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 the reservoir tank.
If any brake fluid is spilt over the exhaust pipe, wipe it off with a cloth to avoid emitting smoke or causing a fire.
During the operation, keep the reservoir tank filled with brake fluid to prevent entry of air.
Operate the brake pedal slowly.
For convenience and safety, two people should do the work.

NOTE: The required amount of brake fluid is approximately 500 m l (16.9 US fl oz, 17.6 lmp fl oz) for the entire brake system.

Either jack-up the vehicle and place a rigid rack under it, or have the vehicle lifted.
Remove all the wheels.
Drain brake fluid from the reservoir tank.
Refill the reservoir tank with recommended brake fluid.
Recommended brake fluid

Refer to "Recommended Material" information. < Ref. to FLUID , RECOMMENDED MATERIALS, Recommended Materials. >
Install one end of a vinyl tube onto the air bleeder and insert the other end of the tube into a container to collect the brake fluid.

Fig 1: Draining Brake Fluid
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Instruct your co-worker to depress the brake pedal slowly two or three times and then hold it depressed.
Loosen the bleeder screw approximately 1/4 turn until a small amount of brake fluid drains into the container, and then quickly tighten the screw.
Repeat steps 6) and 7) until there are no air bubbles in drained brake fluid and new fluid flows through vinyl tube.
NOTE: Add brake fluid as necessary while performing the air bleed operation, in order to prevent the tank from running short of brake fluid.
After completing the bleeding operation, hold the brake pedal depressed and tighten the screw and install bleeder cap.
Tightening torque:

8 N.m (0.8 kgf-m, 5.9 ft-lb)
Bleed air from each wheel cylinder by following steps from 5) to 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. At this time check the pedal to see if it makes any unusual movement. Visually inspect the bleeder screws and brake pipe joints to confirm there is no fluid leakage.