Subaru Crosstrek: Front and Rear Differential Service

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----I assume no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. I recommend safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond my control, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not myself.----

[@user-zl4hk2mz5m]

Hey MrSubaru, I have watched this video probably 100 times (probably more) over the past few weeks preparing to complete the 30k service on my 19 trek. I was dreading the front differential oil change part, but it was actually pretty straightforward. I want to thank you for posting this video & for all the other videos you post. Without this video I would not have been able to complete this. I appreciate all your work putting these videos together. I know it takes time to shoot, edit & upload. I have sent you some PayPal money. It’s not much, but I wanted to thank you other than with words.

[@MrSubaru1387]

I saw the notice. Thank you so,so, much. I greatly appreciate it. Glad you got the job done!

[@VinhTran-lu6gm]

I have a 21 crosstrek are the drain and fill plugs the same exact location as in this viddeo

[@Auser12349]

😮 the person who owned my Subaru before me probably didn't do this either. I have something new to do! Thanks Mr Subaru

[@vincentpagani]

is this still the same for a 2023 crosstrek sport@@MrSubaru1387

[@corw1588]

How similar is this to changing diff fluids in 21 forester??

[@justinturner4850]

A sincere thank you. I own a crosstrek and an STI and your videos have been super helpful for maintaining my cars. No click baity B.S. just clear instructions from an honest professional.

[@MrFrank107]

I own a 2019 STI & 2018 Crosstrek myself.

[@markmalinowski5951]

Just popping in again to say I did this again while watching this video 4 years and 60k miles later... fluid wasn't hardly dirty at all so wonder why some say to do this every 30k. I'll still do it again in another 60k and then I'll be at 180k. My '13 XV is holding up great thanks to your videos!

[@rockbay79]

Mr. Subaru, I really appreciate your service videos. They help some people, like me , more than you know. You see, I'm a Disabled Veteran. Injuries received will forever keep me from performing maintenance on any vehicle. I now have mobility issues. My wife does most of the driving. We bought a brand new 2018 Subaru Forester, and it only has about 5000 miles on it as of today. They extended our Maintenance Contract for a year, for free, due to the low mileage. We both really love this SUV. Your videos help me see and understand what maintenance is required on our vehicle and gives me a very good understanding as to what is involved with any requested maintenance. Again, thank you for all your help and education pertaining to proper Subaru maintenance! :) P.S. Our local Subaru Dealership is Subaru of Little Rock (Arkansas). It is one of the best Dealerships I've ever dealt with in my 59 years!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Great! Glad you enjoy the videos. Congrats on the new to you Fozzy!

[@rockbay79]

@@pennsylvaniacitizen138 Thank you. I'll keep this in mind. I'll most likely have the Subaru Dealership do it for me, since I can't. But, I do appreciate your eye for detail. Thanks again!

[@damienanglin]

Thank you for your service sir

[@christopheromeara986]

I recently changed the Front and Rear diff oil In my 2014 Crosstrek. On the front diff fill plug I use a 24 inch long 3/8 drive extension with a 1/2 adapter. I used a 24 inch 1/2 inch breaker bar to loosen the fill plug. Accessing through the passenger side with the tire off. The front Diff fill plug is the hardest part of the whole job. Due to its location. Great video.

[@MrKnapppj18]

Any ideas on how to crack it loose? It’s so stuck I think the 8 mm hex stripped it out so really not sure how I will get it out

[@garybrady7392]

@@MrKnapppj18 I had a coolant plug on my Ford diesel block strip out and here's how I got it out. I bought a new screw extractor and cut the tapered tip off with a abrasive disc so that the extractor would almost bottom out, meaning that it was slightly larger than the distance between the hex flats. I then welded a short bolt onto the square end of the extractor. This allowed me to use a standard socket to twist it. I then heated the plug with an air-acetylene torch (plumber's torch) for about two minutes. Then I put the extractor in and turned counter-clockwise. The plug came right out. Keep in mind that this engine has a cast iron block, not aluminum. On the Subaru block, I would probably use a heat gun rather than open flame. The danger of fire is low with the diesel.

[@eriku571]

I've heard of people that inadvertantly put gear oil in the cvt instead of the front differential. Thank you for these informative videos to help us perform quality service on our Subaru's.

