Hi all.

I was wondering if anyone knew what the difference is between the '02 and later WRX brakes. I was looking at the cost of brake pads today and saw that '02 brake pads were a lot less than the '03-'05 brakes pads. I know they are different applications, but what makes it so that the '03 to '05 pads more expensive.

TIA.

 

Come on guys... someone has to know.

 

My early '02 brake pads are really expensive compared to the other years.

 

It may not be much but here it goes.
I know that the calipers from the 02's and 05's have slightly more meat on them.
I know because a friend of mine was trying to run rota d2 17 inch rims on his 02 and the calipers rubbed on the front wheels. he had to swap out his calipers to the 03's to run the wheel. but I don't see how the pads could cost that much more or less.

 

The '02 WRX calipers are the same as all of the earlier 2.5RS, Forester and Legacy calipers so they were very common. The '02 RS and other '02 Imprezas and '03 and up WRXs use the newer calipers that have a slightly different caliper to bracket bolt spacing so they don't interchange. As to why the pads cost more it may depend on whose pads you are pricing. Some brands of aftermarket pads may be the same price for the early and late because they may use the same friction material. On OEM Subaru parts it's probably just because they set the pricing on the new parts higher to begin with.

 

I think there also might be some clearance issues between the years. I heard that for some wheels, it'll fit '02, but not the '03+. I just want to know if there is a performance difference between the two. Generally, I've seen 2.5RS/'02WRX pads as being cheaper. Dunno why.

 

Can you directly swap the brake calipers on the 02' RS w/ the 07' 4-piston calipers? Or some mod needs to be done?

 

Just got to make sure your wheels clear. That is about it.

 

Look at 02's vs. newer pads side by side and you'll see they are shaped completely different.

 

Hmmm. We already know that, but my question is if there is any performance difference? Does one year perform better than another year? Does one year have thicker pads than other years, etc.