Subaru Front & Rear Differential Service / Fluid Change

[@MrSubaru1387]

This is a Front and Rear differential service, NOT Center Diff. Center diff was a typo. The center diff is inside of the automatic transmission and serviced when the ATF (automatic transmission fluid) is replaced. Sorry for any mix-up or confusion.

[@MrSubaru1387]

@@williamperri3437 front diff is part of the transmission. Changed as an assembly. No one I know splits them and replaces just the front diff. Could be a CV axle or wheel bearing. Rarely do I see diff issues, unless they ran it low or out of gear oil. Check the dipstick on passenger side marked diff. Yellow stick, under air box, near firewall.

[@Zataxx]

was this done on an automatic?

[@jae9545]

@@MrSubaru1387 Mr. Subaru, @MrSubaru1387 Mr. Subaru, I like to open this by sharing with you that I am extremely new at this mechanics stuff SO if you could please excuse any seemingly Ignorance on my part... that would be appreciated and quite cool. I have a couple of questions here. One is what are the tools, sizes and torch numbers used for both the front and rear differential jobs and for dropping the pan, moving the other parts over( that you mentioned in your video)and changing out the transmission Filter and fluid on my 2001 SUBARU LEGACY OUTBACK 2.5 LITER AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. MY SECOND QUESTION IS WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD ÇÀUSÈ A ETCHED CIRCULAR PATTERN AT THE TIP END OF MY DIFFERENTIAL DIP STICK‽

[@Noxious922]

I thought center diffs are only found on 5 speed manuals transmissions hmmm.. I have a 2001 2.5rs that has whining coming from the gear box that has gotten louder. Also binds up and clicks in parking lots. Haven't changed the oil since I got it 2 years ago.. It's got 180k miles.. Praying it just needs oil.. Otherwise I'll need to swap in a new center diff.

[@jerrywright3397]

I'm having some problems how can I get a hold you I've wanted too speak to you for about a month now idk how too talk get up with ya phone number private message email what?

[@jimseviltwin1]

Great tutorial; no long-winded BS editorials. My 2 cents: When servicing the rear differential, make sure to loosen the fill plug first before you remove the drain plug; if you drain the fluid and then learn you aren't able to refill the differential, you will be screwed.

[@thundergun15]

Yeah definitely smart idea if you live somewhere that gets rust which you mostly do with a subaru

[@itftcomputers]

I think he removed the fill plug first, which is a smart enough to let the air in and this way it would drain quicker as well. What he didn't do is didn't remove the dipstick before removing the drain plug up front - try it next time -)

[@TheGeoEngineer]

literally screwed. and not unscrewed...

[@OutsideTheTargetDemographic]

@@TheGeoEngineer I see what you did there...

[@jae9545]

Great poiñt

[@japandata]

You had me at "inappropriate sounds".

[@MrSubaru1387]

+The_Monk_Weee! Hehe

[@basscasemusic]

hahahaha yes!

[@spaldingclan1]

Best part

[@Robofish12]

I just did this job on my 2000 Outback and honestly, I lost it every time I squeezed the bottle to fill up the rear differential. Under a 2 ton car giggling like a child because fart jokes are still funny.

[@darkclouds27]

There's a peacefulness from watching your videos with just the sounds of gravel, birds, tools, and no talking. I've watched this twice and need to have this done on my 2002 Subaru Outback. You make it look so simple. Can I borrow your jack, jack stands, oil ramps, and that tool that has the torque sensor?

[@MrSubaru1387]

+fRiGhTfUl glad you enjoyed the video. Some auto parts stores do have a loaner tool program. Might be worth looking into.

[@darkclouds27]

Ya, they are relaxing to watch for sure. It'll probably cost just as much to borrow the tools as having to take it in for service but thank you for mentioning it. I took it to Subaru today because of a clunking sound coming from my front passenger side and googled and googled. It only starts up once I've driven it for awhile and it's warm and only when making hard turns like a U-turn. Some forums I read said it's the differential fluid that needs to be replaced. Does that sound right? Subaru replaced the inner CV boots since they were torn and that's what I originally thought was the clunking sound so I have an appointment with Subaru next Thursday. Thank you for any input from Northern California. I really appreciate it.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+fRiGhTfUl if the cv axle boot was torn and the noise is most prevalent turning, I'd say it's a bad cv axle. Hard to say though. Could be a few different issues.