[@3kkk514]

You are the best teacher you make it simple and i can do it my self after watching this video. Please make more videos on subaru xv/crosstrek.👍

[@Nvp8985]

Awesome step by step instructions for us that desperately need them. Thank you!

[@Chieftain357]

I used an 18inch breaker bar from underneath for front fill plug, no problem breaking it loose. I used Valvoline Flex Fill (squeeze bags) to fill both front and back, worked great. All plugs have gaskets too, had to use razor to get 3 off. Thanks for making these videos MrSubaru.

[@christopherramirez3896]

Just did this today, 78,000 on my 2014 ice silver XV. It went soo smooth. The only thing was I needed another extension to reach that front diff fill 😂😂. That sucker was really deep. And just like you the rear fluid was waayy worse than the front. I’m actually going to flush the rear again in line 1,000 miles just to really clean it up. Thank you so much for all you amazing and informative videos!!!

[@deltabravo1257]

I finally got around to changing my diff oil. at 131k miles, I was amazed at how good it looked. It literally looked like it was changed the day before. I've had my Crosstrek since 48k miles and I've never changed the diff oil until now. The fluid transfer pump you recommended is AWESOME!

[@markh3478]

Great video . Have done many diff and transmission fluid services from Volvo , Mercedes , Ferrari, Nissan to American vehicles . I source my crush washers from Bel-Metric . I prefer the copper material but aluminum are fine , too . In bulk they are about 20-25 cents each . Can actually feel them crush when approaching the torque spec. I usually wipe a little oil on the crush washer to minimize offal from the washer forming on torque. I have a wide selection of washers on hand but always measure the new OEM crush washers ID and OD in order to get the correct ones from Bel-Metric . Usually use the 1.0 mm thickness but when 1.5 mm is only available option these work fine as well . Its a good opportunity to use ATP 205 sprayed on cleaned rubber CV axle boots to keep them supple and protected from salt etc.

[@DL771]

Just performed this service on our 2016 Impreza and rewatched this tutorial as a refresher (thank you again!!) With regards to the front diff, a lot of people have said that the fill plug was extremely hard to break loose. I was able to easily get that off with the aid of a Grip Edge RPT bit. The T70 torx drain on the other hand was extremely difficult. I ended up using my hydraulic jack handle as a breaker bar since my regular breaker bar couldn’t do it. I’m guessing the last person to touch it (a Subaru dealer) went to town on it and overtorqued it quite a bit.

[@mistermasada1829]

Thanks for such a detailed how-to video. I will be doing this on mine next week. Really appreciate the Crosstrek specific videos.😁

[@quiquesierra76]

I’m great full for this video , I had accomplished the service on both differential today ! Thank you very much for the help you provide to the Subaru community, everything was exact how you said, the only difference because the year of my car (crosstrek 2018) was the size of the bit for the front differential drain plug (T70) then everything was perfect! Even the parts number to buy the o-rings at the dealership.

[@cannabisanomaly]

what size was the torx bit for the front differential drain plug for your 2018 that you used?

[@arceor794]

Performed it for the first time on my daughter's 2018 Crosstrek with 39k miles. Other than the factory over-tightened check and fill plugs, it was fairly easy. Tightened per spec. Next time should be even easier. Adding savings to the Save-O-Meter.

[@promisedlandadventures3617]

so I also have a 2018 crosstreck and did not find the front differentia plug. researched and still couldn't find any documentation it looks like there is no front differential. I suspect it's part of the transmission fluid, not gear oil. can you clarify? what am I missing?

[@arceor794]

@@promisedlandadventures3617 it's definitely there. Front fill plug is on the passenger side and drain plug is on the underside.

[@haywardkong1213]

@@promisedlandadventures3617 was your's manual or CVT? I believe this video only Applies to CVT Front Diff and Rear Diff,

[@Abucody]

I have seen videos on how to change differential gear oil and by far Mr. Subaru makes it so easy and he’s the best. Thanks Mr. Subaru.

[@jeffr8282]

Thank you! The side plug was in super tight. I adapted the 3/8 8mm key to 1/2 inch with a breaker bar. The torque I had to put on it was frightening. I didn’t mess with that on the bottom plugs, just used air.

