100,000 Mile Subaru Forester Repairs: New Axle, Axle Seals, Air Filter, & Serpentine Belt!

[@amoni1959]

I wish I lived in a climate with no rust. 😅

[@stonepa]

Fluid film. Every year. The only thing that keeps the rust bug away here in the snowbelt of NE Ohio.

[@geoffkeeney3831]

I say thanks with each video I watch that I live in the PNW. Bless all you rust fighters!!

[@Hike_and_Yap]

@@stonepaOHIO

[@Ckeaton1991]

Blaster surface shield.

[@supernova1976]

Amen

[@rockinrob2004]

You make it ALL look so easy! Plus you have proper tools, thanks for your knowledge and videos! Cheers!

[@kittytrail]

speeking of proper tools, those Vessel woodies nut drivers are the one piece or two piece kind like the ones sold by Toyota? 🤔

[@MrSubaru1387]

These are one piece I believe. Think the tang goes through the handle.

[@kittytrail]

@@MrSubaru1387 thanks, i'll hit Vessel Europe to try to get some. 😉

[@KimWentworth-y8e]

Yea right. He has strong steady hands and is coordinated.

[@kdubfromthefuture]

Auto Start/Stop is that wonderful “solution” that causes your fellow motorists to repeatedly let off the brakes at stop lights and traffic jams. Pity them, don’t hate them. I ordered the eliminator first day of ownership. My blood pressure remains nominal.

[@deane2974]

Yeah, the Auto Stop/Start Eliminator is a great solution to all this. An easy $100 dollar solution to all this. Takes 10 minutes to install and works exactly as advertised. I highly recommend doing this to any car that has the dredded auto stop/start nonsense.

[@paulgray6856]

I got a version on Amazon for $20. Works great to block the auto-stop

[@stubt7890]

Ahhh, this explains why I have had SO much trouble changing my air filter - I never take the hose or air sensor off!

[@jasonmontgomery6691]

We also have a 2019 Subaru Forester. We have had all the same problems with ours. We love our Forester and will be buying another very soon. With very good maintenance they have held up well for us.

[@shaunbrowne3963]

A year ago, we bought a 'new to us' 2015 Subaru Forester. Your very informative videos, reviewed before we bought the car, and the popularity of Foresters in our area, helped us make our decision. Thank you so very much!

[@olliechristopher467]

Thumbs up my man!! You are a very sharp mechanic. I don't even own a Subaru but always enjoy your channel. Happy holidays and thank you for helping out the Subaru community with all your tips and tricks.

[@ismaelcalvente4427]

Not detailed enough?are you kidding?? That was an awesome video. I have a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek for about a month. Your videos do help me understand my car behavior.

[@hanglooserecluse]

I just bought an Aussie 2018 MY19 S5 for a good price, it was an ex ambulance service vehicle here in Australia. It’s got 115,000 miles on it (186,000kms here in Aus) for the best price I could find Australia wide. It seems fine to drive and has great service history but has done 40,000 miles per year of its life so it’s big kms on highways etc . I’m hoping it serves me well, my 07 forester I had for 9 years , but I wanted a more modern vehicle as I was getting tired of working on the 07 and fixing a lot of things all at once and got sick of putting money into it. I hope this MY19 5th generation forester serves me well. I’m just hoping it gets to 200,000 miles (350,000km). I do less than 10,000 miles per year (15,000km). You give me confidence Mr. Subaru. Thank you

[@DigitalMentorGroup]

Thank you for providing such comprehensive work instructions for all Subaru owners, mine is a 2015 Forester, with 221,000 kilometres.

[@PleiadesPower]

This is a must watch for those who buy used Subarus with 100k or more miles. A great reference video to go back to whenever needed!

[@speedymini998]

I started watching your channel two years ago, and it gave me the confidence to buy a 2013 XV when a great deal came up locally. Now the Subaru bug has bitten me hard, and you’re partly to blame! 😁 When the time came to upgrade my 2 seater sports car to something more practical, I decided to pull the trigger on a 2010 WRX.

[@crabmansteve6844]

This is me, currently shopping around for an XV right now. Never owned a Subaru, but I'm dead set on it now.

