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Brake Line

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Subaru Outback and 2012 Subaru Legacy. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. When the master cylinder is replaced or the reservoir tank is empty, bleed the master cylinder before bleeding the brake line. Refer to , MASTER CYLINDER , PROCEDURE, Air Bleeding.
  2. Fill the reservoir tank of the master cylinder with brake fluid.
    NOTE: While bleeding air, keep the reservoir tank filled with brake fluid to prevent entry of air.
  3. Attach one end of the vinyl tube to the air bleeder and the other end to the brake fluid container.
    Fig 1: Attaching One End Of Vinyl Tube To Air Bleeder And Other End To Brake Fluid Container
    G05032807Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  4. Depress the brake pedal several times, and hold it.
  5. Loosen the air bleeder screw to drain brake fluid. Tighten the air bleeder quickly, and release the brake pedal.
  6. Repeat the steps  4 to  5 until there are no more air bubbles in the vinyl tube.
  7. Repeat the steps from  2 to  6 above to bleed air from each wheel.
    NOTE: Perform air bleed starting in the order from the farthest wheel cylinder from the master cylinder.
  8. Securely tighten the air bleeder screws.

    Tightening torque: 

    Air bleeder screw: 8 N.m (0.82 kgf-m, 5.9 ft-lb) 

  9. Check that there are no brake fluid leaks in the entire brake system.
  10. Check the pedal stroke.

    Run the engine at idle after warming up the engine, and depress the brake pedal with a force of 500 N (51 kgf, 112 lbf). Measure the distance between the brake pedal and steering wheel. Release the pedal, and measure the distance between pedal and steering wheel again.

    Fig 2: Measuring Distance Between Brake Pedal And Steering Wheel
    G07915680Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

    Specification of pedal stroke: 

    When depressing the pedal with a force of 500 N (51 kgf, 112 lbf). 

    100 mm (3.94 in) or less 

  11. If the distance is more than specification, there is a possibility of air being caught in the brake line. Bleed the brake line of all air until the pedal stroke meets the specification.
  12. Operate the hydraulic control unit in the sequence control mode. Refer to ABS SEQUENCE CONTROL .
  13. Check the pedal stroke again.
  14. If the distance is more than specification, there is a possibility of air being caught in the hydraulic unit. Repeat above steps  2 to  9 until the pedal stroke meets the specification.
  15. Fill the reservoir tank with brake fluid up to the "MAX" level.
  16. Perform a road test and ensure that the brakes operate normally.
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