[@DrSmith672]

It’s nice hearing the birds in the background. 😄🥰

[@Mrscrapiron5]

I was in a shop the other day having some tires mounted. They are also an Amsoil dealer and while I was paying, I saw that Amsoil sells 75-90 oil in a flexible pack like those foil juice packs that kids drink. The time and hassle and mess you'd save not having to use the syringe thing would be considerable.

[@ryanwhite2098]

I've used them, they aren't worth it, just buy a pump that doesn't leak and you'd be much better off.

[@joemikey278]

Thanks! Another great video! I always wondered how to do this, I have a 2009 outback 2.5 NA, I’ll have to check the specs to see the differences, but thanks for going through the procedure!

[@MrSubaru1387]

09 will be far easier in front. You have a dipstick on the left of the transmission to check and add the gear oil. No having to pump it in. My older video on the channel covers your 09.

[@kratos7678]

Great info thanks. Just got a 2021 Crosstrek. I’ll save this video for future maintenance.

[@JRHAWK9]

If I'm not mistaken, for the front diff, you need to replace both the fill and check plug crush washers (or what Subaru calls gaskets). They are the same part number as the ones for the rear diff. So, you would need: Rear Diff: 803918060 x 2 Front Diff: 803918060 x 2, 803926090 x 1

[@gram8821]

I’m guessing that the gaskets are the same on a 2021 Crosstrek?

[@mal798]

That's correct for the front diff. For the rear diff, you may not need any washers depending on the type of plugs you have. My 2013 plugs are like massive grub screws, they just thread in until they lock up. Like a pipe thread. There's no flange.

[@douglasadams1105]

Thanks for the video. It made it easy to gather the right tools before I started. I changed the fluids in our Crosstrek this weekend and it was a breeze know the process before I got started.

[@johnreese3762]

I feel warm and fuzzy all over! Thanks!!!

[@deltabravo1257]

My Crosstrek is in the shop getting warranty replacement of the CV axles. I asked the price to changed the diff oil when they called me today, they want $190. That price is INSANE for 30 minutes of work considering the car is already on the lift.

[@mal798]

In my country, the washers alone cost almost that, let alone oil and labour.

[@SmartphoneGenius]

Always always always take fill plug out first! Particularly that front one. I had one hell of a time removing it. Felt like it was welded on. And that was from the factory. Made the mistake of removing drain plug first and then spent over an hour cursing and ranting while I tried every trick in the book to remove the fill plug. Did eventually get it removed but that could have been a bad situation with the diff drained and no way to put fluid in.

[@Chris-si5pc]

Happened to me too.

[@r1ashad]

I did this along with the CVT fluid change, thanks a ton!

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome 👍🏻

[@cambviet]

I changed my front and rear diff fluid this morning, I just sat down to rest, and this video pops up. Strange....

[@MrSubaru1387]

I read your mind. 😂

[@richardsali1954]

Hello Mr. Subaru. I just found your KZbin series, and would like to thank you for this great resource. I am a new Subaru (Crosstrek) owner, and I agree with you entirely. Maintenance is the key. And who better to do this than the person who has the most money invested in this vehicle in the first palace, ME. Would you consider doing a show on the A and B maintenance requirements putting a little bit more focus on the brake inspection/service. I believe that the front and rear differential is covered in one of your other videos. I do live in an area where the roads are just terrible about a six months of the year, which again justifies the need for a focus on maintenance. Thanks again Richard

[@steveswensen3116]

Hey MrSubaru, thank you for all you share w/ the Subaru community; you've motivated me to keep & continue learning on my 2014 Crosstrek! Since I don't expect you to have time to read & answer every ?, I'd like to ask the greater audience here: would a pneumatic or even a manual fluid extractor be a smart resource for most fluid exchanges on a '14 Trek? Ty!

[@amoni1959]

Terrible fill plug location. Great vid.

[@jonlarge]

Yeah. Not sure why Subaru would get rid of the relatively accessible fill plug setup they used on the front differential for several years. It does seem likely they're trying to make their vehicles more reliant on dealership service centers and less accessible to the weekend mechanic.

