CARFIX

RDA Brakes Extreme Heavy Duty Brake Pad Set

RDA Brakes — RDA Brakes Extreme Heavy Duty Brake Pad Set — part number RDX1342SM

RDA Brakes · Part number RDX1342SM · NZ$130.00 incl. GST

Right then, for a heap of popular Subarus like the Legacy, Impreza, and Forester, these RDA brake pads are your ticket to keeping things safe and sound on the road, providing that crucial stopping power whether you're just nipping to the dairy or tackling a twisty bit of road.

Price

NZ$130.00 including GST. Part number RDX1342SM.

Fits these vehicles

Description

Brake Pad Replacement for Your Subaru — Let's Get It Sorted with RDA!
> Alright, let's talk brake pads — these little legends are what grab onto your rotors to slow your Subaru down. They're like the unsung heroes of your ride, turning all that go-fast energy into stopping power. Over time, they wear down, and when they do, your stopping power takes a hit, which is a big no-no, especially with New Zealand's varied roads and those unexpected sheep on the back roads!
Sounds Familiar, Eh?
• Hearing a squeal, grind, or a nasty metallic scrape when you hit the brakes?
• Feeling like you're pushing the pedal to the floor just to slow down, or is it a bit 'spongy'?
• Getting a bit of a wobble or shake through the steering wheel or brake pedal when you're braking?
• Had a peek and noticed your pads look a bit thin — less than 3mm of friction material left?
• Is that pesky brake warning light glaring at you from the dash?
Will It Pass the WOF?
Short answer: Nah, mate. Worn brake pads are a surefire way to fail your Warrant of Fitness. The WOF folks are pretty strict about having enough pad material (they usually want at least 1.5mm, but 3mm is where Bob starts getting twitchy about safety) and that your brakes are working properly without making a racket or pulling you off course. Anything less, and you're looking at a fail — and rightly so, safety first!
DIY or Pop into the Workshop?
Difficulty: 6/10 (A bit of a mission, but totally doable for the keen DIYer)
Estimated Time: About 1-2 hours per axle — perfect for a Saturday morning.
Tools Required: A decent jack, some sturdy jack stands (safety first, always!), a lug wrench, a C-clamp or a proper brake caliper piston compressor, a socket set, a torque wrench to do it right, some brake cleaner, a wire brush for the grimy bits, and maybe some brake caliper guide pin grease to keep things moving smoothly.
🛠️ Bob's "Get It Done Right" Companion Checklist
Before you dive under the hoist, let's make sure you've got all the bits and bobs for a smooth, safe job:
• Safety Glasses: Seriously, don't skimp. You don't want brake dust or stray bits in your eyes! Grab a pair of Safety Glasses.
• Heavy-Duty Nitrile Gloves: Keep those mitts clean and protected from grime and chemicals. Pick up some Nitrile Gloves.
• Brake Cleaner Spray: This stuff is magic for blasting away brake dust and grease, leaving everything spick and span. Find your Brake Cleaner here.
• Anti-Seize Caliper Grease: A little dab'll do ya to keep those caliper pins moving freely and quietly. Essential for a good, lasting job.
• Workshop Rags/Paper Towels: For all the spills and wipes, you'll thank yourself later.
• Good Lighting: A headlamp or work light makes a world of difference when you're poking around in there.
Remember, never, ever get under a car that's only supported by a jack! Use those jack stands, cobber!
Bob's Top Tips
Bob @ CARFIX always reckons you should get those brake pads swapped out at the first whisper of wear or if they're not performing like they used to. It's not just about stopping power; it's about keeping you safe and saving you from much bigger repair bills down the track. These RDA RDX1342SM pads are a ripper choice for your Subaru, giving you solid stopping power without breaking the bank. But hey, we've got a whole range from trusted names. And if you're ever scratching your head about what part's right for your Subaru, Bob @ CARFIX is always keen for a chat down at the shop. He'll get you sorted!
Fitment Fiddly Bits
These RDA brake pads (RDX1342SM) are specifically engineered for a good chunk of Subaru models, including the Legacy (1999-2003), Impreza i WRX (1998-2000), Forester S Turbo (1998-2001), and a bunch of other Impreza and Forester variants from 1992-2008. Now, Subarus can be a bit tricky with their year-to-year changes, so always — and we mean always — double-check your specific vehicle's year, model, and sub-model against our fitment list. We want to make sure you get the exact right part for your ride!

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🛠️ Bob's Pro Tip: Do the Job Right!
> If you're swapping out these brake pads, don't skimp on proper workshop preparation and safety products. Doing the job right the first time protects your investment, saves massive workshop labor fees, and guarantees a quiet, smooth ride!

🧰 What Else You'll Need:
• Safety First: Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always secure it on heavy-duty safety jack stands.
• Brake Dust Protection: Brakes get incredibly dirty. Keep a pack of Nitrile Gloves handy to protect your hands from stubborn brake dust.
• Clean and Prep: Use a high-quality Brake Cleaner spray to blast away stubborn dust, oil, and road grime from the caliper assembly and new rotors before reassembly.
• Lubrication: Apply a thin smear of high-temperature caliper grease to the pad backing plates and slide pins (keep it off the pad friction material!) to prevent squeals and ensure smooth caliper operation.