How To Change Subaru WRX Front And Rear Differential Fluid 2015-2019

In this video we change the front and rear differential fluid on Sheff's 2016 Subaru WRX. The process should be identical on on 2015-2019 Subarua WRX Models and very similar on a many vehicles from the Subaru lineup, including the WRC STi Models.
This video is demonstrated on a WRX with a standard (manual) transmission and will be different on a vehicle with an automatic transmission.
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Associated Videos
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🔩Parts (Affiliate Links)
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Subaru WRX & STi 75W90 Gear & Transmission Fluid - SOA427V1700
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Genuine Subaru 803926090 Drain Plug Gasket
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Tools (Affiliate Links)
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Fluid Pump for Quart Bottles:
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T70 Torx Bit: amzn.to/38jVrYO
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[@jessel1217]

Super easy to do. I highly suggest all my fellow WRX owners do their own work. I used to work in dealership shops and let me tell you.... you think you’re getting great care for your vehicle but you’re not always going to 100% of the time. Do you think that 20 year old who’s on the phone yelling at his girl is gonna do your oil changes and brakes with 110% focus? Nope. Be careful friends :)

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Truth

[@zamb0nio]

took my '13 legacy 3.6 to the dealershit once due to the airbag recall...i asked them if they could change the front and rear diff fluids while they had the car. boy what a mistake. they apparently got the front diff dipstick "stuck" in place and couldn't remove it to refill the fluid. they eventually got the dipstick out of the drain hole, but they charged me improperly for the amount of fluid used, and the amount of drain plug gaskets used which led me to believe they did it improperly (only charged 2 qts. and 1x gasket in front 1x gasket in rear). turns out they never changed the rear fluid because when i drained it a month later it was completely black and the drain plug was covered in metal shavings/filings. lesson learned: NEVER GO TO THE DEALERSHIP

[@VenturiLife]

Small filings like that in the rear diff on the magnetic drain plug, is quite normal wear, and usually nothing to be concerned about.

[@blacrsx]

First room comment! Thank you for actually saying you fill the oil through the dipstick hole I've been watching everyone's videos nobody said that!

[@TheSundaeDrive]

No problem! Glad it helped you out

[@blacrsx]

Worked great with the motul bottles as they have the funnel attached inside the bottles all you have to do is pour it right in

[@dennisromero9011]

Excellent description of the process and items needed.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Thanks! Hope it helps you out!

[@sttownjerk11]

Did you end up adding the other 0.5 qts or did you only need 3? I've heard of people adding 3.5 and it being too much?

[@iamrobbb7503]

I went straight to just under 3.5 and it was over the full mark. I don’t have leaks or issues but I guess not all of the oil comes out when you drain it. Next time I’ll start with 3 and add little by little accordingly.

[@benkova6925]

Bought the same gear oil & gasket from amazon and replaced today. Couldn't of been any easier without this video. Thanks a ton guys!

[@austin5350]

How is she running

[@benkova6925]

@@austin5350 solid. been 30k miles since I've done the change. coming back here to the video as a refresher before doing again here soon. cheers

[@brandonroeder2461]

Can definitely tell you guys live in the North East with that rust build up from road salt. That shits horrible. 😅

[@johngalt6159]

What are you guys thoughts on using redline fluid instead of subaru fluid?

[@hectorreymundo4215]

Bro wear gloves, that oil has a lot of really bad stuff for you, stay healthy my friend

[@dlg5485]

You can definitely use Anti-Seize on those plugs. I've been doing it literally for decades. You just have to be careful to use a very small amount and limit it to the outer threads that don't come in contact with the gear oil inside.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

If done carefully and you make sure you take that into account when tightening down because now you can exceed the torque value it can be used. Just be very careful and use a professional mechanic if you arent sure how to. Also done want them accidentally coming loose

[@VenturiLife]

I had changed it 3-4 years prior and those plugs were super tight...

[@leftinashes]

The number of pumps is critical... I know i'm not the only one who laughed. Lol...

