96 legacy outback ABS leak BUZZ

[prismaddict]

Our 96 outback is having some issues - related I think. For the past
several months I have had to add brake fluid when the brake light
appears on the dash. Only about 1/2 cup every 2-3 months. I've been
concerned but not too concerned. I have looked for leaks and never
found any "drips" but the area around the ABS hydrolic controller
always seemed misted. I've tried tightening the brake lines thinking
it was coming from there but no go. I have cleaned the area several
times trying to locate a source and had no luck. Also, a year or two
ago we shut down the engine and heard the ABS solenoid buzzing away
(and this was about an hour after turning the car off) The ABS unit
was very hot but one tap and the thing stopped buzzing. This past week
I had a spirited drive on the twisty windy roads of Virginia and the
next day I had left a 1/2 cup puddle of brake fluid on the garage
floor. Again searching I still can't find a source. Question: If the
ABS solenoid had been stuck for a long period of time and got hot as
fire could it vaporize brake fluid and leak as steam then condense in
the cold air back to brake fluid? After dropping 1/2 cup of brake
fluid in one day I filled it up and it hasn't leaked any in 2 days.
Can anyone tell me what's going on, if I need to worry, or should I
just carry a bottle of brake fluid around in the car? Also read about
disable ABS and I'm not sure I want to go there. Any help would be
appreciated. TIA

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Our 96 outback is having some issues - related I think. For the past
several months I have had to add brake fluid when the brake light
appears on the dash. Only about 1/2 cup every 2-3 months. I've been
concerned but not too concerned. I have looked for leaks and never
found any "drips" but the area around the ABS hydrolic controller
always seemed misted. I've tried tightening the brake lines thinking
it was coming from there but no go. I have cleaned the area several
times trying to locate a source and had no luck. Also, a year or two
ago we shut down the engine and heard the ABS solenoid buzzing away
(and this was about an hour after turning the car off) The ABS unit
was very hot but one tap and the thing stopped buzzing. This past week
I had a spirited drive on the twisty windy roads of Virginia and the
next day I had left a 1/2 cup puddle of brake fluid on the garage
floor. Again searching I still can't find a source. Question: If the
ABS solenoid had been stuck for a long period of time and got hot as
fire could it vaporize brake fluid and leak as steam then condense in
the cold air back to brake fluid? After dropping 1/2 cup of brake
fluid in one day I filled it up and it hasn't leaked any in 2 days.
Can anyone tell me what's going on, if I need to worry, or should I
just carry a bottle of brake fluid around in the car? Also read about
disable ABS and I'm not sure I want to go there. Any help would be
appreciated. TIA

I do recall an issue with ABS pumps as you describe. There may even be a
TSB or recall for that. I do not remember it being associated with a leak.

You might call the dealer and ask about ABS recalls or TSBs.

Carl

 

[prismaddict]

I do recall an issue with ABS pumps as you describe. There may even be a
TSB or recall for that. I do not remember it being associated with a leak.

You might call the dealer and ask about ABS recalls or TSBs.

Carl

I checked but did'nt find any TSBs about the ABS system. I appreciate
the reply though.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

I checked but did'nt find any TSBs about the ABS system. I appreciate
the reply though.

Maybe this is where I read about it? not much help I'm afraid;
http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=13791&highlight=abs+pump+buzzing

Carl