Subaru CVT Front and Rear Differential Service

[@echardcore]

Love the confidence your videos give me. I hate bringing our 2011 Foz and WRX in for service. I always find something wrong when I get it back. Dirty headliner and steering wheel, grease caked on all lug nuts, dinged wheel, etc, etc, etc. No one treats your stuff how you would. Thanks!

[@Dwigt_Rortugal]

Don't you hate that? Man, I want to trust mechanics, but I keep finding things done sloppily, incorrectly, or they'll completely miss something that needs servicing. I don't like working on vehicles, but with critical stuff, sometimes I don't trust that someone else will do it right.

[@napoleonrichardson1346]

Newton meters🤩🥰 like a true technician. My ol lady has a ‘12 outback that I work on. You’re gonna be my go to guy🤘🏽 thank you brother

[@idkwhtimduin]

I have a 2014 this helps out a lot with self services. My oil stop place said they could not get the front differential fill plug off so I will try and attempt this. Thanks for the video more outback videos please!!

[@calcml2005]

Breather tube on front differential 2015 outback . Can fluid can be fill through this?

[@reggaevybzradio1]

@@calcml2005 yes

[@ggrebenyuk]

The rear drain/fill plug are HEX on my 2010 legacy. You make the process so simple. Thank you!

[@neilmiller8900]

We had such different journeys getting the rear diff cracked😂 This super helped get the job done

[@sekaf4125]

Very professional. No messing around. Right o it. LOVE IT!!! Thank you

[@AllenReinecke]

Excellent video. Thanks. Just completed my front and rear diff oil change which hasn't been done in 100K - my bad. At 164k vehicle miles, the oil was super clean, very little black debris on the magnets and minimal shiny stuff in the bottom of the oil pan after settling. Our 2011 Outback has been ultra-reliable, no rust (though that will change now we're back up north!) and still looks great.

[@sashasmail-h6c]

fluid film it!!! that will keep the rust at bay!

[@AllenReinecke]

I use CRC 06026 corrosion inhibitor or Surface Shield.

[@BobMc87]

Very informative! if I remember correctly your brothers is a 2011, mine is a 2010, and the difference underneath is night and day! Mine being from the North of Scotland, is looking quite rusted and corroded, that one looks brand new! Great video!

[@michaeleason6714]

Love my 2011 Outback 2.5i limited. Just swapped out my deferential oil. New struts new oem Subaru front cv axels. Rides like new!!!

[@gregd3551]

Great video. I would never guess that you fill the front diff through a breather tube hole. How covert. Time to do this.

[@antony_12]

Mr. Subaru, thank you, for this excellent video! It turned out the rear diff on my 2019 Crosstrek is the same as here (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.

[@louiscali8617]

An impact wrench is probably how they put it on.

[@sashasmail-h6c]

@@louiscali8617 HAHAHA!! sadly, that is how they tighten all the bolts. can not even get the tires off they are so tight! I always re-torque all the bolts ! can

[@johnsnedekerjr594]

Thank you for showing this I’m going to change all the fluids on a 14 forester I just purchased

[@ChasWG]

With all the hate towards CVTs out there, I'd love to see a video from you all about the CVTs in the various Subarus, including the one in the late model WRX as that one seems different. What's the life expectancy, care and maintenance, are they as bad as people say they are. I ended up buying a 2020 WRX with the CVT and so far I've been loving it. I do a lot of diving on a daily and in a lot of bumper to bumper hwy traffic. So I'd love to know more about them from someone like you that really knows this stuff. Thanks again for more great Subie content!

[@DilanGilluly]

I have a 2020 Forester Sport. I asked the automotive transmissions instructor about them once and he said that they do last if you do proper maintenance, which is a CVT fluid drain and fill every 30,000 miles or 3 years (whichever comes first) for extreme conditions, which includes towing and rapid weather changes like what are experienced here in the northeast. For moderate conditions he said every 50,000 miles. Also you want to make sure to use genuine Subaru CVT fluid, because they do use a specific formula that the aftermarket companies (like Valvoline) haven't mimicked yet. You can get genuine Subaru CVT fluid from subarupartsforyou.com for pretty cheap. My 2015 Forester took 5.6 quarts or something when I had it done on that. (I upgraded to the 2020 mainly because of the 0% APR deal on it) Part number for 1qt jug of CVTF-II fluid: SOA427V1660.

