You don't understand, the plug is designed with a female 4 sided 1/2 inch square for the wrench to be used directly without any socket. Look again and you will see what I mean.
No, You could, but it's much more important to use thread sealer (as specified by Subaru). Without sealant, I got a small amount of oil wicking on the diff.
Yes you can, what you put in your manual transmission will affect the feel of the shifts, but for the rear diff that's not an issue, any good synthetic GL-5 will perform great and last longer (if you don't have a limited slip diff then there's nothing to worry about) . I once went to a Subaru dealer for some 75W90 and they wanted to sell me cheap conventional oil because that's what they used, so you can only do better with synthetic. In your opinion, how does the Red Line oil feels when you shift?
In the case of an open diff on a Subaru, any gear oil will do if it's GL-5 (for hypoid or bevel gear). So some conventional 75W90 GL-5 gear oil is fine for most small Subaru. I used synthetic because I live in a cold climate but also because you don't need much of it and it can last a long time. I don't have a brand preferance, as long as its some API approved GL-5.
Thanks for the video. I have an automatic 2012 Subaru Impreza and I just changed the rear differential. I cannot locate the fill hole for the front and center differential. Any guidance? I don't believe the 2012 model has a dipstick either. Thanks in advance.
The automatic is much different then the manual, you might want to search for a more appropriate video. In a manual like mine, the transmission, center and front differential all share the same oil. But in an automatic that's different, the CVT has it's own oil, the center and front differentials are in the same casting as the transmission, but they have different oil then the CVT. You might want to be sure of exactly which plug you are draining. And if you have a WRX or a STI that's not a CVT, but a regular automatic transmission. 2012 is a confusing year for Impreza.
If anyone wants a reprint from the '12-'16 service manual, email me at mossmiller@hotmail.com. There is no front diff dipstick on these newer CVT-equipped cars. You drain the diff oil from under the car, using a T-70 Torx bit (available on amazon), and there is a leveling port near this drain plug. The diff oil is filled from a port on the lower passenger side of the engine, just under the trans oil cooler lines. Just below this port is the exhaust pipe, so it is a tight fit to get to it from underneath, and a long reach from topside. Much easier on the XV Crosstrek, as the chassis is higher and they provide an access through the inner fender well.
Good, more maintenance cannot hurt, I personally do maintenance more often the the minimum recommended intervals when I feel like it. Synthetic gear oil in an open diff can have a very long life, however if it's a clutch type limited slip diff will require more frequent oil change because of the clutch packs wear.
Would this process also work for a 2000 Subaru Impreza GC first version generation? Looking to change the differential oil on my Impreza but not sure if to do it now or after I change the transmission. I have a Automatic any advice?
No, my car has manual gearbox that shares it's gear oil with the differential. The automatic gearbox uses Automatic Transmission Fluid and has a separate housing for the differential Gear Oil. I searched for you and I suggest you watch that video, it should be similar for your car: ua-cam.com/video/sLa56Vi0YiA/v-deo.html
Out of curiosity how many miles did your vehicle have on it? I know this is a year old. I was just wondering. Never mind. I read it on your other answer to someone else. I wouldnt wait on that change like that again. that was pretty dirty.
106000 km, and the manufacturer recommends 100000 km, that's close enough, I remember the oil looking like new, no contamination nor discoloration. The magnet had an expected amount of metallic paste, considering it hadn't been changed after the break-in period. I have no reason to believe the oil was overdue, the contrast on the video is too high (because of the sunlight out of frame) and made the oil look much darker than it really was. You still can change you oil more often if you want, that certainly won't do any harm, but if you use synthetic gear oil, the oil will last a long time without breaking down and a diff is a sealed system.
@@sgcars6731 Thankyou for the reply back. I appreciate it. I saw where a guy said it should be changed every 30k. His diff fluid looked clear and new. His buddy on the vid even questioned his reasoning. I guess if this guy feels better about changing it, thats on him. I need to get my brake fluid changed. Normally I do all this myself but its been eather 45 degrees and raining, or 9 degrees above zero. Its $100 to change the fluid and $15 to rotate the tires. guess who is doing it? Not me! I dont have a heated garage.
49 N-m for the drain and fill plugs. It often comes dry from the factory, so maybe take the recommendation for RTV sealant with a grain of salt. Do not overtorque-- it's aluminum in the newer vehicles.
106000 km, the manufacturer recommend replacing transmission and differential fluids at 100000 km, which is about 60000 miles. i have another video for the transmission (and front differential) oil change: ua-cam.com/video/-brPY0-hexQ/v-deo.html
No, the rear differential is independent. The front and center differential are in the same casting as the transmission and share oil with the transmission (for the manual version, the automatic's CVT fluid is independent). I recently filmed the procedure to change the manual transmission oil, I still have to edit it, then I will post it.
