In any brake system you always start at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder. In America, that’s the passenger rear. Then driver rear. The passenger front. Then driver front. Always. Even if they have abs. Always.

 

Not always. I had a 2010 VW GTI and the bleed order was reversed - started with driver’s front and finished with passenger rear. Was confirmed in the service manual.

 

What was said above...also I always suck out what is in the master cylinder and replace with clean fluid before bleeding.

 

From my 2021 Factory Service Manual; see the "Note:" for step numbers 6 and 10.

 

G:
What is #11 referring to?

 

The service manual for 2017 is the same order as Gudentyte's 2021.

 

I started from RHS rear. But that’s just me.

 

So... what difference does it make?

 

.....strange that some are reverse order, I fail to see the logic.

 

According to the Forester forums Subaru uses a dual system. There are 2 hoses on the master cylinder that feed the ABS unit and from the ABS unit 4 lines to each corner. Apparently this requires the reverse bleed procedure........I have not yet looked at the Crosstrek to confirm any of this.

Forester Forum

 

I can confirm that Crosstreks use a dual system as well.

 

why are you bleeding the brakes? just to change the old fluid out? then it does not matter because you are not trying to remove air from the system. just crack any bleeder and let gravity take the fluid out and replace it at the master cylinder so its never low. even if you replaced one caliper unless you let the entire system drain out you only need to bleed that one caliper not the complete opposite one there is no way for air to get to that part of the system.

 

I generally start with the one furthest away from the master cylinder, but not always. I have a dedicated tool (automotive baster) remove the old fluid out of the reserve to start with fresh. Having flushed or bled out the brakes twice on the family's MY18 does make a difference in the pedal feel/performance. Since I do it the old school way, there is a pedal pusher involved to pressure bleed at each corner. I find it's a great time to clean out the wheel wells and wheels.

 

TBH I wouldn't super worry about the order if you're just swapping fluid. As long as you don't introduce air into the system. Wouldn't want 2021plasmayellow to get upset about it.

 

Too late. Looks like you’ve upset me. Now you have to deal with it.

 

Yikes.

I did a brake bleed months ago with my 2019. Went from farthest to nearest relative to the master cylinder.

Brake fluid came clear but will definitely remember this proper sequence.

 

Is the sequence the same for flushing the system versus bleeding out air?

 

Never bled the brakes on my 2014 Jeep Cherokee in the 10 years I owned it. Never had a problem.
What I did do was every 6 months I would suck the old fluid out of the reservoir with a turkey baster and then add new DOT 4 NAPA brake fluid. (absorbs less moisture and has a higher wet boiling point)
The ONLY correct way to bleed the brakes is to use a Subaru scan tool to pump brake fluid through the ABS pump. The 'trick' is to prevent the fluid from getting dirty to begin with.
If you don't clean the brake fluid off the bleed screws you risk breaking one when you try to loosen it. Then you have even bigger problems.

 

From service manuals. CAUTION! Subaru uses either vacuum boost control units (large round metal can directly behind the brake master cylinder on the driver's side or electrically driven brake boost units.

A brief reprint; 3. Attach a transparent vinyl tube to the bleeder - screw of the right front caliper body assembly that is the closest from the VDC control module & hydraulic control unit, and the other end of the vinyl tube to a collection container.

'24 brake drawing;

This file may help for 2018;

 

Where did you see that even if they have ABS?? That’s what’s confusing me because my ABS in the U.S. is on the passenger side even though the master cylinder and brake fluid reservoir are on the driver side..?