[@darkclouds27]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. My brother thinks the same thing.

[@cameltoeinspector6015]

you nailed it brother ...so true,i love Mr.Subaru videos ....they often rock me right to sleep

[@kadaj0073]

Thank you for your videos. Me personally, I'm trying to save money and learn how to do a lot, if not all, maintenece at home. So far, all I've done is a semi-successful oil change. I'm hoping doing differential fluid changes are similar, if not the same as doing so on a 2017 Impreza. Thanks again for your videos, you're doing the world a kindness.

[@Lonewlf7676]

Just a tip that might make things easier. In hard to fill instances (such as the rear diff on this) I've found that using an outboard motor lower unit fill pump comes in QUITE handy! It's basically just a plastic hand pump that screws onto your oil bottle, and has a pickup tube down inside and a short length of hose on the discharge end. I think it was like $12 at Wal-Mart.

[@TheMrFlyBoy18]

Lonewlf7676 what is the item called?

[@Lonewlf7676]

@@TheMrFlyBoy18 Outboard motor lower unit fill pump. www.walmart.com/ip/Quicksilver-8M0072133-Gear-Lube-Pump-Outboard-or-Stern-Drive-3-8-16-Drain-Plug/17165291?wmlspartner=wmtlabs&adid=22222222222009846667&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=10363711215&wl4=pla-1105701276779&wl12=17165291_0&wl14=outboard%20motor%20lower%20unit%20fill%20pump%20walmart&veh=sem&msclkid=4749e95ac7f61db7e44eb7f17078aaa4

[@eggpod4567]

Thanks! There's so many things that I need to do on my vehicle that I dont even know about, until I watch your videos. I might as well do this when I do my transmission fluid. Keep my car lasting longer.

[@ronmitchell8929]

Never eat Taco Bell before working on a car. Thanks for the helpful video.

[@themechanic4222]

Or before a road trip 😂

[@fylloxera]

Not enough comments, jokes, coffee breaks, cursing the wife, and cussing. Just straight to the point 👍

[@MrSubaru1387]

What do ya think this is? AvE? 😂 😂 😂

[@JammyCrackcorn]

I love to watch your videos No talking... no noise... just tools making there great sound... love the front thumbs up when finished👍👍 Keep it up... love my Sudie!!!! ( ppsst.. my wife’s nickname )

[@MrSubaru1387]

Awesome! Glad you enjoy the videos! 👍

[@brgy.tambay2122]

My Subaru Impreza cost $450 for that of differential service in Mr.Lube that change oil didnt make an hour😳 thanks for the video man appreciate it.👍

[@johnsmith-pd7lu]

I like how I got a subaru and needed to do some work to it and MrSubaru keeps popping up first, and im just checking off the list of problems that I have accomplished with the help of MrSubarus channel

[@Wildman77082]

Thanks for taking the time to film this. I fear there are a lot of people out there who know all about changing their engine oil at regular intervals but have no idea they should also do the same with their differentials.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Jerry Powers welcome. Yea, not many people know about automobile maintenance in general.

[@Mike_44]

Will be doing this to my car soon. Thanks for a great and simple to follow tutorial. Your work is top notch!

[@kristofferpanahon9913]

this video fucking rules, thank you for producing it the way you do. no fluff no wasted time, just the essentials THANK YOU

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome. 👍🏻

[@DAngeloDino]

Excellent video...Thank you for taking the time to film and post for all of us.

[@MrSubaru1387]

No problem. Glad to help.

[@brucewaldrop2933]

Thanks Mr. Subaru!...great video as always. for those performing this on a 2004 (and might also be 2003) the center differential drain bolt requires a T-70 Torx socket. That's what I found on my 04 LL Bean anyways.

[@hknng]

same for my 03 LL Bean

[@master_moose]

Mine too.

[@susanpauly2897]

Our '09 Outback requires a T70 Torx bit, as well. FSM on the Rear Diff calls for using sealant on the drain plug.

[@mhammed11]

perfect ... i like your silence mode in your videos.... no need any extra music great videos

[@MrSubaru1387]

Thanks! 👍

[@oliver_klozoff]

Thanks for the straightforward guide. Subies aren't my typical wheelhouse and I find I am enjoying the current Forester project I've stumbled upon. You and Eric O have been a big help between this/general service, a timing belt/water pump, and a rear wheel bearing I've done now. Now to find out why the heat controls are so stiff it bends the rigid cable trying to come off defrost.