Yes but that's not convenient, you can remove the fill plug (don't remove the drain plug) on a level surface to check the fluid level (by poking a piece of paper down the hole). If it's already dripping when you remove the fill plug, then you know the level is OK (unless it's over filled), if not check the level. Diff fluid should stay quite clean because it's sealed, but if it's dark or cloudy, the it needs to get replaced (mine was 110000 km and was still clear as you can see in the video), and you should also replace it at the normal service intervals even when it looks clean (100000 km on a Gen 4 Impreza).
I don't have a diff temp on mine, it's a base Impreza, but from a quick search, most people who have had that problem had a bad electrical connection and resolved it by cleaning the corrosion on the sensor (the sensor is in the fill plug). That's my suspicion since it's not a solid light and it flickers when you change the torque load on the diff (moving the wire).
@@sgcars6731 thanks! FYI I had a loose connection and when surgeing the car shifting it upsets the connection. I just modified it cleaning it and replacing the wire with sticky tape. Now it's like new!
Good stuff. Thanks, found the video quickly, your instructions are clear and this will make fluid changes cheaper and easier for me.
Good to hear, I'm glad it helped!
No torque to spec? What about a drain plug gasket?
I'm doing mine at 60k on my 19 wrx.. am I in trouble?
A 13 mm square socket should be used, not 1/2 ". I know it 'fits' but, you may strip the plug and then fun will begin...
You don't understand, the plug is designed with a female 4 sided 1/2 inch square for the wrench to be used directly without any socket. Look again and you will see what I mean.
1/2 inch is 12.7. with the lube it should pop off quite easily i reckon
My 2016 outback actually needs 13mm square socket. If I uses 1/2", the fit won't be perfect. The sharp of female square could be distorted a little.
No torque wrench used when replacing the nuts?????
No, You could, but it's much more important to use thread sealer (as specified by Subaru). Without sealant, I got a small amount of oil wicking on the diff.
Great video, I use RED LINE SYNTHETIC LIGHTWEIGHT SHOCKPROOF GEAR OIL on my Manuel transmission. Can I use the same gear oil in my diff also?
Yes you can, what you put in your manual transmission will affect the feel of the shifts, but for the rear diff that's not an issue, any good synthetic GL-5 will perform great and last longer (if you don't have a limited slip diff then there's nothing to worry about) . I once went to a Subaru dealer for some 75W90 and they wanted to sell me cheap conventional oil because that's what they used, so you can only do better with synthetic. In your opinion, how does the Red Line oil feels when you shift?
SG Cars I haven’t had any issues my gears glide in great and it way better than the original gear oil during winter season.
What is that spray? WD-40? for cleaning the residual oil?
To remove the plugs I used liquid wrench penetrating oil, and to clean at the end I used brake cleaner but that's not necessary.
Differential Oil change is nothing but the gear oil change? Is it the same for Outback 2015 ? What was the oil you have mentioned that you filled in?
In the case of an open diff on a Subaru, any gear oil will do if it's GL-5 (for hypoid or bevel gear). So some conventional 75W90 GL-5 gear oil is fine for most small Subaru. I used synthetic because I live in a cold climate but also because you don't need much of it and it can last a long time. I don't have a brand preferance, as long as its some API approved GL-5.
Thanks for the video. I have an automatic 2012 Subaru Impreza and I just changed the rear differential. I cannot locate the fill hole for the front and center differential. Any guidance? I don't believe the 2012 model has a dipstick either. Thanks in advance.
The automatic is much different then the manual, you might want to search for a more appropriate video. In a manual like mine, the transmission, center and front differential all share the same oil. But in an automatic that's different, the CVT has it's own oil, the center and front differentials are in the same casting as the transmission, but they have different oil then the CVT. You might want to be sure of exactly which plug you are draining. And if you have a WRX or a STI that's not a CVT, but a regular automatic transmission. 2012 is a confusing year for Impreza.
Bau Chang it does not have one for the front. You have to do it from the hood. Locate a yellow dipstick and fill from there
If anyone wants a reprint from the '12-'16 service manual, email me at mossmiller@hotmail.com. There is no front diff dipstick on these newer CVT-equipped cars. You drain the diff oil from under the car, using a T-70 Torx bit (available on amazon), and there is a leveling port near this drain plug. The diff oil is filled from a port on the lower passenger side of the engine, just under the trans oil cooler lines. Just below this port is the exhaust pipe, so it is a tight fit to get to it from underneath, and a long reach from topside. Much easier on the XV Crosstrek, as the chassis is higher and they provide an access through the inner fender well.
on my Forester 2010 since last week the Rear Differential Temperature Light started flickering sometimes, when changing gears: what can I do?
