What diff fluid does Subaru use?

Subaru Differential Fluid Recommendation
Subaru recommends using a good quality, 75W90 GL-5 gear oil for the differential fluid. This is suitable for both the rear differential and the front differential, which is part of the manual transmission and shares the transmission’s gear oil. It’s important to note that while synthetic gear oil with the same 75W-90 GL-5 specs can be considered, it’s mainly beneficial for cold start-ups in temperatures well below 0°F.
For the front differential, it’s crucial to use a differential fluid with a GL-5 rating, as it is designed for gears with very high sliding force. While it’s mentioned that ATF or transmission fluid can be used in emergency scenarios, it’s not recommended for long-term use due to potential viscosity differences.
It’s also worth noting that the non-turbo Subaru differential is a low torque, low load application, and using an oil that meets the requirements is essential for optimal performance.
In summary, the recommended differential fluid for Subaru is a good quality, 75W90 GL-5 gear oil, suitable for both the rear and front differentials, with a specific emphasis on using the appropriate GL-5 rated fluid for the front differential to ensure proper lubrication and functionality [[4]].

Does Subaru differential fluid need to be changed?

Just like the oil inside your engine requires replacement to maintain maximum protection, so does the oil in your differential. Anytime there are moving metal-on-metal parts, lubrication is important and the oil will break down over time. Give our Service Department a call to learn more.

What kind of oil does a Subaru Forester rear differential take?

Location: Rear. Viscosity: SAE 75W-90. Oil Base: Synthetic. Oil Type: API GL-5/Dexron.

What kind of oil does a Subaru Outback diff take?

GM Original Equipment SAE 75W-90 Synthetic API GL-5 Dexron LS Gear Oil by ACDelco®. This product is made of high-quality components to meet and exceed strict quality requirements.

What kind of fluid does a Subaru differential take?

Front & rear diffs both use 75W-90, and the CVT uses CVT fluid.

Is CVT fluid the same as differential fluid?

Differential fluid and transmission fluid may seem similar, but they actually serve different purposes. Differential fluid helps to lubricate the gears in your car, while transmission fluid helps to cool and protect the transmission components.

What fluid should never be used in a rear differential?

Never, under any circumstances, put engine oil in your differential. This will result in devastating damages to your engine. Engine oil is much different than gear oil, mostly it cannot withstand high pressure. Therefore, engine oil should never be used in place of gear oil.

What happens if you use the wrong differential fluid?

They found that whoever replaced the oil in the differential with the wrong viscosity was directly responsible for the damage caused to the front differential assembly and the four-wheel-drive (clutch) assembly.

Do I need to change differential fluid in Subaru?

Just like the oil inside your engine requires replacement to maintain maximum protection, so does the oil in your differential. Anytime there are moving metal-on-metal parts, lubrication is important and the oil will break down over time.

What fluid should I put in my rear differential?

Normally it will be an Extreme Pressure (EP) Gear Oil, typically EP80. However, some rear diffs such as limited slip diffs (LSD’s) require a special LSD oil which will be specified by the diff manufacturer if fitted as an ‘add on’ for special use or by the vehicle manufacturer if fitted as OE.

What happens if you never change your diff fluid?

If you never change your differential fluid, you will start to notice strange sounds and bad smells from your car, before your diff will inevitably fail. This is not only costly to fix, and highly preventable, but can also be dangerous as you won’t be as in control of turning your vehicle, especially at high speeds.