[@williameident588]

Thanks! Excellent video, narration is top notch..Very informative. I like how you don't assume the viewer knows basic procedures,, I'm experienced with many mechanical systems (shipboard Marine Engineer) and still like seeing how it's done... when someone thinks they've seen it all its time to retire.

[@darrenorluck96]

Thank you very much MrSubaru. I just purchased a brand new 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Limited it is in transit to the dealership I purchased it from. I will buy it in January when it arrives at the dealership.

[@mikeremski2102]

If you're not wrenching your cars, this shows how important it is to find a mechanic or shop you can trust. Sometimes it's a dealer, sometimes it's not, but find one you trust. I'm on about my sixth/seventh Subbie this is good stuff. Thanks

[@johnnydoe66]

I have a 2015 Forester XT w/ 150k miles on it. My list is very extensive: 1. 60k both O2 and Fuel air sensors when the check engine light came on. It comes on with the same codes every 10-15k afterwards, but I am not spending $300 (OEM parts) per sensor that often. I started cleaning them after the 3rd time w/o any issues (I have had the induction clean done at 60k and 140k) . 2. Both lower control arms because of worn bushings at 90k. Car developed a severe shimmy at speed, especially when loaded in gradual curves like an off ramp. 3. Front CV shaft assemblies, one at 90k the other at 115k. 4. Transmission because of the front differential went out and it's part of the transmission assembly ($8k because I was 15k past the drivetrain warranty, but I bitched enough at SubaruUSA they finally paid $4k of that total) at 115k. All four hub/bearing assemblies because of each one developing play or bearing hum at 145k. When the car is running, it's great, but because of all of my mechanical issues this will be the one and only Subaru I will ever purchase. A friend had a Crosstrek and his rear hubs both went out in less than 6 months. Needless to say he ditched that vehicle after less than a year of ownership because one of the new ones started humming again.

[@localhero26]

100,000 miles, it looks brand new underneath 😮

[@grockamicr5897]

love the 2019 forester content, have one myself, have learned a lot from your show thank you

[@williamevans6522]

Good tutorial on all. I have been sweating my serp. belt replacement on my 155kmile 2017. Not afraid , now.

[@mikeabbitt8309]

I have been able to run updates at home. I was able to ‘pair’ my 2019 Crosstrek with my home Wi-Fi, and get the updates that way. If memory serves, the procedure is in the Owners Manual.

[@RollerCoasterLineProductions]

Glad to see a new video on this forestor. My 19 crosstrek developed an oil leak from the cam seals?? Lol I can’t remember the exact specifications but it goes into the shop Tuesday, took em a week to get the parts, warranty repair, only 24000 miles. I noticed oil on top of the power steering pump passenger side.

[@Dwigt_Rortugal]

Sorry if someone already asked this. At 16:25, what is the diameter of the service tool? I'm thinking of using a plastic pipe.

[@AureusStone]

Saved a lot of money following this to replace my CV axles. Thanks!

[@thedudetoo1964]

Thank you for a highly informative and easy to follow video. Just all around great production value. I feel like I could have done this myself, but on the other hand it felt good to support a small one man shop.

[@doodskie999]

14:15, the lower control arm bushings on the left side are starting to crack. Might be a good idea to replace them too

[@mattgilliam9619]

I was able to fix the exact same problem with the radio presets in my 2019 Forester Premium. I found the update package online, downloaded it and put it on a USB drive and was able to complete the update through the touchscreen.

[@cfitzgduke]

A plastic autobody pry bar works great if you want to be sure not to scratch the axle seal housing, as we are not all as skilled or experienced as you, who can do it with a metal pry bar.

[@THOMASDRELICH]

Or put a small piece of duct or electrical tape on the end of pry bar

[@jps8997]

OH THANK GOD!!! I absolutely HATE the auto stop start function in any vehicle and I never knew this company existed!!! I will be ordering this asap!!

[@1linkbelt]

Will that autostop eliminator void the Subaru warranty?

[@TEDOTENNIS]

Great video and thanks for sharing! I didn't know the belt was that straight-forward to change. On my 2019 forester, I can do the system update via the settings after the car has been connected to home wireless or smartphone that has a hotspot enabled. I've done 2-3 updates so far since fall of 2018. I have about 41,000 miles.

