I took the car and removed the plastic shield to see what and where it was leaking. looking from under the car up and out there is a good view of the junction block. the input lines come from the left and the lines in the calipers go to the right. One circuit is upstairs and one is downstairs. Both devices on the left are wet and only the lower one on the right is wet. The master cylinder has bled itself to empty into the rear reservoir, while the front reservoir still has some fluid left. I’m not sure which circuit feeds which wheels and can’t find any details in the service manual. My guess is that the top left line has a leak and the other lines are wet from the drip. But I just want to point out that they are all pretty rusty. Maybe one of you knows which county is which?
I had the WQK47 recall done in October 2017 where they sprayed the wax coating on the lines and junction block. As far as I can tell Subaru just needs to inspect and if nothing is leaking they spray the wax coating. Only if they leak do they foot the bill to replace the lines. Retraction allows them to leave at that point. I searched the web and forums for any follow up on the recall but found nothing. Does anyone have any newer information?
The first thought was to see if I could buy new lines and replace them. So they are listed as available parts. Rear Line Kit (L&R) # 26520AG02A, Center Line Kit (L&R) #26530AG03B, Junction Block #26534AA000. But checked in the factory service manual on the procedure. OMG – there is nothing in the manual about changing lines. So, I started looking around the forum and apparently the subframe and gas tank have to be removed to replace the LH brake line. Instead, some people have run a new crossover line of cars under the backseat cushion. Of course it makes sense. But then I started looking for anyone to replace the center lines as they go through the firewall up below the dash. I found a guy who made a video of the process and it’s shocking how much stuff has to come out. This is a lot of work just because the last 4″ line in the back is rusted. So at this point I’m thinking of cutting both lines just before they go through the floor under the back seat, double flash and use a coupler to connect to a short 6-10″ piece of duct line that runs through the floor ceiling and then two possible ways to go: (1) connect up to existing junction block and keep the old rusty but possibly leak free lines going to the calipers, or (2) go farther back in the lines to find a straight section to cut and flare and install a other union. Does anyone have experience doing this replacement? Any suggestions on where to connect the back lines?
And finally, the mechanics of doing this work. One master cylinder circuit is dripping empty while the other is not, so when I cut that line it will continue to drip while I’m trying to fire up the line. To avoid a big mess of paint stripping brake fluid, I thought maybe disconnect the lines near the ABS unit and connect both ports to that junction block. I just went to 3 local auto parts stores and no one has the right plug so will order on the web then wait a few days. The alternative is to run a small 2″ section of line and then flatten and crimp the end of the line. Then screw it into the junction block. But the big question will come when the system is refilled with brake fluid. Using a vacuum drain I can refill the lines and get most of the air out, but will I have problems with air trapped in the master cylinder and ABS unit?
thank you for reading this far. I know I wrote a chapter in a book, but I need to get the ideas across.
