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Brake Fluid: Replacement

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2023 Subaru Ascent. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
CAUTION:
  • Do not let brake fluid come into contact with the painted surface of the vehicle body. Wash away with water immediately and wipe off if it is spilled by accident.
  • Do not mix different kinds of brake fluid. Mixing different brands of fluid, or mixing different grades of fluid (even if they have the same brand name), may lead to severe accidents due to reduced brake fluid performance.
  • When refilling brake fluid, do not allow dirt or dust to get into the reservoir tank.
  • Always use new SUBARU genuine brake fluid when replacing or refilling the fluid. Do not reuse drained brake fluid.
  • Be careful not to let the battery run-out.
NOTE:
  • During the operation, keep the reservoir tank filled with brake fluid to prevent entry of air.
  • Operate the brake pedal slowly and depress it fully.
  • For convenience and safety, perform the work with 2 people.
  • The required amount of brake fluid is approximately 500 mL (16.9 US fl oz, 17.6 Imp fl oz) for the entire brake system.
  1. Lift up the vehicle, and then remove the wheel.
  2. Drain brake fluid from the reservoir tank.
  3. Refill the reservoir tank with recommended brake fluid.

    Preparation items: 

    Brake fluid: Ref. to RECOMMENDED MATERIALS>GREASE>BRAKE FLUID .

    NOTE: While bleeding air, keep the reservoir tank filled with brake fluid to prevent entry of air.
  4. Attach one end of a transparent vinyl tube to the bleeder screw, and the other end to a brake fluid collection container.
    G13199781Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
  5. Depress the brake pedal and hold it.
  6. Loosen the bleeder screw to drain brake fluid into the collection container.
  7. Tighten the bleeder screw, and release the brake pedal quickly.
  8. Repeat steps  6 to 8) until new brake fluid comes out from a transparent vinyl tube.
    NOTE: On each brake caliper, 20 times or more of pedal operations is necessary in order for new brake fluid from the master cylinder assembly to come out from the bleeder screw.
  9. Perform the steps  6 to 9) above on each brake caliper.
    NOTE: Perform in the order starting from the front RH → front LH → rear LH → rear RH.
  10. Fill the reservoir tank with brake fluid up to the "MAX" level.
  11. Tighten the bleeder screw to the specified torque.

    Tightening torque: 

    17 N.m (1.7 kgf-m, 12.5 ft-lb)

  12. Install the bleeder cap to each bleeder screw.
  13. Install the wheel.

    Tightening torque: 

    120 N.m (12.2 kgf-m, 88.5 ft-lb)

  14. Perform a road test and ensure that the brakes operate normally.
    NOTE: When the battery terminal is connected, you cannot check the brakes by pedal feel.
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