[@chasq1]

I just bought a 2000 outback this was very helpful .

[@SolamenteVees]

Northern Mockingbird keeping you company in the background...

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

Safety First !!!! I would suggest put pieces of 3/4” square pieces of plywood under those front jack stands to prevent the stands from sinking into the ground. Thanks for the video

[@jessemaglott5827]

Best step by step I’ve seen for this service. Great video my man 👌👍 doing this ASAP on my 08 Impreza

[@itftcomputers]

And for the metric users - it's 0.8 L at the front and 1.2L for the rear. So you need exactly 2L - 2 bottles - 1L each.

[@jae9545]

Excellent to know. Thanks

[@rehanhakim4041]

Thank you so much for your video, I have a similar model and I did a really stupid mistake listening to a cousin and ended up filling transmission fluid in my front differential, I hope it hasn't done any damage.

[@jae9545]

I love how you keep it real.. it's uncomplicated and suited for all levels of expertise. Even I, the absolute novice has found confidence in taking on these D.I.Y's . I just purchased this car with 218,000 miles on it.. and was hoping for some input on this. On checking the front differential fluid level on my 2001 Subaru legacy outback 2.5 liter automatic transmission, I noticed an etched circular swirly pattern that was slightly cut into the end of the dip stick. I'm so new at this and feel kinda... ???? . One thought is that the dipstick wasn't replaced correctly at one time. An so far,, that's all I got.. There doesn't seem to be any current problems at this time but when I gather up the courage to change the gear oil out, I will be checking on the condition of the extracted fluid. If anybody has another idea on what could of caused this etched circular pattern, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jae

[@Americansikkunt]

Subaru mechanics mark white paint on the timing belt, cam bolts, and other parts that need aligning upon installation. Idk about a dipstick etching….

[@R5GTT]

I’m giggling with the sound 😂👍🏽 thanks for the video it’s simple enough to do.

[@garshoop1332]

The undercarriage is immaculately clean

[@starsword-c2534]

I was staring in disbelief at the part at 0:40 where you just stuck a 1/2" drive ratchet extension into the drain nuts. "You can do that?!" Thanks for the video, just had to do this on my 200,000-mile 2001 Forester, on which I strongly suspect it has never been done ever.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Glad to help 👍🏻

[@andali555]

I was about to buy such tool, but then I realized just the extension works fine

[@Pkemstr1]

Finally! I really needed this video.

[@okpank]

I've had a '98 Impreza Outback Sport where the rear differential seal blew on the interstate and started a fire! Then I had a '04 Impreza Outback Sport where the front differential went. Definitely a good thing to check! Believe It!

[@yonihales9133]

gotta admit the gear oil farts made me laugh! thanks for the vid and the laugh!

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome 👍

[@robrath31]

Also good for 98 Impreza wagon/hatch, good guide :)

[@MrSubaru1387]

+robrath31 yes, basically covers all Subaru models.

[@yukon2159]

Straight easy to the point great video...

[@dominicfong6341]

i used to run through the drained gearbox/differential oil through something like a Subaru fuel filter(brand new of course) and dunk it back in just to save quite a few bucks, since oil don't really worn out just contaminated with metal particles.

[@hondaalex5]

Excellent video, right to the point. 👍

[@carljohnson974]

that Snap On digital torque wrench i gotta have it good vid

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Los WRX it's a great tool for sure. Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@Chris-go9ti]

I had to watch this to remember if I changed mine when I bought the car two years ago. I did.

[@DaveWatts_ejectamenta]

I found the sounds very appropriate. Good vid.

[@ajoseph87]

I like the bird sounds

[@n3rdstrength]

Best ASMR on youtube.

[@JacanaProductions]

love this video, I think that because one just hear the sounds it makes it almost like a work of art .... ha ha. Good job, I have to do the same thing with my 02 OB.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Jacana Productions glad you enjoyed the video. 👍

[@stevenjohnson4283]

All that farty sounds makes me want to do THIS job !

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Steven Johnson Hehe. Go for it!

[@Tec2Nut]

Great videos , keep up the excellent work

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Martin Gillespie thank you. 👍

[@paulbeauregard8297]

Great video! Thanks for your effort, it was very helpful.