[@802Garage]

@@jonlarge I would doubt that's it considering the added cost of doing it this way. I'm sure an engineer had a reason. Besides, this doesn't require any special tools and it's not exactly difficult. If they wanted dealers to do it they would design a special wrench like Euro brands. :P

[@micahmoore3997]

You can also pump fluid directly up from the check plug on the bottom, that is how we fill these at the dealership as it is much easier to access. Once its full just let the excess drain out and its good to go- easier to do and harder to confuse as there are two ports, one on either side of the diff, and only one actually fills the diff( have had customers do this service themselves or had jiffy lube do it and destroy the diff by filling in wrong location and driving with no gear oil in the diff

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yup. Seen it done before on the Subaru techs FB page. Lol

[@MrSubaru1387]

I've gotten a lot of horror stories from people on servicing CVTs and the front diff. Haha

[@timbrown9731]

Yes sir I sure agree on the front transmission torques bit, that sucker was on there at least on mine I can’t believe how much torque they do these fasteners from the factory!

[@tomfriedman6711]

thank-you for this video! Did it last night. Fill plug up front was torqued to infinity from the factory. Broke my 8 mm trying to get it loose. I needed better quality tools anyway. The rest of the job was a breeze after that.

[@cannabisanomaly]

i stripped the fill plug trying to get it loose. ugh. any suggestions on what to do now? any tips on how to not strip that in the future? it felt like i didn’t put THAT much pressure on it for it to strip so easily

[@SubieGal]

Im having trouble loosening the fill plug as well. I’m Scared of stripping it. I’m gonna try again tomorrow.

[@cannabisanomaly]

@@SubieGal I noticed you can take off that plate that's fixated with six bolts underneath where the diff fill plug is to get better access to it. I also heard you can use a torx bit and that might have a little bit better grip than a hex bit will, but haven't tried that. My plan is to use a grabit on it to try and get the stripped plug out. If that doesn't work, I'm going to use a center punch and mallet to drive it off. Look up Dorman M18-1.50 oil drain plug (090-042CD). Supposedly that plug can replace the hex bolt and make it a ton easier to get off in the future. I'll let you know once I replace it with the Dorman if it does indeed fit or not. I should get to it in a few days

[@cannabisanomaly]

DO NOT order that Dorman oil plug replacement. It’ll screw in about a quarter of the way and then you’ll need to really tighten it in there to get it to fit, possibly stripping the internal threading. You’re better off just ordering another 8mm hex bolt to replace the stripped one with. Oh and I also got the stripped 8mm hex bolt off by using a similar sized torx bit! Didn’t even have to use any other method to remove the stripped bolt. Hope this helps anyone who’s freaking out about them stripping their hex bolt

[@willmcgregor7184]

Passing along info. We have a 2016 Crosstrek with 5 speed transmission. Fill on front Diff/transmission is a grey dipstick on passenger side. Rear Diff-Subaru told me there’s no washer/gasket on drain/fill plugs which are 1/2”/10 mm square. I haven’t changed the oil on the rear Diff yet, so I can’t confirm re washer. Thanks for the video.

[@joes7930]

I just changed mine at 60000 miles. 2016 crosstrek. Had the shop do it. Kinda pricey. But all car stuff is pricey now. Also had brake fluid replaced (every 30000 miles). Also mice chewed my rear washer fluid hose. Bastards. My brakes are still good! 60000 miles ! Looking to do cvt fluid change next. Advice?

[@treborg777]

Thank you very much for this video. The detail is excellent. I had to read off the gasket part numbers to the Subaru parts guy because he couldn't find them in the system (he was a new hire). A couple of comments: First time working on a Subaru (2020 Impreza), I had problems finding the front metal plate jackpoint to put the vehicle up on jackstands. It's quite a ways back from the front bumper, and the vehicle's low stance made it difficult to spot the jack. I gave up & raised each side of the vehicle on the pinchweld just below the back edge of the front doors & put the jack stands at the nominal jack points. I didn't see any damage to the pinch welds due to this. I could not get the upper fill plug out on the front diff. I resorted to a 300 ft-lb electric impact wrench with impact extensions without success. How do you get such bolts out of the block? I ended up refilling the front diff thru the check port on the bottom, which I saw another KZbinr do. It worked out, I put in about 1.5 qts of fluid before it started flowing out steadily. The Mityvac tool worked great. It gets pretty slippery when working underneath the vehicle.

