Subaru 02-03 possible ABS brake shudder fix

zaxrex · Post by **zaxrex** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 11:07 am

If you change the pads or fluid with non-subaru installed parts, you are not elligible. Not to mention anybody with calipers, rotors, or lines having been replaced.

This is from what one dealership told me, others may be more lenient, I don't know.

The ABS ECU replacement comes as kit and takes 3 hours to install. For those who are interested in getting this who have done brake upgrades, the unit is $259 + tax.

More info to come later.

Post by **Sabre** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 12:54 pm

I'm glad there is an alternative for people with after market parts installed. That would have really sucked if you all were stuck. 260$ isn't something to sneeze at though

WRXWagon2112 · Post by **WRXWagon2112** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 1:34 pm

I got my notice in the mail the other day, too. My past experience at Beyer Subaru would indicate that they might be willing to do this ECU replacement even though I have aftermarket (and squeaky) pads on my brakes.

Of course the odd thing is that I've noticed a lot less of the braking problem since I switched pads. Plus I've adjusted my braking habits to anticipate the ABS locking up prematurely over bumps.

--Alan

Mr Kleen · Post by **Mr Kleen** » Fri Oct 07, 2005 2:15 pm

I've had this issue and I have an '04. so I guess that combined with my "outlaw" Goodridge SS lines, "super experimental" Super Blue DOT4 fluid and "insane" Carbotech pads I'm just SOL.

oh, and I think my passenger side front strut is going out. must have been the Rota's and the not-crappy-RE92 tires that caused that.

BryanH · Post by **BryanH** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 10:31 am

I learned how to drive around it....

Post by **complacent** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 11:04 am

I had the brakes+bumps+abs=dirty drawers problem my 04wrx as well...

Turns out when you get an STi it goes away

Seriously though, I was not able to make the problem disappear completely, but tires pads and lines did help some. Tires made the biggest difference IMHO. Still an "uncomfortable" feeling to have the pedal shoot to the floor like that.

I can appreciate Subaru's stance on not wanting to touch altered brake systems. Let's be completely honest here - Would you want to warranty anything you didn't build or install? I know I wouldn't. Especially something meant to STOP a moving vehicle.

That being said, they should offer the unit free of charge to those who have modded brakes, just offer no promises and no installation. Problem solved.

whew... that ended up being a little longer than anticipated

Mr Kleen · Post by **Mr Kleen** » Tue Oct 25, 2005 11:25 am

I have DOT approved brake lines and brake fluid. no BBK for me. but that said, I would be fine with a free ABS unit if that would help the problem. I just can't promise when I would install it. (looks at parts pile in extra room...)

BryanH · Post by **BryanH** » Wed Oct 26, 2005 11:06 am

I got to reading on some of the other sites about this fix and I just might have to put my stock brake lines back on and have this non-recall done. Some people are reporting very nice results.

BryanH · Post by **BryanH** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 1:43 am

I got this upgrade done even with goodridge lines on and the difference was REALLY dramatic.

I can actually DIVE on the brakes now and they act like they should.

GET THIS DONE.

Mr Kleen · Post by **Mr Kleen** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 2:14 am

I never got a recall notice. what does it cost if (when

) I end up paying for it myself?

BryanH · Post by **BryanH** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 5:01 am

if you can get the unit it is 259. And its about 30 seconds to install it...just make sure to disconnect the battery.

Or get in touch with Henry over at Don Beyer and ask if he can help you out.

Where are you located?

then there is also the issue that if you are driving an 04 you may not be able to even ues the updated unit.

zaxrex · Post by **zaxrex** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 6:14 am

Hmmm, I have a spare '02 ECU that I could gladly pay a bit more for a shudder fixed one.

Thanks for the update!

BryanH · Post by **BryanH** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 3:14 pm

Just thought I would post up that I have since swapped in new rotors all the way around and Hawk HPS pads so the brake setup is:

Goodridge coated SS brake lines
stupid blue fluid
Hawk HPS pads
H6 rears
brembo oem replacements
cusco master cylinder brace

and can now REALLY jump on the brakes and cannot remember the last time I went into ABS aside from seating the pads. None of the wierdness that I used to get over little ripples in the pavement and the pedal NEVER feels like it sinks.