New to ABS... anything to know?

[rainman19154]

My '95 Legacy is very due for pads n rotors. Is there anything special I should anticipate?

 

Additionally, when swapping tires right after I got the car, I observed my backing plates are very!!! rusted. Is this typical? I've never seen any so bad, even on my old Subbies.

 

Are these something I absolutely need to replace asap? Would Autozone or NAPA stock them (I'd expect "no"). Would junkyard replacements be adequate or should I just bite the bullet and go to the dealer?

 

I will say, these backing plates complicate what would otherwise make a basic brake job.

[Fairtax4me]

Brake job on an ABS equipped vehicle is no different than any other vehicle.

 

Unless the backing plates have holes rusted through them don't worry about them. They're not worth replacing unless they're literally falling off.

 

Not worth paying dealer prices for new ones either. If you're hell bent on replacing them just get some from a junkyard that look decent. Might cost you $10 for all 4.

[idosubaru]

not sure about all...but some of the back plates actually essentially require a bearing job i think - they're like pressed into the knuckle. i'd have to check on that to be sure though.

 

but yeah, just ignore them, you'll be fine. i've seen them hanging off, completely ripped off, missing, i wouldn't worry about it. wait until you need an axle or wheel bearing, something like that might be a good time to change them, but i'd never consider replacing them on their own.