[@MrSubaru1387]

No problem, glad to help.

[@TheFrode69]

Your videos are so awesome and informative, and an absolute joy to watch. Thanks to your timing chain video, I was able to perform a complete timing chain change on my '02 H6 with 300k's on it. It was rattling like hell, but purring ever so sweetly now. You have inspired me to do all these little things like oil changes myself, instead of wasting money taking it to the garage. Thank you so much. I have a question for you: What size/dimensions is the crush washer on the front differential drain plug? Is it the same as the engine oil drain plug? Thanks a lot.

[@sparkmastermeow6926]

Did you ever find that crush washer size? Having trouble figuring it out.

[@michaelmayo7987]

Notice alot of these Subaru differential fluid change tutorials don't show the use of thread sealant on the plugs. This may be called for in the repair manual. I neglected to do this on my 2010 Forester at its previous differential fluid change, and when I looked at it recently, noticed that it had a slow leak from the drain plug, which was last tightened to its proper torque.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Michael Mayo the service manual does advocate the use of a liquid packing - Threebond 1105 or equivalent. I've personally never used sealer. Also, never had a leakage issue either though.

[@thesid212]

Doing it this weekend. Vessel JAWSFIT contest

[@SILENTIMACT74]

Dude! Great video.

[@PetyaKaluzny]

Thank you for that great video. I need to do it on my Outback 04.

[@MrSubaru1387]

Glad to help!

[@AdrianErickAA]

Mr Subaru jajajaja, i like your coment, "sorry for innapropiated sound" jajajaja, Great video!

[@Howell999D]

thank you

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome

[@TheMrFlyBoy18]

@ 2:40 when I ate a big burrito with beans in it😂 also thank you for the video brother.

[@petergoesinya636]

The dipstick on on 2001 Forester was dirty so it was hard as heck to find. After I got it cleaned up and replaced I looped a long white nylon zip tie thru the handle and the end of the zip tie sticks up way higher than the dip tube. I can now pull it out via zip tie. Still gotta get my hand in there to replace it tho

[@sjulier]

Excellent video

[@johnt890]

Great instruction. Thanks

[@joesantos7196]

NIce video. I have a 99 Impreza obs and looking to do these fluid changes

[@zachattack7]

@2:47 - When you have Montezumas Revenge and barley make it to the toilet.

[@Taquitos95]

Question. How do you determine if you need this service done?

[@otavnas]

Good video man.

[@MrSubaru1387]

+Otavio Nascimento Antonio thanks

[@scrunchymacscruff1244]

We've been hearing front end rpm match pitch sounds in the front end. I have been checking all the fluids regularly; but today when I looked I notice what seems to be a reddish color fluid on the stick..suspiciously like ATF. Hnn?? Now I go to re--check. I guess the other thing I'll research is auto-trans on these things, and their particulars. We're getting ready to take a trip. Thanks, like the woodpekker

[@MattJonesYT]

You want to use an actual 13 mm square socket rather than a 1/2" square drive if it's rusted.

[@andrewpaige9152]

This guy is the best

[@geeder9086]

Those "inappropriate sounds" are your Subaru's way of saying: "Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!"

[@L330ne]

Not likely the case with birds chirping and humble peaceful background. You will curse a lot and there will loud banging trying to get that plug off.

[@alpineibex5596]

Is this possible without the car being leveled?

[@MrSubaru1387]

No. Has to be level to properly fill the differential.

[@douglaspalmer5976]

2012 Outback 3.6, Diff service, 75W90 but what kind? No synthetic, semi synthetic, or full synthetic? Subaru, Valvoline, other?

[@arielpaez1763]

Buen trabajo!!! Hice el mismo cambio de fluidos a la Forester.😁😁😁. Saludos desde Argentina

[@phillip806]

The bottle squeezing noises made me giggle although I tried so hard not to

[@JammyCrackcorn]

John Costa..I got a 13mm/ 3/8 drive from Napa Auto Parts.....I found it on line through them...Ordered it and it fits perfect but still plug won’t budge from rear end housing...Cant get enough leverage to remove it..On a rack would be perfect to remove it with a cheater pipe over the pull-bar......

[@Apocalypse4162]

I've found that taking a hammer and lightly hitting your wrench helps immensely to loosen stubborn bolts and plugs. Also some oil or lubrication to help break the seal.