[@cddelta]

I solved the auto start stalling problem on my 2019 Forester by upsizing the battery to a Group 24F AGM instead of the standard size battery. The other problem is the smart alternator that only seems to charge when you take your foot off the accelerator or are coasting to a stop. The voltage will sit at 12.2 volts when driving or accelerating until coasting when it wil jump to 15+ volts. A fully charged battery is 12.7 volts. A battery needs about 14.4 Volts to charge. If you keep the headlights in parking mode or manual on, the voltage will stay a conistent 14.4V, which keeps the battery fully charged.

[@donk1822]

Blimey, she must have had a tough life. My old 2005 2.0 SG has 120,000 miles on it and still has the original shocks and clutch :).

[@paulsmallriver6066]

No kidding. The owner must be a hard driver.

[@MatthewHeiskell]

So useful! I’ll be finding this when it’s time to replace a CV axle on my lifted 2019 Subaru Forester. Many thanks!

[@KimWentworth-y8e]

I have a 2019 Subaru and all I have done is regular maintenance, New battery and new tires, Front breaks.

[@arcanask]

When I replaced the serpentine belt on my 12 Forester, that was a real pain. Everywhere I looked online, they had the same belt layout except the one that was on mine and yours. So ofcourse the belt wouldn't fit. I did eventually find a Dayco belt that slid on seamlessly.

[@noventay4]

Yeah you need a stretch belt

[@arcanask]

​@@noventay4 I don't think that was the main problem I was having. Especially considering I did find a regular serpentine belt that fit. The problem was the documentation online was lacking for my application. There are two pulley configurations for my forester and the only one that kept popping up was for the, I assume turbo model. Even if I used a stretch belt, there's a good chance I would still have gotten the wrong belt the first time.

[@JohnLivings]

Thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Thank you!!

[@billderas3420]

Thanks for informing me about the availability of the auto-start/stop feature override. Must say that the Subaru auto-start/stop feature has concerned me enough to look elsewhere for a replacement vehicle.

[@Gili1973]

Hello from Israel! As a 22 Forester owner I love your videos! Thanks. 👍

[@killpicklevodka7710]

I hope you’re all doing ok over there. My prayers are with you

[@MeiklesAndDimes]

I enjoy the vlog style repair videos. Not every video needs to be a tutorial.

[@louisc76]

I put the same auto stop/start on my Crosstrek. Love it. Boxer engine is not designed for that dumb system and I see no difference in fuel economy.

[@jaycunningham2723]

Have a 2019 Sport with 55,000 miles. Great info. Thanks!

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Thanks for the video Robert great job. Take care of yourself.

[@charlesbarnhart6984]

My 2018 forester with 77000 miles has to have worn lower control arm bushings replaced, and by default on left side too. Service advisor said this is very common for my vehicle. 759.00 repair bill at dealer. This bushing wear caused vibration and rumbling in vehicle.

[@VOIixiIOV]

I recently had my serpentine belt break. Though it looked good before. It last 48000 km

[@kidwelldavid6136]

Well done and thank you for the video. Seen a lot of good information. 👍

[@alanmohn4146]

Thanks for info on the start/stop device. I will be looking into in to one.

[@ikariku]

Nice video. I didn't know that changing the differential seal was so simple. Thanks Robert!

[@lucid484]

Definitely not in the rust belt! I just replaced my control arm and the ball joint pinch belt snapped in half inside the knuckle. Had to drill it out with a 3/8" bit and use a Grade 8, 3/8" bolt, nuts and washer to fix it. Love the Northeast lol.

[@boginator55]

I had the same thing happen when my ball joint went bad, and after going through all that trouble to salvage the steering knuckle, I couldn't get the ball joint to pop out. Had to order a subaru-specific ball joint extraction tool to break the rust holding it in place. On reassembly, lots of anti-seize. And any non-structural fastener that I have to fight with gets replaced with stainless steel.

[@lucid484]

@@boginator55 Seems like it's always another tool to buy lol. My son came over to help me. We had to heat up the knuckle pretty hot with my MAPP tornch and vary between hitting the knuckle with a ball peen hammer. Then I used a 4 pound hammer and a piece of pie to back down on the control arm.