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Lol

[@larrydaigle5254]

Any of your video for ones with the cvt transmission, thanks

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Sadly not. All videos are on my bros WRX which is manual

[@larrydaigle5254]

I did find a complete video for the Impreza on utube. Thanks for your input.

[@AOL0321]

Great video! I saw another video where a guy did not show that the transmission oil drain plug had a washer. BTW, can you use other transmission oils like Amsoil or Mobil 1 or would you not recommend it during the 60,000 mile warranty period?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

As long as it is compatible although if they find out they will likely void the warranty sadly. I think we had looked into amsoil and amsoil didn't have any recommend lubes for this car but we use amsoil in all our stuff.

[@eranlevi6547]

I have xv 2017...it's the same thing?

[@Duffman8815]

Yes

[@Ben-cm2un]

For the front you can also remove your intercooler and get the dipstick from the top

[@matthewmiller6068]

Not that removing and reinstalling the intercooler is that trivial either (I did it to get at the battery grounding cable bolt...took most of an hour to get the loosened hoses slid off and just as long getting it back on all the way). I don't recall seeing a dipstick on my 2020 there though, I may have to dig out my endoscope and look again.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Ok good to know. We'll be upgrading his intercooler soon (this summer probably) so we will check too

[@philholt2584]

@@matthewmiller6068 I also have a 2020 STI, I see a plug on top where the dip stick would be, I guess Subaru decided to omit it for "20....

[@DanielField2023]

1/2 inch key ? Japanese cars use metric tools? My Subaru use Metric tools has my Honda.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Lol true but the driver head are all standard for some reason.

[@GingerNingerGames]

Literally just wanted to see how hard it should be to get undone, looking like mine being frozen isn't uncommon

[@andreipiv]

Time to do mine, surprised there are no gaskets on the rear diff plugs

[@TheSundaeDrive]

No leaks yet on his that I'm aware of at least so they must seal well. Best of luck with the service!

[@bradgreen987]

Not normal buildup,( heavy) especially in the the rear. Even that much on the front ain't good. Are u launching this car. I've got a '16 wrx, and the trans is known to be glass

[@sivonparansun]

I can't see how a dealer charges 250 for this...

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Because stealership

[@K03sport]

$120-$150 per shop hour. then $14 x 4.5 - 5 qts of fluid and then the shop fees.... I've heard as high as $600

[@K03sport]

good to know that my change at 58k miles (4yrs) did not look as gunky on the drain plug as yours did... 🤔

[@nicolasrheaume6425]

Cool bro you just answer my only question with your first sentence.. literaly😂 thanks

[@whiterabit998]

Very thorough video! Any reason you keep your watch on though? I kept thinking it was going to get scratched

[@TheSundaeDrive]

It was already cracked at this point from working on a car a long time be ago lol

[@dvdramm]

Thank you. Very well explained and shown.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Much appreciated!

[@Subigang-17]

Nice job .. how many bottles should I put on it I don’t want to over fill it than have more problems with it..thank you

[@ogloot9728]

You didn't say how much you had to use for the front ? 3 quarts or 3.5?

[@ricardosydney7124]

Did u use same oil on both side? People usually using different oil ? Morul 300 on back

[@wyattbowls2922]

I read that u use, Sae 90 motul? No body seems to use different fluids? They just use the transmission fluid? I have sae 90 motul limited slip fluid

[@evovillain3295]

So, is it the same oil for front and back, or different?

[@TenorPhan23]

This saved me a bunch of money! Thanks!

[@speedxtc]

Is there any washer for the differential bolts

[@johnceli1360]

Use impact it will be easy one 🤣

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Lol that's true 😂

[@bryanortiz240]

How many bottle did u use ?

[@mundialbjj1658]

Do you have a link to the T70 torx bit you got?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Here ya go! amzn.to/38jVrYO it may not be the exact same one but it is a highly rated one on Amazon and I did an analysis of the reviews to make sure they were genuine. 👍

[@mundialbjj1658]

@@TheSundaeDrive What would be different with a automatic trans?