[@DilanGilluly]

That's additional to the diff fluid service shown in this video.

[@jerrydiver1]

And it's not just Subaru, but many brands right now with CVTs. I have a 2013 Forester XT, over 100k miles and trouble free save for one of the wheel's bearing sets. Cross my fingers, keep getting the maintenance done, and Down the Road!

[@fafadfasfa]

I have 2014 legacy with 74k miles no issues. My sister has a 2017 Nissan Altima with 150k miles with a cvt still kicking. (I think she’s silly for not selling the car before the cvt dies) But while everyone worries about cvts…..the results speak for themselves

[@williamevans6522]

17 2.5i Forester CVT> DRAINn filled every 30,000 miles( along with both diffs) 165000 miles to date. No issues.

[@specialized29er86]

wow you a good brother and wow your brother letting you service his car

[@brianrosa9469]

Thats a big deal?

[@chrisbaggesi72]

I'm a Yamaha tech and they use the sealant on the drain and fill plugs as a lubricant , not a sealant . they also list torque like this 16-22 ft lbs , most think that is a range, it is not. the first number is spec with " wet " plug or fastener, the second number is for "dry". the only downside to installing plugs dry if a sealant is recommended is you may have to adjust torque accordingly. I.E. if spec is 16 ft lbs with sealant and you install dry you might be a little light on torque . just a manufacturer crossover thought. the Japanese definitely do things a little different .

[@nmartin5551]

Good tip re: loosening that Rear fill plug first. I would be the person who would make that mistake!

[@VitorVulcanoRossi]

Awesome video, seems very simple! Gonna try it out tomorrow, thanks for all the content.

[@razziade]

A late comment, but how did it go? Any problems?

[@rogerdckwrth]

Good video. Good idea to pull the overflow “show” plug before draining the front diff. Reason is what do you do if you drain and then cannot remove the show plug. Generally for all diffs, remove the fill plug before you drain the diff. Voice of experience 😢

[@sashasmail-h6c]

that is good advice for all fluids. fill pug/cap first!!

[@brucebrantley5692]

I watched this video a before beginning my fluid changes. My 2015 Outback does not have a a fill tube. I was changing both differentials and cvt fluids. The rear diff was no problem. I couldn't find a fill plug for the front diff on the passenger side, but there was a plug a little above and behind the axel on the driver's side. I removed that plug and the cvt fill plug and then drained both fluids. I plugged the front diff and started to fill with 75w-90w gear oil. After two pumps fluid began to run out of the cvt drain. I immediately stopped and opened the diff plug to confirm that fluid was going into the cvt. It was. I did more research, eventually found the correct fill plug, pulled it out and filled the diff until fluid exited the check plug. At that point, I had used 1.5 qts of gear oil, meaning that between .1 and .2 quarts went into the cvt. My expectation is that almost all of it drained out right away. I believe that the amount of possible contamination is so small that it shouldn't matter. Do you have any advice?

[@sashasmail-h6c]

Oh, good luck man. shouldn't be a problem, considering the cvt has 13.2 quarts, but make sure to drain out as much gear oil as possible. might want to change the cvt fluid early, this one time

[@brucebrantley5692]

@sashasmail-h6c Thanks, but I had it towed to Subaru and paid $230 for a CVT flush. I think it would have been fine, but better safe than sorry. Over 40 years as a shade tree mechanic, and I still screw up sometimes.

[@sashasmail-h6c]

@@brucebrantley5692 hey, careful with the flushes, sometimes, if you flush all the fluid at once, can cause the cvt to slip. generally , not recommended to flush them.

[@rustysruger]

Just did my 18 Crosstrek..Pretty much the same procedure except the front fill port has no vent just an 8mm hex plug.. I put Redline 75/85 full synth in mine..

