Brake Disc Pads Problems of Subaru Impreza Wrx

While applying the brakes, something is banging in the front end. Only happens the first time I back up and apply brakes. Move forward and it bangs again but only the first time I move in that direction. Dealer tells me the brake shoes are moving but nothing can be done, they claim it is not a problem.

See all problems of the 2002 Subaru Impreza Wrx 🔎.

I was recently riding with what suburban Subaru in vernon/manchester, CT say was 50% life left on my break pads in my 2002 wrx sedan. When stopping for a fast yellow to red light change from about 50 miles an hour their was no response on the break pedal. I quickly took my foot off and pressed again, even harder this time, which engaged the abs and left me coming to a banging abs stop in the middle of the intersection of route 5. Luckily all the cars at the intersection noticed what had happened and there was no accident. I just want to make sure this problem with the brakes not responding at all gets recognized and looked into further. However, I can plainly say that after that incident, I do not trust the breaks on my 02 wrx. I plan on keeping this car, but I demand reliable braking like all other drivers.

The vehicle experienced sudden loss of brake pressure: [I have submitted one previous complaint, but I cannot find it here. Since this problem has yet to be resolved (at least 18 months after it was first reported) I would like to post my complaint again. ] on two (2) separate occasions I have lost almost all braking force when attempting to stop abruptly on smooth, dry_ pavement. In both instances I hit the brakes quick and hard, let up momentarily, then reapplied. In both cases it was on the second application that the pedal went to the floor and the car seemed to be almost coasting freely. Luckily, in both instances I had an escape route. The first failure was on northbound georgia Ave. , approaching a red light. The weather was mild, pavement clear, dry and smooth. Speed upon initial brake application was approx. 45 mph. (another northbound driver pulled in front of me without warning). Tires were bridgestone re730's. Brakes stock. The second time was on northbound I-270 at exit 31. Again, the weather was mild and the pavement was smooth and dry. Speed upon initial brake application was approx. 65 mph. (a driver entering I-270 abruptly merged across 3 lanes into lane 1 doing all of about 25 mph). Tires were firestone sz-50ep's. Brakes stock. After the second incident I installed new front brake pads, hawk hp-plus. Not that I thought they would help with the abs problem, I just wasn't happy with the performance of the stock pads. During the installation I bled the brakes and found a lot of _air_ in the system. By a lot, I don't mean little bubbles, I mean a 2-3 inches of air in the clear bleeder tube. Since that time I have had no further problems. The abs does continue to be very sensitive, activating even on slightly rippled pavement when braking moderately from 25-30 mph. At least when it activates, the pedal stays firm and the braking force only declines slightly.