Just finished adding all maintenance intervals from the Warranty and Maintenance booklet into an app for tracking. I noticed that the only info for CVT fluid is Inspection. No changes are noted. Same for front and rear diffs.
However, I know there are several threads on changing these fluids so I'm wondering what the guidance is that tells us when to change.
I think Subaru has a different interpretation of lifetime than some of us. I imagine as our generation Outbacks age we will hear more, at least that is what I'm hoping for.
Just finished adding all maintenance intervals from the Warranty and Maintenance booklet into an app for tracking. I noticed that the only info for CVT fluid is Inspection. No changes are noted. Same for front and rear diffs.
However, I know there are several threads on changing these fluids so I'm wondering what the guidance is that tells us when to change.
If I read it right, "severe" service has the CVT as Service line 13 at 24,855 miles per Note 4, which says: "When the vehicle is frequently operated under severe driving conditions**,(If applicable) CVT fluid replacement should be performed every 24,855
miles (40,000 km)".
The Differentials are Service line 14 and will be at 15,000 under severe conditions per Note 3: "When the vehicle is frequently operated under severe driving conditions**,replacement should be performed every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 15 months, whichever occurs first".
"Severe" for Lines 13 and 14 are defined as: "Repeated trailer towing. (Maintenance Items 1, 2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18)".
I do not tow, but will do the CVT and Diffs every 30 and call it good.
Every 30K...like the older cars...that's a good bet.
Subaru's lifetime?????..a model year....then they invent a new life...a new model. Lifetime fluids or filters are a f'n joke. No such thing...They ought to be ashamed.
'Us' as in whom, self or dealer?
Search the Gen4 forum, as there are reports on dealers refusing to do the service, or worse resulting in problems after replacing the CVT fluid (ie: the dealer not familiar with the procedure).
Like someone else noted, the severe interval is 15k/25k for diff and trans. I just did my wife's OB without much issue. The diff drain is the old T70 Torx, the fill plug for the front diff and trans is an 8mm allen, and the rear diffs are 10mm.
Does one need a lift or special tools beyond the T70 Torx/8mm allen and 10mm you mention? How are the new fluids dispensed ? Is a pump or something similar required?
I can fit under the car without it being on jack stands, but it does make it easier. You'll have to remove a large plastic undertray to get to the front diff. You can use a simple bottle mounted fluid pump or a Motive Power Products Power Fill. The front and rear diffs could be done either way, but the transmission needs around 4.5-5 quarts (or so, I didn't keep up with how much came out).
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