[@bmwrules28]

Awesome video!! Ugh I just remembered my old “Hawkeye” 07 TR had the same the thing happen with the passenger side CV axel showing a small leak (but it also happened to the driver side) just over 100k miles. Ended up replacing both but The mechanic didn’t suggest/install the new seals as you suggested from this video. No worries about the light/small space/etc. We’ll just pause/rewind and rewatch to learn. With your video, I think I can get this done myself using all OEM parts/tools when it’s time to replace with the Rex (just about to get to 70k miles). Biggest takeaway is to make sure everything is torqued to OEM specs and take the time to inspect/secure all the parts before reinstalling. 👏🏼 Thanks again for sharing and Merry Christmas 🎄 🎅🏻!!

[@tscotom]

y'all need a single or double car garage with a couple of BendPAK lifters. Weather will be no problem for sure. 🙂

[@steverus1336]

To disable the stop start there is a small wire with a plastic connector onthe positive battery terminal, just disconnect it to disable.

[@happyhome41]

Fantastic video. Thank you !!! And good news for me, I think - you refer to "customer" - maybe I can be one too. A guy can hope.

[@abrahamjacenko7326]

I have 2017 Forester XT and l have no lead in my front axis so l have changed them to prevent problems with them to leak

[@JackAgainski]

I had my radio software updated on my 2019 Forester at the dealership. However, if you have wifi at you house you can can update it there as well.

[@rubrey88]

I have never had any luck changing the cv axle seals. They always leak even if following the service manual procedure and pre-lubing it for a better fit. I have had to pray to all saints for my seals on my 2013 legacy to stop leaking after replacing them. Now my differential has a bad noise after driving it for so many miles. No solution but replacing the whole deal.

[@robertb208]

You make it look so easy!

[@walter67435]

I replaced my serpentine belt 4 months ago. 3,000 miles later and the new belt tends to chirp when there's condensation. So for instance, when it's damp and cold out. Sometimes the chirping stops as the engine warms up. Dirt, oil on the belt?

[@thomas735]

I changed my oil today and had to replace the oil drain gasket, but all I could get was a plastic one, bad decision or ok until the next oil change when I get a real metal one from Subaru?

[@carnaubawax9405]

I'm surprised at the struggle with the engine air filter change, and the need to remove the hose and airflow sensor. Is the Forester's engine compartment smaller than a late-model Crosstrek's? I've seen videos of air filter replacements on Crosstreks where they unclip the box, push it backward just far enough to get the old filter up and out, and then put the new filter in without damaging the filter. No removal of hose or sensor. Thanks for the always-great and informative Subaru videos!

[@paulsmallriver6066]

That air filter exchange can be a knuckle buster so I remove the items he did and clean it all. I am accustomed to it after 101,000 miles and I just do it.

[@bradhaughton6698]

I replace my air filter with a K&N in my 2010 Subaru Forester cabin and regular air filter and I had to replace my exhaust system since it rusted itself out with an Invidia® - Q300™ Stainless Steel Cat-Back Exhaust System with a Split Rear Exit and this is one year of ownership of a 2010 Subaru which was purchased in December of 2021. And now I'm having a problem with the car won't start in the winter it cranks over but it won't start and the crazy thing is it happened almost 2 months when I purchase the car as well also in the winter we took it to a Friend mechanic that he work goes to the first diagnosed was an electrical problem but this year is the same problem again and there was something I also noticed the battery was changed the car originally had a battery manufactured from February 2020 now it has a battery manufactured from February 2021. But eventually I will change it for a DieHard AGM battery because I will be doing some upgrades to certain components such as the head unit upgrading the audio system installing dash cam installing backup and front cameras for parking.

[@KimWentworth-y8e]

Wow that is easy to change the Everything belt.

[@markbielawski]

Hmmm... I have the Auto Stop Eliminator from the same company for my 2020 Foz, and it connected under the driver's seat, not over the map lights.

[@malcolmcavalier7849]

You must have the Reverse Automatic Brake option on your car to use the eliminator that installs under the driver's seat, without RAB it's a different part # and installs up by the Eye Site system.