[@excampopa]

FYI: the rear differential plugs on a 2015 Outback 3.6 are 10mm hex or maybe 9mm hard to tell with all the rust and corrosion, but definitely not 13mm square

[@Uzbal]

Had a tech at a dealer tell me I couldn’t fill the Front Diff through the vent tube. I have a 1/4 inch tubing that fits properly over the nipple and fill it that way, so maybe that’s what the tech was referring to. I was skeptical of removing it like you did because of the gasket, but your method seems easier and I will do it that way.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Lot of Subaru dealer tech fill them through the overflow check plug.

[@auto247garage7]

I come from Viet Nam, I love Subaru

[@wankytanky618]

I got the rear diff plugs off using a 2 lb mallet and 1/2 inch drive socket. Soaked with WD40 and used a torch. It took patience. I was able to work with the vehicles tires on level ground. Used teflon tape instead of rtv and didn't torque to spec. Fluid looked clean for 100k. The front diff I reused both washers, didn't torque to spec, plugs were easy to remove compared to the rear diff. Fluid looked good for 100K.

[@wankytanky618]

Im the shiz!

[@razziade]

My dealership quoted me $220+tax for a front and rear differential service. I have a 2019 Forester premium. Boy, they are such a ripoff. Thanks for this video. I will do it myself.

[@RatBonez74]

Mine said $330

[@michaeltorrey3603]

$279 for me. 2016 forester.

[@trekzilladmc]

I went to pick up the new gaskets for the plugs and asked if they use any sealant on the threads, and the shop foreman said that they don't. He even told me that they don't even usually replace the gaskets unless they're leaking. I bought them anyway for good measure.

[@jasonkarov]

Great video, exactly what I needed to know. Thank you Mr Subaru

[@Ilovegods0]

excellent video thanks

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome. 👍🏻

[@infotechsailor]

A like and a sub for You! MR. SUBARU. wish you were local I would take my Subaru to you for service! Hopefully Subaru fans up and down the Carolina coasts learn about you and prefer you for service.

[@sashasmail-h6c]

Ahh.. was thinking the same thing! I SOOO wish he lived everywhere, I would so bring our subie to him

[@51249ca]

be cool if you put the model/year in the notes of each of your videos

[@todtalk3912]

2011 Subaru outback 2.5l auto cvt trans. He says it at the beginning. These were changed in 2010 to def 2014 but idk how much later than that.

[@kalebr1098]

be real cool if you listened to the first 24 seconds of the video before you commented

[@loouis33]

Hi Mr Subaru, thanks for your service videos. Super helpful ! I'm on my first Subaru (and first car!) and it's a 2011 Outback 2.5 limited. So ..... your videos on your brother's car have come very handy ! Quick question : of the four plugs in this video, only the front diff drain plug got a crush washer, is that right ? Would you happen to have the part number on hand ? Thanks again !

[@cpmethod2]

Does the overfill have a crush washer? I know the diff drain plug does have one. Not sure of the over flow front differential.

[@obloj]

Great content Mr Subaru as always. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@Jason_Laster]

For some reason i thought there'd be more to servicing the rear diff...well got me a plan for this saturday then😄 Ty mr subaru👍

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome. 👍🏻

[@KDD8]

@@MrSubaru1387 Wizard I need help!! I have an 04 wrx and the tranny dipstick broke and fell into the tube. I cannot see it and when i throw a magnet down its not doing anything. What should i do?

[@KDD8]

@@Hallowsaw LMAO i did end up getting it out so thanks! The dipstick went through the gears and did not break. It coiled up. I drained out the tranny fluid stuck my figure up and ended up pulling it out with a coat hanger!

[@sashasmail-h6c]

Up north here, I usually tighten them to 3/4 the torque and use some ultrablack on them. because they are so prone to getting stuck up here( rust; my worst enemy)

[@gksmith1951]

Very good info and demonstration....

[@drahkas8526]

I like to put in a bit of gear oil with the drain open to push a bit more of the old oil out. It's probably not a big deal, my OCD tendencies force to me try my best to completely drain the old stuff out. haha

[@nathanhannah9664]

And I thought I was the only such OCD person in the world that does the same thing. I even do same with oil change... will pour about 1/4 quart fresh oil and let that drain out.

