Probably not unusual for dealer pricing but it's definitely high. Looks like I paid close to half that for those services from AZP in Kenilworth (although the differentials were bundled with CVTF and that was 2019 prices). Their brake fluid flush service with ATE DOT 4 was around $120 in 2021.

 

To be honest, I never gave my vehicle outside Subaru service, I’m just too afraid and I do not know anyone around. I’ll ask around though. What’s this ATE DOT 4?

 

My ‘15 outback is at 70K and I’m late already to get this done [i.e. "differential service"].

Unless you use your Outback for "repeated trailer towing," there is no scheduled service recommendation for the differentials other than an external inspection for leaks every 30,000 miles.

 

Unless you use your Outback for "repeated trailer towing," there is no scheduled service recommendation for the differentials other than an external inspection for leaks.

What about the break fluid and spark plugs they quoted $400 😟

 

I was about to say "reasonable" (for dealer pricing) as I had different experiences. Dealers around here (e.g., OpenRoad) has been charging $150+ an hour so both figures seem "reasonable." Back in 2021, Ramsey charged $260+ for the brake fluid flush (I typically do this myself but had thist $500 coupon from SoA). Oh, and getting the undertray out is the most painful, timing consuming step for the front diff fluid change

Based on AvidHiker's feedback, I would definitely call AZP if you are close.

 

I was about to say "reasonable" (for dealer pricing) as I had different experiences. Dealers around here (e.g., OpenRoad) has been charging $150+ an hour so both figures seem "reasonable." Back in 2021, Ramsey charged $260+ for the brake fluid flush (I typically do this myself but had thist $500 coupon from SoA). Oh, and getting the undertray out is the most painful, timing consuming step for the front diff fluid change

Based on AvidHiker's feedback, I would definitely call AZP if you are close.

I’m more south close to Trenton but can take a trip to Kenilworth if it’s worth it, 50min drive. For Spark Plugs replacement, they quoted $400,, isn’t it too much?

 

$220 for both front and rear diff s is OK. not $220 for one.

 

Yes for both front and rear it’s $220.

 

and about $200 for the plugs isn t too bad either. the oem plugs aren t cheap.

 

She quoted $400 for the spark plugs replacement alone .. lol..

 

och. thought 400 was brake fluid and plugs. it s a lot but I know that what they get. I d ask for some kind of discount or something and see what they say. that s a harder DIY.

 

You might check around and see if you have a good independent (non-dealership) service shop that's good with Subarus. For example, I recently had the fluid changed in both diffs, the CVT, the brakes, and an oil & filter change, and the whole enchilada cost me under $900. The diffs alone would've been about $225 or so.

 

FYI, before COVID, I paid $260 for our '15 2.5i spark plugs at OpenRoad. During COVID, they quotes $260 again for our '16 2.5i, then 4 weeks later it jumped up to $460 (I would have gone to a different place but used the remaining balance of that $500 SoA coupon so reluctantly asked them to do it but not going back there).

 

AZP is an indie shop that specializes in Subarus but I'm sure there must be some comparably competent mechanics local to you. I would say, absent severe service conditions, 60-90k miles is a fine interval for both the differentials and CVT. But, as mentioned, neither is a required service. If you're not hard on the car you might get away with skipping them entirely.

I use AZP because they're nearby and stock the Subaru CVT fluids (aftermarket CVT fluid is a risk I'm not willing to take). The differentials can be serviced with any good 75W90 gear oil, so that's something a local shop can handle, just make sure they're certain they know which plugs are which (mixups are fairly common when servicing these transmissions and can lead to serious damage). Stay far away from oil-change places. Plugs are another service that any good shop should be able to handle but I would insist on them using the OE Subaru plugs (NGK platinum). Last I checked, AZP was charging around $300 to change the plugs on most Subaru engines (including my 6-cylinder). They only use OE (or, in some cases, higher-performance) parts.


Interesting, I've used them for service a couple times before and they seemed pretty good, although that was prior to the name change (the sales people at that dealership were a disaster).

 

$199 here for both diffs in Michigan for a '17 3.6R Touring. $299 for CVT drain & fill.

 

Ok not off by much then, thanks for the info!

 

I just paid $120 for a brake flush, and $168 for both diffs, New Hampshire, at the dealer.