[@alexanderdavis5332]

I’ve been watching a lot of your videos since I’ve recently purchased a 2004 Impreza wagon 2.5 ts 5 speed) I bought it in Fresno Cali and brought it home to Double springs Al.!!! Rear right axle gave out in Little Rock Arkansas! 241k miles (it’s on coil overs and kinda low) I had her piggyback from there to the house. Thank you so much for showing us your knowledge! I have to fix it and then take her to Maryland (I travel for work) I’ve noticed (most) of your videos are for “newer models “ my question is “Can I go by these videos to apply to my model?” I DO understand that there will be some differences, & do you have videos for us old school guys? Thanks in advance and I will continue to watch you for further information and guidance! Sincerely, Southern boy with the west coast Subaru!!

[@timbrown9731]

For anyone wondering what that second screen is in the air box it's a charcoal filter.

[@paulsmallriver6066]

It will clog so frequent washing and drying is necessary or the engine cannot breathe.

[@MrMountainHawk]

Seal can be removed with a plastic trim removal tool to eliminate scratch risk.

[@chuckg6039]

On my 2020 base Forester I had to have a new drive shaft installed at 30,000 miles.

[@JohnBaker3000]

Long time Honda owner, and I'm starting to wonder if our purchase of the (then new) 2018 Subaru Crosstrek Limited was a smart thing to do. I wouldn't expect any repairs to be needed until well over 100,000 miles. Overall it's been good, though finding anyone that will change the spark plugs is a challenge. I may have to do it myself. I hear that it is a pain, and even the Subaru dealers may choose to not change the particularly challenging plug, and only to the three easier ones.

[@normandong4479]

Really skillful and careful work done on this Subaru. Customer has to be pleased with the work. Is this kind of repair frequent or characteristic of Subaru Outbacks? Seriously thinking about buying a Subaru because the AWD makes handling on wet and icy roads safer. Just not sure what model. After a repair like this, does the vehicle need a wheel alignment? Nicely done overall.

[@boginator55]

If you just pop out the ball joints (as shown here) then an alignment is most likely not necessary. Removing the tie rod or separating the steering knuckle from the strut would require an alignment though.

[@Oregonian1]

It's surprising that Subaru didn't fix the radio presets not being remembered bug. I experienced this same issue in my 2018 Legacy. It took a couple of radio software updates but they eventually fixed it. The fact that it still existed in a 2019 Subaru is disappointing. Subaru had a year to fix it. Also, the auto start/stop feature drives me crazy. So glad my 2018 doesn't have that "feature." I see that there are several companies selling devices to set the car to remember the last setting (on/off) of the auto start/stop. If my next Subie has that feature, I will make sure to install one of these devices.

[@dankie44]

I have a similar noise on sharp right turns when load is on the left driver side. Happened right after LCA change. So far have changed 1) Both Driver / Passenger Lower Control Arm; OEM 2) Wheel Bearing; Both D/P Side; OEM 3) Outer Tie Rod; Both D/P; OEM 4) End-Links; Both D/P; OEM 5) Brakes are new from 10k Miles Ago 6) Heat Shield is not Scraping 7) Tires are new Continental DWS Don’t know what else it could be besides the steering Rack Forester XT; 2017 w/ 50K Miles Any ideas?

[@pilot1226]

I love my AutoStop eliminator in my Outback XT!

[@jamesbruno5896]

Nice job as always!

[@keithmcafee1970]

I don’t see any mention of the seal insertion tool. Where would I find one of those? Or is there something else I can use without worry?

[@justinkyle7494]

Hi Mr. Subaru! Thank you for this video. Could you help me with this question? I’ve seen the cv axle done is several different ways. The way you did it and I saw another gentleman take off the castle nut on the bottom of the lower ball joint and then move it out of the way to access the axle. Is that riskier or is removing the pinch bolt to move it better? Thank you!

[@egx161]

Man. That is a workout replacing a cv axle. 👍

[@mulatto928]

Hi mr subaru, like your videos. New subaru owner here. Can you help me on where to get a shop manual for a 2024 crosstrek? Thanks!

[@ns123]

Awesome video, very well explained and shown, thank you!