[@s3rics213]

Is the front diff also the same fluid transmission in the trans. Meaning the systems are the same and not separate.

[@Dr.Ticklebum69]

Yes

[@michaelanthony5335]

Great video

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Thanks!

[@zackstaa7826]

Question: Has your brother noticed any driving difference between the factory fluid and that 75w90? On my 2021, owners manual says manual transmission/front diff takes Subaru Extra MT fluid, that’s what it’s filled with at the factory. And it says that other 90 weight fluid can be used but will severely affect drive ability and fuel economy. However, you can’t find Subaru Extra MT anywhere other than bulk 5 gallon buckets that cost $1000. I’m hesitant to even change this fluid

[@TheSundaeDrive]

He has not had any issues on his 2016. He's probably driven it 40k miles since we did this service. There may have been an update tho since your car is 5 years newer.

[@janicesanderson3310]

Thx 🙂

[@TheSundaeDrive]

No problem! Hope it helps

[@phillipjohnson4156]

nice catch!

[@kilynhan2559]

What is the front diff torque spec?

[@1982cleveland]

37 ft lbs. it was on the screen, but only for a second or two

[@kylewilkin8221]

I called the dealership and they said trans/diff oil is 75w80 for the 2017 WRX, but they only sell it in 5 gallon jugs. How is running with the 75w90?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

No issues in ours. Might vary from model to model

[@kylewilkin8221]

@@TheSundaeDrive I'm in a '17 Limited, so should be pretty similar (hopefully).

[@K03sport]

​@@kylewilkin8221 ... very little difference between 75w-80 and 75w-90

[@Kradle]

No one has asked this so I'll bite - Does it matter if the manual transmission is in gear or neutral when draining its fluid?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

No it doesn’t really matter!

[@Kradle]

@@TheSundaeDriveThanks - I'm gonna change my fluids tomorrow!

[@connordunckel8544]

I knew that exhaust from the start. I have one with the black tips paired with a catted grimmspeed j pipe. love the sound, gives it a deep rich almost rumble. Probably using the royal purple gear oil because I have a good deal on it.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Awesome! It is a nice exhaust. AWE makes great products

[@K03sport]

​@@TheSundaeDrive ... it is a nice exhaust, but it leaks at all of the slip joints; even when the pipes are in 100%...I know because I have the same exhaust and have reset both mufflers and it still leaks after the reset 😢...

[@lbstudio207]

Would this work for CVT transmissions? Thanks

[@sshah2545]

No, definitely not. Completely different car

[@TheSundaeDrive]

no

[@mugensamurai]

Please help. Is the front diff fluid the same as the transmission fluid? New to the AWD game. Thanks guys.

[@Dr.Ticklebum69]

Yes it's shared

[@mugensamurai]

@@Dr.Ticklebum69 Thanks!

[@djustan3373]

I have 2020 wrx 6 speed manual. My diff looks different. It has passive cooler and different bolt. They are 10mm alen

[@djustan3373]

My car is jdm not usdm is that the reason? I don't live in US tho.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Might be the reason or they may have just updated the design

[@westdccs]

Ok, wait -- I've looked in the 2015 WRX maintenance schedule at at NO time in the manual does it say to replace the differential fluid at 30,000 miles. It DOES say inspect fluid level and replace when necessary. So, why do all the dealers say that Subaru recommends REPLACING the fluid when the maintenance schedule clearly indicates INSPECT. Don't get me wrong, I know it's necessary to replace it -- but seems more like this is more of a check every 30k and replace as needed item.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

It is a check and replace as needed. Stealerships are trying to get your money as usual lol. Personally, I like to change my differential, gearbox and transmission fluid every 30-50K miles regardless. Gears will be happier with fresh oil as heat breaks it down over time.