[@sashasmail-h6c]

@@nathanhannah9664 hey, nothing wrong about that! its better than not doing it all the way

[@Lttlwing16_]

Wish the FB engines front diff fill plug was this accessible. Couldn't get a funnel in mine when I serviced the front. PITA to pump it in.

[@robertsevigny8256]

Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@adamschaafsma5839]

Do you have a part number on that crush washer for some reason I am having trouble finding a definitive answer.

[@blazetownsend8785]

I used the carquest full synthetic in my subaru manual. It did not like it, I ended up switching back to Eneos. However, my differential did great with it.

[@robertweber3140]

My first notification as a sub. Curious when the last time he had his diff changed? I did my first at 50k and will continue every 50k.

[@nicksmith8166]

I have my diffs and CVT flushed every 60K

[@robertweber3140]

I was told it was best to do the first one at 50k, then every 60k after that. Typo on my part.

[@sf-ds7qr]

I work at the dealer we sell them every 30 but 60 is really ideal. Use original fluid, or iditmetsu fluid.

[@robertweber3140]

@@sf-ds7qr, agree. 8 tried AMSOIL 0W-20 for engine and not as good as the Idemitsu/Subbie oil and as for the riffs, I'll only use Subbie, as they know their drive. AWS systems/DIFFS

[@bkendall315]

First time I've seen you use non-Subaru OEM fluid?! ...any reason?? thank you for all your help!

[@zachwright198]

First off, thanks for all the videos. You have helped save me thousands. In conjunction these three items, I'm doing the rear diff seals and hubs on the back of my 2010 outback. I replaced the diff seals and think I pushed them in to far. Do they go in until they stop, or so the outer ring is flush with the outer most edge of the seat?

[@VideoDreamer]

Very informative video. Could you show how to do a complete drain, pan removal and replacement of cvt fluid on this model. Thanks.

[@paulcousino1664]

that would be a job!

[@sambonilla416]

I have a 2020 Outback I just replaced one of my Axles, clicking sound. I want to change my front differential fluid. Would I need to fill the fluid from the top? I have the 2.5L… Thanks

[@jencidominguez4270]

Hey I like your videos but I’m running to little problem I have a 14 forester 2.5i I need to service my differentials I wanna DIY. I wanna know the part number and quantity of quarts I need for the front and rear diff ? Can you help me out please thank you

[@enriqueperez1268]

Excellent video, helps a lot. Does the 2018 manual transmission for the crosstrek have an overflow plug ?

[@AS768]

Question - i filled up my front diff too high because I didn't know the second plug underneath was a level check. I filled the diff until it was coming out of the fill hole. Just seemed like way too much oil to me, so I didn't drive it until I learned more. Then i watched this because it seemed like a lot of fluid. I then opened the check level plug until it drained out. The excess new fluid drained out fine. The excess new fluid only sat in there for a few minutes and it was not driven overfilled. Am i good? Anything to worry about? 2018 Crosstrek

[@shanenejad]

Thank you for this, very well done. Two quick questions. Is the torque for botht he reear 49 Nm? Also, what's the torque for the overfill front plug?

[@joostverboven4704]

Thanks for the clear video. I have a 2013 Outback, 2.5l with CVT. The check fluid level bolt on the front differential is 8mm hex drive, and both bolts on the rear differential are 10mm hex drive. Do you think I can follow the torque specs given in your video?

[@dap777754]

I could be very much mistaken, and I have a 2014 Outback 2.5 Premium -but my understanding is that the CVT (up front) and the front and rear differentials are two completely different systems. So I'm not getting how you lump CVT and differentials together as if they were one.

[@m240b9]

thanks for the great video. does the front and rear take the same fluids?

[@patriot3431]

Do you have a rear differential cover gasket replacement video? My 09’ forester rear gasket just failed.

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

That gear oil sounded like it had Taco Hell for lunch

[@diegomartins6695]

What size crusher gaskets do I need to do front/rear on a 2020 outback? Thanks

[@Maxx-s7d]

You do excellent videos. Re Subaru liberty 2.5 year 2017.. how many kms before changing front and rear ? Thanks

[@castercyrus9076]

Very informative video sir. Can you please do a video on a subaru crosstrek? I want to do it myself..thank you..