[@ngc35ster]

Hey, thanks for the video, it's quite fun to watch. I was quite surprised that you don't need too many special tools to get the work done. Although It looks pretty straightforward, I know if I do it, there are one million ways this can turn into a multi-day project. For this type of work, how much does the mechanic charge for the labor typically? Also, do you suggest to change them in pairs if one side fails? Thanks

[@keegandull4254]

Just wondering where I can find the seal installer tool, not finding a good one online at all.

[@richardquade2754]

Hi I have a 2013 Subaru Crosstrek XV limited. 128k miles. Developed a shake. Took it to 3 shops no idea. Took it to the dealer. They had it for a week. 2 diagnoses fees at 180$ a piece. Changed trans mount. No codes. I smell the rubber burnt after pulling it to the garage. I think it’s the CVT. Would a flush help this issue or is it to late. Already spent 1600 so far. Changed tires and rims and H&H springs 1.5inch rise 5 yrs ago after hip surgery to make it alittle easier to get in and out of. Did that possibly cause the CVT to fail.

[@joshmealer7876]

Is the torque the same for a 2018 forester? For the axle nut?

[@yumaclark5239]

For a CVT Forester, what type of gear oil or grease should be used on the axle to help it through the seal? I want to make sure it’s something compatible.

[@ritmens]

Awesome. Could u make a movie what to do if u've got a leak from under that "starish" axel nut? I've got a leak there and have no f. Idea how to do it in a correct way.

[@Erikdoeseverything]

Would the axle seal replacement procedure be the same for a 2017 forester? Great vid!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yes

[@johngiannini4663]

I need advice please, ran thru a large puddle at 10 miles an hr and next day all dashboard lights were flashing on, disconnected the battery touching connections together for 20 sec and all dash lights went off. 2 days later dash lights are on again. Dash screen has shown moisture inside with eratic for 6 months. Any suggestions.

[@danielgallagher8009]

It should be noted that the axle seals are side specific. Not sure of you mentioned that.

[@MrSubaru1387]

I put sides on the part numbers on screen

[@publiomagri9515]

I have a impreza 2.0d and have oil liking from the trasmission probably the oil seal of crankshaft and clutch, some one know how long it's take to change and if is a video of that work??

[@jeromegaces6184]

Is the front drive shaft for driver and passenger side the same part number?

[@thatdave86]

If you had a noisy differential,is there any additives that can help quieten them down Cheers

[@alanlangley7246]

Nice job well done.👍

[@jorgearvizu6328]

Great videos. Thanks . I am looking for video with replacement instructions of rear window switch, 2019 forester

[@DodgerBlue909]

Just purchased a 99 forester sometimes when i turn it on it squeaks, Car does have 170k miles i don’t see a serpentine belt service sticker on the hood, if i change this would that fix it?

[@RichardRubenacker]

We have a 2019 forester and I'm getting different information from dealers I have called concerning the front differential oil. Two dealers told me that it takes 75-90w like the rear dif and the local dealer says it uses the same oil as the cvt. Could you please tell me what you think?

[@morrisdc5814]

id love if youd get a frs/brz and do videos on them!

[@alexvilla3886]

Would you recommend changing both if only one cv axle had a torn boot? I’m thinking of doing both just incase but don’t know if it’s necessary.

[@luisr.p3540]

Can the CV axle make that noise at braking?

[@robertwilhelm1436]

Thx for information on replacing cv axles. Went smoothly. But, speaking of smothly, I am now experiencing some vibrations when I accelerate moderately from 10 to 30 mph. None over that speed that is noticeable but the vibs at lower speeds is bothersome. Any help?

[@hirprimate941]

I installed the auto start/stop eliminator on my 22 crosstrek when I first got it. Worth every penny, such an annoying feature…

[@stevewerner5440]

Any thoughts what would cause vibration when there's no load on the drivetrain? As in coasting, no acceleration or deceleration load on the drivetrain because either make it go away. I'm thinking it's the driveshaft, but I'm not familiar with the symptoms for a CV axle. Excellent videos!

[@funyto]

Here in southern California no rust but is to expensive to live here..

[@Subieej20]

What size in diameter is the tool for the axle seal? It's quite expensive I'm wondering what can I use as a substitute to drive the seal in.