[@westdccs]

@@TheSundaeDrive Thanks for the clarification. That was my suspicion, and I'm glad I turned it down at the 60k maintenance. I also turned down the "replace cabin air filter" one as well, since they wanted to charge me $35 to replace a $6 part accessible from the glove box. It's amazing what the dealerships want to charge for these items.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

So true. We have a guide for replacing the cabin filter up too 😉

[@travismiller8232]

Just checked my WRX maintenance schedule book and saw this as well. Thanks for clarifying.

[@ozevox]

factory fill on the wrx transmission 15 onwards is an 80 weight

[@PRO4XKEV]

The front diff drain T70 is suppose to be torqued to 50ft lbs, you did 37.

[@raphotopeck5536]

It doesn't take 50ft lbs to hold a drain plug in. Besides, it's easy to strip out the threads or crack the port in aluminum. 30ft lbs should be plenty.

[@josephzagami1061]

I’ve been seeing the same… depends which gasket. Pretty sure Subaru gives the one requiring 50 ftlbs

[@tom24gr46]

great video. i put a little bit (just 1 layer) of plumbers tape on the differential plugs. To ensure no leak and also to prevent it rusting shut as it did in your and my case.

[@sshah2545]

Does the WRX have a locking rear diff? I thought it was open. If it’s open, is there any reason that there should be filings and material in the fluid and on the magnet? Shouldn’t there be none..?

[@TheSundaeDrive]

it is not locking. There will always be some wear. I've never changed fluid in a diff that didn't have some.

[@sshah2545]

The Sundae Drive interesting! Thanks for the response!

[@TheSundaeDrive]

No problem!

[@nas83]

Can I use an impact wrench to loosen the bolts? I’m doing it on a ramp and jacks so I don’t have much room.

[@TheSundaeDrive]

I personally wouldn't on mine. Will it break anything? probably not tho. Just make sure you have it set to reverse!

[@nas83]

The Sundae Drive haha yea for sure. I’ll try to break it with a breaker and if not then the impact it is. Thank you

[@shamwaymoonyos9578]

I have done this last change on my 2015 WRX. Just be sure it's in reverse as OP says. Breaker bar of you can though. Using that now.

[@1982cleveland]

How’d the impact work? Very curious about doing the same!

[@tiktok-kr7ud]

hello

[@TheSundaeDrive]

👋

[@tiktok-kr7ud]

Hello sir, I am Mustafa from Morocco. I do not have money to buy a caurse dropshipin. Can you tell me how to search for a profitable or suitable product to sell?@@TheSundaeDrive

[@adams.9029]

Good video! I'm glad to see you pointing out actual important stuff like cross contamination between stuff like the pumps to the threads of the drain/fill plugs. Because stuff like that is actually important. Why even risk doing it with a car that costs as much as it does only to ruin it overtime with some thing as stupid as anti-seize or cross-contamination. People don't realize that stuff matters.... solvents and anti-seize can break down or cause the lubricant to not do what it was designed to do. Then it causes friction, friction causes heat... heat takes the temper out of metals... then metals break down or break. Or even with anti-seize the torque value is actually different. It's not good to over torque aluminum it can equal a bad day pretty fast lol. I know people out there will say it's no big deal and I've seen videos where they did apply anti-seize on the threads and I'm like.... hmmm if it didn't come from the factory that way.... you probably shouldn't put that there. I know working on aircrafts that stuff matters... cars are stronger in a lot of ways but aluminum is aluminum.... if your not the engineer that designed the parts or fluids... then you shouldn't jump to assuming it's not a big deal because it is.... so thank you for pointing that out! I trust your word and work. great video man! Now I need to do work and with your help hopefully it goes smoothly. Thanks man keep making videos!!

[@TheSundaeDrive]

Thanks so much for this comment! We try! I’m sure we mess up some things but we try our best to educate ourselves on these things before preaching it to others

[@tiktok-kr7ud]

Hello sir, I am Mustafa from Morocco. I do not have money to buy a caurse dropshipin. Can you tell me how to search for a profitable or suitable product to sell?