[@MrSubaru1387]

I have a Crosstrek video.

[@ynotsun31]

Great step-by-step video! I assume the process is the same for a 2013 Outback 2.5 CVT?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yes

[@ynotsun31]

Thanks. I noticed that you used the Carquest gear oil. Would any synthetic do including Subaru OEM?

[@momohsen]

Awesome video. Quick question with regards to the crushable washer for the front differential drain plug. Is it the same size as the one for the engine oil pan? Do you have a size or part number for it? Thanks

[@octavioguzman2836]

Quick question after you do a refill on the Transmission fluid do you need to program it I have a 2015 wrx cvt

[@cpmethod2]

Does the front diff overflow have a crush washer? Same size as the oil plug?

[@kheff46]

I normally fill the rear did the same way. Only i don't wait for it to drip out of the fill/ level hole. It's using that fluid to cool itself, fill it full and cap it off. Lasts longer since there's more volume, and it's not gonna damage anything like overfilling the engine would. I do this on tractors, cars, trucks, utv's, etc. More capacity=more cooling capability=longer life and service intervals

[@chesterhunnyhugger6115]

Hey Mr Subaru - Quick question..I know my fill plug on 2014 Forester 2.5i base is hopelessly frozen and probably stripped so with that said, I look at the FSM and it says there's an air breather tube on the differential side and generally about the same location as your Outback's. Could I be missing something or can I fill the front diff thru this hole. I know taking a wild shot on a several yrs old page but what the hell. BTW, I've been trying to find the definitive answer on the whether there's breather on my forester and all I get is questions "why would I ever want to do that" and never an answer. I know you'll know. Also, nice video, in fact, all your videos are great.

[@SammySnead]

If I lived near Mr Subaru I’d buy a Forester XT.

[@Javii96]

Are all the crush washers the same? For engine oil drain plug and the two diffs? Part numbers would be helpful

[@RudyBeckles]

GReat video! can this method be applied to a 2018 Subaru Impreza also? Front and rear service needed

[@MrSubaru1387]

Basically the same

[@raymondjiii]

Great video - thank you. Can you tell me what the torque spec is on the rear drain plug?

[@blueweb00]

Thank you so much for this updated video! Great quality. Could you confirm if the 75W-90 oil needs to be for use limited slip addictives or not?

[@MrSubaru1387]

No additive needed. Just straight gear oil.

[@brianrosa9469]

@@MrSubaru1387 74w90 for the rear and 80w in the front.2009 subie's

[@elnachoote]

@@MrSubaru1387 hi boss . Cuestión for you i heve a 2008 subaru tribeca burn oil you know how to change the pcv valve? O what can i do to fix the issue ? Thank you

[@MrPoppyDuck]

Thanks for an great video!

[@ApesOnDaLooze]

Any advice on taking out the top front diff fill plug on the newer models without breaking your hand when it snaps loose?

[@restonpat]

Mr subaru what is the service interval for a 2003-2008 subaru forester front differential?

[@swormser865]

For 2016 impresa premium sport I got cvt oil But what other oil is used in the transfer cased local parts plays said 75-90 wt hear oil .?… All’s what ise are the rotors on it parts place Gabe me 177 other say sp takedown 194? Thx

[@KhunJH]

'19 OB 3.6 Touring - The front check/overflow 14mm had a slightly smaller washer than the two on the rear diff. Do you know the part number for the gasket on the front diff check bolt?? Thank you.

[@KhunJH]

Same here on an '18 OB 3.6 Touring and just finished this week. I was surprised it was smaller and reused my old one until I can find the correct part #.

[@andrewyeh0811]

I love outback but i hate CVT.

[@flyingmunk8956]

My fill on front diff is a little different. I have a 2014 legacy 2.5 and my fill tube does not have the tube on it. It's a hex bolt that is on passenger side just to the top left of cc shaft

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yup. Just did a video on that style Check recent uploads.

[@xuyuanzhi-e3i]

Hello, do I need to change the washer as what we did when changing engine oil

[@snorlaxTACO]

Is this Subaru gear oil Full synthetic? Looks like its just conventional oil.