 

 

mine is an OB 06 at 173 km, Never done anything to both differentials n R both fine-

 

Diffs are sealed units, there’s no need to break that factory seal. ‘14 OB, 140k mi. The clutch, otoh, is another story. Tip of the day: When replacing the clutch, spend $20 for a new release fork. Keeps from having to pull the engine twice within 20k!

 

Look for a good independent mechanic that does Japanese and American cars. This hangup on Subaru dealerships for service is ridiculous. I don’t do my own service after back surgery, but I always look for good independents and have had few problems. When I have has issues they have always made it right.

On myOutback the biggest screw ups have been at the dealer for multiple things under warranty service.

Pricing wise for comparison, I took my Outback to a dealer for an alignment as I could get in on short notice.
AFTER the service the said I needed rear and front wheel bearings, quote of $3800, $1900 front and rear. And they would not comp a new alignment after if the work was done by them. Took it to my independent who charged$1500 for the rear, plus new plugs. Front bearings were not making noise and were smooth so they were not needed. The dealer heard the rears, probably did not put in on the lift to check, and just assumed that I was a sucker.

 

My ‘15 outback is at 70K and I’m late already to get this done. What’s the average cost of service for both front and rear? I’m in NJ and my dealer quoted $220ish, $220 for Break fluid change. Are these okay? I cannot DIY right now, with the limited time available in my hands. Thanks

I was quoted $164 for each diff ($100 for labor and $64 for fluid) and $152 for brake fluid exchange ($114 labor, $43 for fluid). This was at an independent shop in Iowa.

 

I got my differentials done at 126,722 at a dealer in Green Bay, WI on 04/03/23 and it cost $231.87. I asked him how the old fluid looked and he stated it looked normal and had no particles on the plug.

 

Bergstrom Subaru, 761 Pilgrim Way, Green Bay, WI 54304, 920-857-1900

 

That brake fluid charge is about twice what they charged me in Orlando at the dealer. And then it goes up another $25+/- for crap fees and sales tax. I wish they quoted all-in price automatically for this stuff. Even when you ask up-front they hem and haw, and distract.
That $220 for both front and year sounds close to the price I got quoted. We have a 2017 3.6L Outback. But I did mine to save money and meet the challenge.

 

If you buy your own Differential Oil it's a fraction of the price at the Dealership. I paid 80.00 for both Front and Rear also for the Transmission Fluid. I paid 100.00 plus Tax. Engine Oil too. I paid 20.00. Amsoil makes excellent Products. That's all I use for all the Fluids in my 2010 OB and it runs so smooth. Never once had an issue.

 

I don't know about the Brake Fluid change since I do it myself. Probably 120.00. If you use Synthetic Brake Fluid. It's far better than Conventional. Amsoil has it. Check them out. If you get a Membership you'll get a huge Discout on all their Products.

 

If you use Synthetic Brake Fluid. It's far better than Conventional.

All DOT 3 and DOT 4 brake fluid is "synthetic." If in doubt, refer to the fluid's MSDS.

 

Just my $0.02:

Canadian service intervals are change the CVT and both diff fluids at 60,000 miles (100,000km). Not inspect, change. I wouldn't mess with these, as they are sealed units and the fluid cannot be inspected easily. And both the CVT and Diffs rely heavily on the fluid to work properly. Change at that mileage interval, or at least close to it. I cannot believe SOA is still recommending lifetime CVT fluid with inspections only.

Now, the thing I would ignore their intervals for changing: Brake Fluid. They recommend changing the brake fluid every 30,000 miles, but only require it to be tested at those intervals. If you are using DOT3 fluid, which is the factory fluid, you could go 60, 80 or even 100,000 miles or 5-7 years easily on the brake fluid (provided you have it tested regularly, and replace earlier if needed). The 30,000 mile interval is major overkill; even Mercedes says 50,000 miles.

 

The dealer said not required for CVT, I wonder why tho, I mean they are getting my money right? Or maybe they don’t wanna deal with any issues later on? Strange. I gotta look for local Subaru service to get the CVT and plugs done.

 

What’s the average cost of service for both front and rear?

Considering no more than $20 for the gear-fluid.
1/2 hour labor on each differential is MORE than adequate.

Even at $120/hour labor-rate, and environmental disposal fees would be about $150 out the door.

(of course... they often fine other fees and charges)