[@miguelvalenzuela]

really good video!!

[@sc230mb]

No need to apologize. I probably would have thought it was the oil bottle that made the noise.

[@GunslingerCenter]

Hi! ive a 93 4x4 subaru legacy, with Oil for Differential and transmition i should use? And how much amount oil goes on replacement? Thanks sir

[@enteringthegrayzone4020]

I still can't find the front drain plug on my 2002 outback legacy ltd. Is it in the same place as your ll bean edition?

[@Southernman980]

this is like AMSR

[@tamv94]

Thanks for your content. In an 2008 3.0 are any differences in that maintenance?

[@M1K3R0LPH]

This is really useful, thanks very much for the upload. Do you know if the crush washers for the engine oil drain plug can also be used for the gearbox/centre dif drain plug too?

[@MrSubaru1387]

No. Different size.

[@M1K3R0LPH]

@@MrSubaru1387 thanks for that info. I've had my Outback 3L H6 for about a year now and your channel is a godsend.

[@Tango-Juliet]

Is there a part number for the front drain plugs crush washer? Or will a generic work? If so, what size? Thanks!

[@jonnyOsmend]

My local dealership does not have a part number for the crush washers. Does anyone know where i can get some for a 2002 Outback?

[@keldonboone2992]

Having the same issue, did you find an answer?

[@christopherohara3725]

Good stuff

[@unclealig]

aren't there any gasket on these screws? my rear diff is "sweating" on the outside, but is still properly sealed as there is no leakage. however, for the next rear diff service, i want to make sure that it's tight without "sweating"

[@ivantinoco2643]

Asmr 10/10

[@friskyanderson]

Hi Mr. Subaru, great content thanks very much. My question is as follows, which gear oil do I use for a NA SOHC 2.5i Manual transmission outback 2008. I'm in the cold climate and definitely rust belt areas. Any brands to stay away from? Any to consider over others? Thanks again!

[@mkean1988]

I came here for the sounds 😂👍

[@MrSubaru1387]

Haha.

[@mkean1988]

Just change my forester diff oil there all is good part from the shards of metal i pulled out lol new diff required shortly lol cheers for the video it helped me out 👍

[@MrSubaru1387]

Sorry about your diff. You're welcome for the video help. 👍🏻

[@michaelanthony5335]

I’m doing mine at the dealership. They only charge 59$ an axle 👌also, warranty.

[@l33tpvpness]

Michael C dumbass

[@Kaffarov97]

What does the star mean by the drain plug on the rear diff?

[@mcwolfpne]

Text book technical video

[@sjulier]

Do you have a video on changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter? Thanks!

[@MrSubaru1387]

Yes

[@jae9545]

Hey Mr. Subaru, what size sockets do I need for this job( both front and rear differentials) and the transmission pan drop and cleaning of job from your other viedo). MY Subaru is a 2001 legacy outback 2.5 liter automatic transmission

[@kylevanmeter9366]

Where did you put your floor jack to lift the front end?

[@motleypixel]

Thank you so much for your channel. We now have too Subs, 2011 and 2021 Forester. Can you give any tips on checking vehicle level (pitch/roll)? Good place to place a level etc.? Thank you, SUBSCRIBED!

[@Americansikkunt]

Why is my front diff drain plug basically WELDED on? I can’t get that sucker off!

[@ParasiteQueen1]

2:39 Me walking into restroom at work.

[@JJ-vp4jz]

Do I check the gear oil on dipstick after filling when it's hot or cold?

[@MrSubaru1387]

Check on level ground. Cold is fine.

[@JJ-vp4jz]

@@MrSubaru1387 thanks

[@MrSubaru1387]

You're welcome. 👍🏻

[@craigpate4140]

I learn a lot from your video's. Keep it up. Wonder what size did you use to remove the plugs? 1/4?

[@MrSubaru1387]

The drain and fill plug for the rear diff are 1/2" square.

[@jerzycichosz5928]

Good job !

[@MrSubaru1387]

Thanks

[@basscasemusic]

I'm here for the "inappropriate sounds"

[@titojosh1396]

4:45 which washer should I be using? And it only goes on the center diff correct?

[@alvinbuenviaje2723]

Hi, have you used aisin gear oil? How was it compared to the other gear oils you used?