[@Intrusionstm]

Thanks for the video, this is so much easier than mechanics make it seem

[@castercyrus9076]

i will try this on my subaru crosstrek. thank you sir. awesome!! more videos please

[@jasonschraut4554]

19’ crosstrek 6sp manual: I’m torn between diff/tran oil brand/type. I’m sure you’d say just use OEM. But, many Subi forums talk up how great Motul Gear 300 is, and how they feel an improvement with shifts. Confused by: - Service manual stats GL-5 oil (which seems for LSD) - Learned that the Crosstrek front differential case is also shared with the manual transmission. (Oil lubricates both) - Read GL-5 isn’t good for the synchro’s in manual transmissions due to the friction modifiers additives. -So, information out there seems to say GL-4 is best for manual transmissions (and open diff’s), and GL-5 is best for LSD’s. …that sound correct? In your opinion: - I think you’d simply say just use OEM oil, and I see you have a link. - Will switching to Motul Gear 300 harm anything?? (it’s listed as a GL-4 / GL-5) - Does the Crosstrek differential have LSD? - …or, does it have clutch packs in the differentials? - …anything that requires the GL-5 friction modifiers? - Some Subi forums members claim that Motul is specially formulated for Subaru’s… any truth to that?

[@gerberh905]

Great video, well explained and great information. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@rdyfrrr5862]

How do i lift my '22 subaru impreza on to a jack stand? I wanted to know where to use my jack lift both front and back. I appreciate all your vids. Very informative!!! Thanks you so much.

[@drazenkucuk5277]

Quick questions, i have a 2017 crosstrek and just came back from the dealer and they say there is no drain plug washer of any sort in the rear and the front either...so i am asking if thise crush washers you have posted on this video description are the correct ones for the job amd i would just need the 3 that are in this video. Please let me know if i can order them separately and where. TIA...And also the videos are a lot of help for us self doers, greatly appreciated.

[@kimlground206]

Very informative video. My 'local' Subaru dealer can not find ANY of these seal washers in their parts book, and you have not provided the part number for the front check plug. Front fill plug apparently does not get a washer ? Do you sell these washers on your website? Maybe you could make up a kit, since most folks will be doing this and the manual transmission all at the same time at 30k intervals. Edit: after further discussion with subaru dealer it turns out that some of the washers may not be required in 2013, according to specific vin number. Also worth noting: on the manual transmission car, when you drain or fill the front differential (fill through dipstick - again maybe inly for some vin numbers) - you are also doing the transmission as they share the same oil.

[@dp5383]

Oof! Subaru recommends this be done every 30k. Thanks for this!

[@tylerusner6211]

It's actually 60k based on some Google searches. I lost the link when my chrome decided to clear itself. I had a full maintenance schedule from a subaru tech that said dealer info isn't accurate

[@raymondjiii]

Another great Mr. Subaru video. Thank you.

[@ataylor992]

How necessary is replacing with plugs/gasket seals? Or is that just for good measure.

[@jabird212]

I changed my crosstreks diff fluid recently. It wasn't hard, but I definitely struggled to get the front fill plug off... So much so that I might have stripped the plug a little. I basically pumped my new fluid in through the check plug

[@davekal]

I literally just did this as well. Midway through the job... Might have to try this. Gotta love rusty old cars... Has everything been good to go since filling through the check hole?

[@dant3113]

Thank you so much for this video. Please please make a video on how to replace engine mounts on a crosstrek 🙏. Seems like an impossible job

[@IndianaDiy]

I seen that in a couple places 75-90 but as an option 75-140 can be used also, I assume for different climates.

[@mainman123ification]

Thank you Mr Subaru you just saved my ass from getting fired from my job .

[@DidioFRodriguezLee]

Mr. Subaru tour video Is clar and very helpfull. Thanks a lot. 👍👍👍

[@tommywallbanger]

Great video. I have to do this on my 2013 and you made it look super easy and thanks for describing the steps in such detail. How often should the fluid be changed?

[@DSB1234567890]

The maintenance manual for my 21 impreza states every 30k miles, but that's likely overkill if you use synthetic fluid (the Subaru fluid is conventional). Most of what I read says that you should change the factory fluid between 20k-30k, and if you use synthetic you're good until 100k miles.

