legacycentral bbs

Please reply w/the procedure for bleeding the ABS system...I screwed up and let air in the reservoir.

I am (very) familiar w/the non-ABS bleed procedure.

After searching, I've found @ least 2 different Nippon ABS systems on '90-94 Legacys. It appears there's an Auto and 5-speed version?
My '93 w/the AT looks like this:


Others look like this:


I can't find a bleed valve/nipple on mine, but read VRG3's link HEREthat there is one on the other Nippon system.

Thanks

Its funny i always just bled as though the car was non ABS,just kind of turning a blind eye to that thing at the front engine compartment lol,always worked for me so far - even starting with a dry system...i dont know.

Bleed as you normally would if there are no specific bleeder ports on the ABS unit.

After you do an initial bleeding, go try and lock the brakes up to get the ABS pump to cycle, and then rebleed.

You can also have someone hold the brake pedal down, pull the ABS fuse, and then reinstall it. I believe this will also cycle the ABS pump.

Legacy777 wrote:Bleed as you normally would if there are no specific bleeder ports on the ABS unit.

Done....there were a LOT of bubbles on a couple of wheels.

You can also have someone hold the brake pedal down, pull the ABS fuse, and then reinstall it. I believe this will also cycle the ABS pump.

I'll try this......I have a handle from my jack that I used to hold the pedal down when bleeding..should work for this too.

Thanks

Bleeding is WAY easier with a friend to pump for you... Cuts the time by 75% or so.... and you're more likely to complete it without exasperation.

i found using the abs after the first bleed brought upon alot of bubbles the second time around.

RJ93SS wrote:i found using the abs after the first bleed brought upon alot of bubbles the second time around.

Well, I'll find out if I get the same result.

I stomped on the brakes on a local dirt/gravel road - 'under construction' - and the ABS kicked in & the car stopped RIGHT NOW....I was surprised as it barely slid, if @ all. I've read the ABS on the 1st Gen Legacy sucked....

I'll bleed 'em again.....

id say it probably wouldnt hurt do get that abs kickin a few times.

are u doing a flush too. i found that the prestone dot4 hi temp stuff works great. its cheap and its rated at 550 or so for temp

RJ93SS wrote:are u doing a flush too. i found that the prestone dot4 hi temp stuff works great. its cheap and its rated at 550 or so for temp

Not on purpose....but since I let it go mostly dry, I think I flushed it by default? Or does a real flush require pressure?

Legacy777 wrote:..
You can also have someone hold the brake pedal down, pull the ABS fuse, and then reinstall it. I believe this will also cycle the ABS pump.

I tried this, but didn't hear the pump cycle, so took it for a drive.

wtdash wrote:I was surprised as it barely slid, if @ all. I've read the ABS on the 1st Gen Legacy sucked....

I'll bleed 'em again.....

A lot of people say this.....I wouldn't say it's true. The ABS works. The subaru ABS can tend to be a little sensitive, ie activate when going over a bump or unevent pavement while braking.

To me that's not a big deal......it still stops the car.

wtdash wrote:I tried this, but didn't hear the pump cycle, so took it for a drive.

That definitely works too