Hi
I just got a new 2004 Forester and the brakes seem very spongy to me. Funnily enough, the demo one had much firmer brakes. I did some research and it seemed like spongy brakes were the norm back in 2001. Do the newer models still have this "issue" or do I need to do something about it?
I checked with the dealer and I got the usual "Oh, that is normal for a Subaru" answer that postings on the Internet had already warned were the expected answer from the dealer.
Thanks JSN
Yes it is, because some Subarus come with air in the brake system. Please ask them to bleed it out, or do it yourself.
Bleed the brakes and get some non expanding stainless steel braided lines like Goodrich or similar. TG
This might not be your problem, but:
NEVER add brake fluid from a can you've had sitting around the garage--throw it out! ALWAYS use fresh brake fluid. It's hydroscopic, absorbs water, which gives a spongy feel to the pedal and can cause the interior steel parts of the brake system to rust! If you enjoy your car and push it on mountain roads heat form braking can cause the water in the fluid to boil which then causes "fade". A scary thing to experience. Been there, done that! You can buy one-person flushing devices pretty cheap.
Edward Hayes wrote:
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garage--throw it out! ALWAYS use fresh brake fluid. It's hydroscopic, absorbs water, which gives a spongy feel to the pedal and can cause the interior steel parts of the brake system to rust! If you enjoy your car and push it on mountain roads heat form braking can cause the water in the fluid to boil which then causes "fade". A scary thing to experience. Been there, done that! You can buy one-person flushing devices pretty cheap.
Thanks for the tip. My Forester has about 100 miles on it so I have not yet reached that stage.
- JSN
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