[@misterfignewton4395]

Thanks sir. Now to find where the crush gaskets are sold. Subaru dealer only?

[@bigharrybikerbear663]

What gear oil can I use for this? There's no Subaru dealer nearby. Will synthetic Valvoline or Mobil 1 75w-90 suffice or must I order the OEM stuff for twice the price? Thanks for the super informative videos!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Mobil and Valvoline are fine.

[@ironman1518.]

Thank you Mr. Subaru great explanation! Question please could you show where and how exactly you placed the jack stands on the car, please? All jack stands i have or have seen do not have a deep enough "cut/valley" on the holding platforms to put the thin steel "jack points' for the OEM jack. If I lower the car onto the jack stand top it will flatten the thin steel piece where the OEM jack goes. I hope I make sense, thank you!

[@johnathansmith3819]

A Forester 2002 Subaru, OWNS me. It also produces a low frequency, non metallic wobbling-humming noise coming from the rear diff.; I believe the left side. Last it was checked, the especial high density gear oil was replaced. I wish I could have added some Molybdenum Bi-sulfide (aka Moly) but I was unable to get. Question: what's next: shimming, adjusting, or simply new diff.? Could it be I am wrong and the problem is the brake caliper or something like that? These days everyone takes the 'easy' road. Suggestions, Mr. Subaru?

[@stephaneaudette6665]

Verry good explanation. Thank you very much

[@krisb.8702]

Just got back from the subaru dealer for front and rear differential fluid and they used 75w-140 in the front and rear. Also 224$ for the fuid/gaskets and another 180$ for labor. Not sure why they chose the 75-140 over the 75-90. I'm in Maryland in late November. 2015 Crosstrek HV Limited.

[@morrislopez9905]

Thank you! Love the torque wrench with the swivel head. Uff!

[@jeffuy458]

Thanks man. Here in Philippines this helps alot. God Bless you brother!

[@VideoNOLA]

Pennsylvania: "Oil" South Caroline: "Oh-wee-uhl" Louisiana: "Earl" Texas: "Ole"

[@Paoloskyxrd]

Subcribed, thanks for this vid. I’m gonna have to service my diff next week

[@frank3450]

MrSubaru, awesome and thorough videos. Question I'm hoping you can answer. For a 2017 Forester 2.5i CVT fluid drain and fill service, will it require a dealer-level scan tool to reset any electronic settings or parameters? I'm looking to DIY a transmission fluid drain and fill soon and want to avoid going to a dealer. I have the factory service manual and it doesn't require any scan tool resetting, but the Subaru Parts Dept told me last time it does. Can you clarify? Thanks again.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Only need the scan tool to monitor the trans fluid temp. The AT learned parameters and AT learning do not need to be performed for a fluid replacement only.

[@comeoll]

Hello, thank you for sharing your knowledge, I wanted to ask you if by chance I made a mistake and poured the fluid on the driver's side instead of the left side, would that fluid go to the transmission and what would you recommend I do?

[@marksmith1012]

Another great video… Quick question though… I have a 2018 crosstrek. Are the drain, fill and check plugs all in the same location… Procedure identical to your 2013?

[@haywardkong1213]

should be the same with the TR580 Trans,

[@SpeedStik]

Great video, rear diff was so simple as it should be. Front diff caused me issues, the damn 8mm fill plug stripped out. I guess I'll be filling it up through the overfill plug. If only they used a regular 12 or 14 mm bolt instead of a hex.

[@cannabisanomaly]

did filling it up through the overfill opening work? same boat as you; stripped the hex socket on the front fill plug

[@SpeedStik]

@@cannabisanomaly Yup it worked well. Just added a little more then capacity with a big fluid syringe.

[@MrKnapppj18]

Did you guys attempt to get it out at all? If so, what did you try?

[@SpeedStik]

@@MrKnapppj18 nah I didn't bother. It worked fine filling through the overfill.

[@pilot1226]

I can smell the gear oil coming through the screen. Lol.

