2015–2021 Subaru WRX
By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026
Save $148 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $225
Quick answer: Replace Brake Pads on a 2015–2021 Subaru WRX is rated Advanced and takes about 1-2 hours. You'll need 9 tools for this job, and parts cost about $77. This guide walks you through the full job step by step.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brake Pads | — | $77.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
This guide covers the STI's Brembo fixed calipers — 6-pot front on 2018+. PAD SHAPE SPLIT: 2004–2017 vs 2018–2021 use DIFFERENT shapes — EBC DP51210/DP51538 (early) vs DP51591/DP52361 (late). Verify by year before buying. Pads are pin-retained; bed-in is REQUIRED.
Jack up and secure the STI, then remove the wheels. Find the pad retaining pins on the Brembo fixed calipers — pads come out the top, no bracket removal. Confirm your pads match your year: DP51591/DP52361 (2018-2021) vs DP51210/DP51538 (2004-2017).
Remove the pad retaining pins and clips, then slide the old pads out — no unbolting the caliper. Inspect the rotors: Brembos are hard on rotors, so replace scored or below-minimum ones. Pads that won't slide mean the wrong year-shape.
Brembo pins seize in the bores if the car's seen salt. If a pin won't budge, soak it — don't drill it out. I've seen guys wreck a $600 caliper over a $5 pin.
Slide the new pads into the Brembo calipers — the correct year-shape must fit; if it doesn't slide, you have the wrong shape. Reinstall the retaining pins and clips and confirm they're secure. Check piston condition.
Reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle. Pump the brake pedal to seat the pads. Check the fluid level — it may have risen as the pistons retracted. Silent pads mean seated pins; a rattle means one isn't.
BED-IN the Brembos — REQUIRED. Do hard stops from 60 mph with cool-down cycles to transfer pad material to the rotor. Skipping bed-in causes squeal and poor performance.
Bed-in isn't optional on Brembos — I can hear a skipped bed-in from across the parking lot. Those hard stops from 60 with full cool-downs are what keep them silent and strong.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
2015–2021
2015–2021
2015–2021
2015–2021
2015–2021
2015–2021
