So this afternoon I got the Master Cylinder brace for my 2010 WRX. I have watched a few videos including the one from grimmspeed on how to install it. After working on it for about 2 and a half hours I decided to leave it to another day. It seems that my brake lines are in the way of the first 3 screws that you have to put in. Any suggestions on how to make it easier? Im sure on a brand new car it goes on nice and smooth, but the bolts did not want to thread into the holes. I really want to put this on, as it not only reduces brake pedal mushiness, but will help reduce firewall flex as well.
I put mine on in the parking lot at work on my 30 minute lunch break. Mine is totally different though. After watching the video it looks as though the 08+ is a tighter fit. If @arewmors would ever get back on here he might have some tips for you. He installed his. I remember him saying it was a pia! He was praising having access to a lift making it easier for some reason. Maybe he went from the bottom???
Yessa it is a super PITA. Im thinking ill take off the intercooler to give myself some more room. What concerns me is that the brake lines are right over the mounting holes, makes me think its been fiddled with.
Must have been messed with cause I asked Andy about it and he said he didn't have that problem. His only problem was lack of space. Did you figure anything out yet?
The easiest install Ive seen is to pull the IC, from there you can get in and get those screws setup. It would also be easier if you have a hose drive socket extension.
Ive got the master cylinder brace on my list of things to do as well but that wont be till after January.
I figured it was messed with. Oh well. As the great state of maine decided to snow today I probably wont get back to it untill wednesday. Ill most likely pull off the IC to make it easier, as well as get some help. I think a second pair of hands will make it a bit easier.
So here are the brake lines that are in my way. How can I safely move them out of the way? I have tried just pushing them, but they wont move far enough.
Success! After another hour and a half I got it in. I had to clean the screw holes and then chase the threads with a M6x1 tap. This seemed to clean out the holes and allow the bolts to start. I also had to loosen the brake line 1/16th of a turn to get them out of the way. It still wasnt fun, and a huge PITA, but its installed. It definitley makes a difference, I feel way more confident when braking.
Thanks, me too!! I didnt have much chance to test it last night when I put it in. I had a much longer drive this morning and I can definitely feel a difference. I can feel more engine vibration through the pedal, mainly when at a stop. It seems to be more aggressive when I brake, having more bite on the pedal. Ive had to re-learn a little of when and how hard to brake, the first time I stepped down this morning all of my stuff ended up on the floorboards!
Thankfully i didnt have too. Once i cleaned out the bolt holes i was able to get it in the tiny space thats there. I found it was easier to use a smaller rachet, rather than the larger 3/4in one they suggest. The longest part was tightening the bolts down as there was room enough for 1/8th of a turn each time. Its definitly worth it! Im much more comfortable when braking, and the fact that it prevents firewall flex doesnt hurt either FOL.
The intercooler does not need to be removed for future use by others reading this thread here is a link to the pdf copy of the instructions from the grimmspeed website:
I should have clarified that, you are right you don't have to remove the intercooler. It does give you more room and if you are already doing something like a pitch stop mount or and intercooler upgrade, it would be much easier.
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