Brake Fluid: Replacement

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.
Avoid mixing brake fluid of different brands to prevent fluid performance from degrading.
Be careful not to allow dirt or dust to enter into reservoir tank.
If any brake fluid is spilled on the exhaust pipe, wipe off to prevent fires or emission of smoke.

NOTE:

While working, keep the reservoir tank filled with brake fluid to eliminate entry of air.
Operate the brake pedal slowly.
For convenience and safety, perform work with 2 people.
The required amount of brake fluid is approximately 500 m l (16.9 US fl oz, 17.6 lmp fl oz) for entire brake system.

Jack up the vehicle and set rigid racks at the specified locations, or keep the vehicle lifted.
Remove all the wheels.
Drain the brake fluid from the reservoir tank.
Refill the reservoir tank with Subaru genuine brake fluid.
Recommended brake fluid:

Refer to FLUID , RECOMMENDED MATERIALS, Recommended Materials.

Repeat the same procedure as for bleeding air from the brake line, until new brake fluid comes out from vinyl tube. Refer to PROCEDURE , Air Bleeding.

NOTE: Perform brake fluid replacement in the order from the farthest wheel cylinder from the master cylinder.
Attach one end of the vinyl tube to the air bleeder and insert the other end into a container suitable for collecting brake fluid.

Fig 1: Attaching One End Of Vinyl Tube To Air Bleeder
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
One person slowly pumps the brake pedal a few times and then holds it down.
Loosen the bleeder screw approximately a 1/4 rotation until a small amount of brake fluid comes out of the tube, and then quickly tighten the screw.
Continue to pour new fluid into the tube and repeat steps 6 and 7 until the bled off brake fluid does not contain any bubbles.
NOTE: B sure to always add the necessary amount of brake fluid while bleeding the air so that the tank is always full of fluid.
When air bleeding is completed, continue to hold the brake pedal down, tighten the screw and attach the bleeder cap.
Tightening torque:

8 N.m (0.8 kgf-m, 5.9 ft-lb)
Bleed air from each of the wheel cylinders according to steps 5) - 9).
Start the engine and depress the brake pedal with a pedal force of approximately 294 N (30 kgf, 66 lbf) and maintain for approximately 20 seconds. During this time, check the brake pedal for irregular operation. Visually inspect the bleeder screws and brake pipe joints for fluid leakage.