[@robertlajos7094]

Hello Mr. Subaru, I changed the gear oil in both my front and rear differentials. I did this work on my garage floor which is level, and the car is at ride height. The front diff used 1.35 qtrs., however the rear diff used nearly an entire quart before overflowing from the fill hole (?). The spec is 0.8 quarts. In your video you level your Crosstrek because of the uneven ground, however in this case the rear suspension is extended, and the diff is pitched downward by a few degrees probably using less gear oil to refill. Your comments would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob

[@antony_12]

Mr. Subaru, thank you, for this excellent video! Interestingly the front diff in my case also had much darker oil, although it was serviced (I hope so, as it was done by the dealer) at the same time as the rear diff last time. Could it be because of the torque split between front and rear, with front diff working “harder”? It turned out the read diff on my 2019 Crosstrek is Type T - the one that does not use metal gaskets. It was a real pain to take these plugs out. At the previous service (at Subaru dealer) some 600 lbs gorilla had a real go at them, in addition to applying sealant to the threads. Even 18” breaker bar did not help. I ended up using impact wrench to take out the drain plug. For all DIYers, jack up your car as high as you can (and safe!), so you have good room to work there. Use taller bucket to catch the oil. Gear oil is not fun to wash off, and it’s smelly. I ended up splashing it all over myself with the shallow catch pan when I opened the front diff.

[@dougsweldingfabrication953]

4:14 Dooooop I did the same thing when servicing my Subaru diffs

[@J0hnd03ph]

Awesome video. How does it differ on my 2015 Legacy diff fluid changing?

[@bradq2769]

Thank you, thank you, for making awesome Subie videos.

[@chrisedwards1163]

I have a 2013 Outback 2.5 cvt, would the locations and procedure be the same as the crosstrek? Thank you love your channel, I subscribed

[@donaldfranklin4796]

Great video, this sure makes it easy. What type of gear oil do you use? Thank you for your help!!!

[@MrSubaru1387]

In this video, Subaru 75W-90. Have used Carquest or Valvoline in the past.

[@Arrowslinger123]

How often should you service this? My crosstrek is right at 44 thousand now.

[@zhallquist28]

Your videos are great! Thanks for posting

[@TheLazyCarrot]

Speaking of the Cross Trek. Recall of all 2019 Subaru’s except for the Cross Trek. For the fuel pump.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yup, saw that the other day.

[@TheLazyCarrot]

MrSubaru1387 Yea dealer doesn’t not know what the problem is yet and no pumps.

[@jilliann801]

Getting my diff fluid changed as we speak. Some say changing the CVT fluid at 60,000 is recommended, but do you believe it should be changed at 30,000 on a 2024 Crosstrek?

[@jordanwalter4381]

It would be nice if you posted how many miles on the service. IE, 30k on diff fluid.

[@user-mn7go1qt7r]

Hey Mr. Subaru. Would this video serve useful for doing Diff service on a 2013 Forester?

[@tomsutherland3438]

MrSubaru1387 my 2018 Crosstrek cvtlooks different than that.the "check" plug is not mark on the casting and that plug looks LOWER than the drain plug. Im putting this off till i am sure....

[@wes2460]

I am looking at a used 2017 Crosstrek its millage is kinda high 130k but its in mint shape and has been well cared for and I cant beat the price.I worry about having another Cvt transmission. Lubegard cvt fluid saved my 2018 Maxima that and I don't see how that car is still running with 250k miles on the original transmission, when I got it at 140k the transmission was slipping. Ever sense I changed the fluid to Lubargard Cvt, put a cooler in it and keep changing it every 35k it worked perfect and I ragged that car out,LOL .. I will change that Crosstrek to Lubegard fluid they make the best Auto fluid by far but I am a little confused. Is the front differential totally separate from the transmission? Most front wheel drive /all wheel drive cars transfer case and transmission is all in one unit but I have never had a Subaru , I have always been a Japanese car always save for a brief Audi/Vw cars which was a nightmare and will never go back that road. I have been warned that when or if you have to use a spare tire to go straight to the tire place and get it fixed fast. Something about tire size and runied clutch pack from different size tires .I travel alot and need a Awd car and Honda Awd crv suck in the winter bad ..

[@djorkode1]

Liked the video then started watching it 😎.

[@MrSubaru1387]

♥ Much appreciated.

