons back and pull out the old pads.
    Watch this step (2:23–4:46)

  3. Fit the new pads

    • Grease the backs, fit the pads and refit the pins and clips. Repeat on the other side.
    Watch this step (16:11–19:30)

  4. Swap the pads

    • Remove the wheel and caliper, compress the piston, fit the new pads and bolt it back up. Repeat on the other side.
    Watch this step (Lach, on a 2012 WRX) (1:38–7:05)

  5. Remove the front caliper

    • Remove the wheel, undo the caliper bolts and hang the caliper up.
    Watch this step (TRQ, on a 2015-2021 WRX) (0:00–1:03)

  6. Service the bracket

    • Clean the bracket and slide pins and fit new clips.
    Watch this step (2:50–5:00)

  7. Fit the new front pads

    • Fit the hardware and pads, then bolt it all together and torque it.
    Watch this step (5:00–9:10)

  8. Remove the rear caliper

    • Remove the wheel, undo the caliper bolts and hang the caliper up.
    Watch this step (TRQ, on a 2015-2021 WRX) (0:27–1:20)

  9. Service the bracket

    • Clean the bracket and slide pins and fit new clips.
    Watch this step (3:32–5:16)

  10. Fit the rear pads

    • Fit the new pads in the bracket.
    Watch this step (5:16–6:18)

  11. Compress the piston

    • Press the piston back, using the right tool if it needs to be turned.
    Watch this step (6:18–7:21)

  12. Put it back together

    • Refit the caliper and wheel.
    Watch this step (7:21–9:00)

  13. Change the front pads

    • Remove the wheel and the pad pins, press the pistons back and swap the pads. These Brembo calipers stay on the car.
    Watch this step (Tuner Tee, on an 08-14 STI; same Brembo job on 04-07) (0:04–2:18)

  14. Change the rear pads

    • Do the same on the rear calipers.
    Watch this step (2:18–3:30)

  15. Test drive

    • Drive slowly and listen, then bed in the new pads.
    Watch this step (3:30–5:00)

  16. Remove the old front parts

    • Remove the wheel and pads and clean up.
    Watch this step (Smeedia, on a 2015 STI) (3:56–8:02)

  17. Clean the parts

    • Clean and prepare what you removed.
    Watch this step (8:02–11:14)

  18. Fit the front pads

    • Fit the new pads and pins.
    Watch this step (15:57–19:28)

  19. Do the rear

    • Swap the rear pads the same way.
    Watch this step (19:28–24:45)

  20. Swap the front pads

    • Remove the wheel and caliper, press the piston back, fit the new pads and bolt it back up. Repeat on the other side.
    Watch this step (SPL Racing, on a 2022 WRX) (3:03–6:38)

How to know it worked

Did this guide work for you?

Safety first

  • Park on flat ground, set the parking brake and chock the wheels.
  • Never get under a car held up only by a jack. Use jack stands.
  • Let the engine and exhaust cool first.
  • Disconnect the battery before unplugging electrical parts.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • If something doesn't match your car, stop and ask a shop.

Follow your part's instructions and your service manual's torque specs.