[@Iamsnuggles]

Could you do a 2020 differential fluid change?

[@johnselesky8505]

is this the same procedure for a 2016 outback 2.5?

[@raymondjiii]

I couldn't quite hear what you said about the sealant on the rear plug....what type of sealant does Subaru claim should be used?

[@zuhairkhatib6878]

I have 2018 Outback love to see that model done. Notice that call out MT 75w80. There any deference between old model a new model

[@bobschroedter]

Dealer quoted me $198 for differential service and $620 for CVT fluid exchange and reprogramming. I assume the first number is what this video is about, and if so, what in the world is the second quote for?

[@moonpost]

clear and simple tutorial. thank you. do we need to get new gaskets from Subaru when doing this service?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Just the front diff drain plug and overflow crush washers.

[@moonpost]

@@MrSubaru1387 ok, thank you.

[@carloecleo7635]

@@MrSubaru1387 Good day Sir. Do you know the part number or size of the crush washer? Thanks.

[@yigitmert4232]

Hi. I'm prolonging your videos with admiration. 2011 legacy 2.0 causes me to have received the p0700 fault code in my atmospheric pain

[@LoriAverill-h3e]

I actually have a question? Will your Subaru knock if differential fluid needs filled

[@todtalk3912]

I changed my diff fluid yesterday for the 2nd time. I bought a 2010 outback with 104k miles. Did it then. I have 120k miles now and did it again. The first service I used red line. This time, because gear oil is so expensive everywhere, I went to the dealer and got subaru HP gear oil for 9.99 n the cheapest gear oil at auto parts store was about 15 dollars. Insane how much the prices changed in 1 year time.

[@kneepopper94]

Can you do a 2019- 2021 subaru forester next i sae u changed brakes on a 100k fozzy

[@Zb_Calisthenic]

I've got a 17 impreza with 120k miles on it. I don't think Ive ever changed it. Would it be best to change it or leave it?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Change it.

[@kevinrobertson3513]

Hey Mr Subaru!! I am away to tackle this on my 2010 Outback Premium 2.5i in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿, question is what washers or o-rings do i need for all the fill & drain plugs as i cant find part numbers Kevin

[@8avexp]

Where does the other end of that front diff breather hose go? My sister's 2012 Outback is missing that plug and I didn't spot the hose anywhere.

[@ivanpavlovic1]

Hi I have subaru forester diesel 2010, du you know where to find service manual?

[@nomula2]

Where do you check level on a vehicle? any of the "flat" pans on the bottom or is there a better place? thanks

[@clintsturts1179]

Would be curious if you could get some detailed information on the new wrx Subaru Performance Transmission when available. I know they will offer an oil cooler, but I wonder if it's beefier and how much torque it can handle.

[@roberts8783]

My Imprezza 2014 specifies differential fluid changes every 50,000 kms (35k miles). That seems rather frequent, is there some reason Subaru really require changing it so frequently? I'm tempted to leave it longer.

[@michaelanthony5335]

Rtv doesn’t contaminate the oil? Subaru and their innovations lol. Thanks for the video.

[@shadowdestined2992]

Can you mess up your diffs if you do it too late? Like 100K miles?

[@fafadfasfa]

I have a 2014 legacy with 74k miles that’s my baby and I treat maintenance like a religion. I originally planned to keep it until 120-150k but sadly the math suggests to sell it in 2 years in the 90k range.. It’s just not worth risking a costly repair when the car is 10 years old. This is my first Subaru and I really love it but my honda and Toyota didn’t have this bs either…. So it may be my last unfortunately.

[@j_c332]

Anyone know what all is involved in replacing the gasket between the pan and the check plug and how much did it cost roughly. My differential fluid is leaking from there.

[@chuckbarnhart9535]

What should diff oil change interval be? I see that Subaru has no specs for my 2018 forester unless I’m towing. All I do is haul bicycles.

[@thedudeabides6172]

Anyone have a good link to the 2013 Outback diff oil change? I'm sure it's a range of years, just can't seem to find a link to a video - if there is one.