[@mariojersf]

Nice video. I have a crosstrek 2022 e-boxer (XV) here in Brazil and would like to know of is the same differencial and plugs for the e-boxer model. Thank you

[@closvidal]

I just did this on my 2019 impreza sport wagon. I had to use a swivel to align the extension when I took off the wheel. The extension does not land directly on the 8 mm hex bit because the engine firewall is in the way. The Crosstrek body sits higher then the impreza i started looking around and thats the reason anyone doing it on the impreza body will need a swivel. It was a pain to remove i suggest to spray some wd40 or something to help penetrate the edgest of the plug before attempting to remove it. Someone to help hold the tool in place to avoid stripping the hex plug.

[@DL771]

Thank you for the video. Is it safe to say that the steps outlined in this video work for a 2016 Impreza 2.0i?

[@haywardkong1213]

Any Subaru that has a TR580 transmission,

[@kevinmohammed]

Thanks for this! Just curious.. to get to the fill plug on the front diff from the right front wheel well ... What is the length of the extension that you used?

[@kaliguy47]

Geez, that front fill CrAcKs lose!!! Thought I broke something- All good, thx Mr. Subs. Worst part is jack stands..

[@trieunguyen5897]

The fill plug is a pain to open. I even try the 1/2 breaker bar but the sucker didnt even budge. So i force to fill the oil from the over flow hole instead.

[@garygallant-6969]

Thank you for great info in this video.

[@topgunatv]

There are 3 plugs on the front diff yet you only reference 1 replacement seal. Are they all 3 the same size? Love watching your vids Mr Subaru. Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@markmalinowski5951]

Great timing, I'm gonna do mine in a week or so

[@tailgatorsflorida]

Hello MrSubaru, I'm wondering if you ever faced a stripped check/fill plug on the front differential of a crosstrek? I have a 2014 crosstrek, and when I went to tighten the check/fill plug, I ringed out the threads while tightening. the car has 200k miles on it, so I'm thinking of just draining the oil in the diff again, and cleaning up with brake clean, what threads are remaining and using high temp rtv, and crank the plug in snug and let it dry, and see how it goes. I was also wondering if you have ever seen a longer plug, as I stuck my pinky in the check/fill cavity, it seemed like the hole went up, a lot further into the diff, than the plug is long. I'm thinking the longer plug could grab threads further up in the diff and i can actually tighten it, and seal it.

[@bmanboogie]

Thank you for the video... I noticed that on the video, you mentioned 8mm & 10mm hex tip. It seems like you used Torx tip on the fron drain and rear drain... Is it better to use Torx tip instead of hex? If it is, what is the equivalent size Torx tip for 8mm and 10mm? My car is a 2016 Subaru Impreza Sport Limited wagon Thanks again

[@MrSubaru1387]

They're hex, not torx. My hex sockets are MAC RBRT. They look like torx, but aren't. Special design that won't strip or round out stuck tight hex fasteners.

[@bmanboogie]

@@MrSubaru1387 thank you for the response. I hope a normal hex tip will not strip the plug. I will order the T70 torx tip through the link you posted. Thanks again

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome.

[@quiquesierra76]

I used this video to learn how to change the rear and back differential on my crosstrek 2018 with a cvt , so the only different one it’s the front drain plug with a t70 bit . The rest of the both differential are 8mm hex .

[@quiquesierra76]

MrSubaru1387 thank you by the way for the videos you do here , I really learned a lot , now I can keep my Subarus on top with most of the maintenance that I’m able to do .

[@trippr516]

Hey MrSubaru! Your video helped me change my Crosstrek front diff this weekend. One thing maybe you can give me insight... I tried to remove the hex fill plug. That thing was tightened by Satan himself! It ended up getting stripped Instantly!!! I saw you have so many videos about mactools RBRT. I ended up buying their hex set. I am going to use the hex to try and remove the stripped fill plug and place a new one in its place. With these RBRTs....can I use them instead of my normal hex/t-70 fasteners, on non-stripped bolts? I just don't want to ever run into stripped another Subaru bolt ever again. Just unsure if RBRTs is safe to use on nonstriped bolts

[@larryborkstrom3580]

Thank for the torq spec

[@dungdo3467]

After video Everyone know how’s to do themselves,all garages hungry 🤤

[@carminafiguracion7619]

Can u write down the list of the tools I need, I know u said it but I’m having hard time hearing

[@jkxss]

Same procedure on the 2016 Forester non-turbo.