Check the oil level, add if low, change if dirty
I have a 2012 legacy and they recommend to change it at 30,000 .
Good, more maintenance cannot hurt, I personally do maintenance more often the the minimum recommended intervals when I feel like it. Synthetic gear oil in an open diff can have a very long life, however if it's a clutch type limited slip diff will require more frequent oil change because of the clutch packs wear.
Would this process also work for a 2000 Subaru Impreza GC first version generation? Looking to change the differential oil on my Impreza but not sure if to do it now or after I change the transmission. I have a Automatic any advice?
No, my car has manual gearbox that shares it's gear oil with the differential. The automatic gearbox uses Automatic Transmission Fluid and has a separate housing for the differential Gear Oil. I searched for you and I suggest you watch that video, it should be similar for your car: ua-cam.com/video/sLa56Vi0YiA/v-deo.html
SG Cars thank you so much this info was really helpful
I have most of the same equipment as u lol. Also using the same oil lol.
Out of curiosity how many miles did your vehicle have on it? I know this is a year old. I was just wondering. Never mind. I read it on your other answer to someone else. I wouldnt wait on that change like that again. that was pretty dirty.
106000 km, and the manufacturer recommends 100000 km, that's close enough, I remember the oil looking like new, no contamination nor discoloration. The magnet had an expected amount of metallic paste, considering it hadn't been changed after the break-in period. I have no reason to believe the oil was overdue, the contrast on the video is too high (because of the sunlight out of frame) and made the oil look much darker than it really was. You still can change you oil more often if you want, that certainly won't do any harm, but if you use synthetic gear oil, the oil will last a long time without breaking down and a diff is a sealed system.
@@sgcars6731 Thankyou for the reply back. I appreciate it. I saw where a guy said it should be changed every 30k. His diff fluid looked clear and new. His buddy on the vid even questioned his reasoning. I guess if this guy feels better about changing it, thats on him. I need to get my brake fluid changed. Normally I do all this myself but its been eather 45 degrees and raining, or 9 degrees above zero. Its $100 to change the fluid and $15 to rotate the tires. guess who is doing it? Not me! I dont have a heated garage.
No Torque specs?
49 N-m for the drain and fill plugs. It often comes dry from the factory, so maybe take the recommendation for RTV sealant with a grain of salt. Do not overtorque-- it's aluminum in the newer vehicles.
How much oil did the diff take?
0.8L or less than a quart.
@@sgcars6731 that’s very helpful, thanks
How many miles were on the car when you changed the rear diff fluid?
106000 km, the manufacturer recommend replacing transmission and differential fluids at 100000 km, which is about 60000 miles. i have another video for the transmission (and front differential) oil change: ua-cam.com/video/-brPY0-hexQ/v-deo.html
So if I change the rear differential oil, I'm instantly changing the front gear differential oil too?
No, the rear differential is independent. The front and center differential are in the same casting as the transmission and share oil with the transmission (for the manual version, the automatic's CVT fluid is independent).
I recently filmed the procedure to change the manual transmission oil, I still have to edit it, then I will post it.
SG Cars excellent! Thanks for letting me know.
Is there any way to check / control rear differential oil status and level?
Yes but that's not convenient, you can remove the fill plug (don't remove the drain plug) on a level surface to check the fluid level (by poking a piece of paper down the hole). If it's already dripping when you remove the fill plug, then you know the level is OK (unless it's over filled), if not check the level. Diff fluid should stay quite clean because it's sealed, but if it's dark or cloudy, the it needs to get replaced (mine was 110000 km and was still clear as you can see in the video), and you should also replace it at the normal service intervals even when it looks clean (100000 km on a Gen 4 Impreza).
@@sgcars6731 Thank you very much!!
on my Forester 2010 since last week the Rear Differential Temperature Light started flickering sometimes, when changing gears: what can I do?
I don't have a diff temp on mine, it's a base Impreza, but from a quick search, most people who have had that problem had a bad electrical connection and resolved it by cleaning the corrosion on the sensor (the sensor is in the fill plug). That's my suspicion since it's not a solid light and it flickers when you change the torque load on the diff (moving the wire).
@@sgcars6731 thanks! FYI I had a loose connection and when surgeing the car shifting it upsets the connection. I just modified it cleaning it and replacing the wire with sticky tape. Now it's like new!
@@giacotubo Great, thanks for the followup, I'm glad it worked!