So I was doing SS brakeline install and the nut on the hardline stripped... I used all the necessary tools: flare nut wrench/wd40/pbblaster/vice grip wrench.. I was very patient and apparently it was not enough. But then again, this car as insane amount of rust as I am really starting to learn. My understanding is it costs about 150ish for the hard brakelines from Subaru...but do they come prebent? Does anyone know the part numbers? I tried looking on the dealership website and I can't tell if the "flexhose" is the one I need. Also how hard is it to replace the hard brakelines? I know for the rear, some of the suspension parts will have to be removed...I love doing things myself and so far I've done most of it myself (catback/rotors/pads/rebuilding caliper) but I don't want to have to spend more money and time than I need to. If the suspension parts that have to be removed and put back on are something I have to replace than I might just do the hard braklines when I have to change the other stuff as well. I really appreciate the help guys
I had to replace my rear hard lines as well as a couple of fronts thanks to rust. Parts stores have pre flares lines I would suggest purchasing and using a small pipe bending tool they also sell to carefully bend the lines to match your old lines. Do not try to end them without this tool, you will kink them. The rear connects into a tee next to the gas tank, you will need to drop the rear subframe to remove it. It took me about 3 lines to get it right. You might be able to also buy pre bent lines from Subaru.
Thank you for the response. How hard is it to remove the subframe? also I heard some horrible reviews about buying the generic hard brake lines from autozone/local parts store ..lol but I have no idea if the oem is really that much different. The passenger side front and rear haven't been touched so I am hoping if I take it to the professionals like AllProSubaru, they could do a better job than I did to take it off and use magic to take off the drivers side front and rear haha. Does anyone know if they come pre-bent from factory?
Subframe is in by 4 bolts. It just needs to be dropped down. Put a jack on the diff, un bolt is the sub fram then lower the jack. That is atleast how it was on my gc8 using a wrx rear subframe. Just follow the hardline you want to replace and look for a connecting point. Assess from there. Not sure what you heard about the preflared lines. Mine have held up fine with hard driving. You just absolutely have to use the pipe bending tool or risk kinking them.
you can buy the complete front hardline assembly which is MC to ABS pump to brake bias and front disc with all of the plastic clips and connectors for around 130.00. Just a PITA with the engine and harness in. Think I paid 126 when there was still a Don Jackson Subaru
you can bend them using the parts-store stuff -- a place like NAPA probably has better stuff there. I had to do it years ago on fuel line for a Tahoe that broke/bent the stock fuel filter nuts. Anyways, it is difficult though and you have to be precise/perfect. So it takes a while if you are bending them yourself, you MUST use a bending tool - use the right tool and do it once. Buying the part from Subaru is perhaps the best option though, but it depends on if you need a bunch of lines and it's $$$$$ or if you only need the one.