What is the differential on a Subaru?

About Subaru’s Differential
The differential on a Subaru is a crucial component of the vehicle’s all-wheel drive system. Subarus with all-wheel drive have both front and rear differentials, which are responsible for allowing the wheels to turn at independent speeds and assisting the car in turning. The differential system is essential for maintaining grip, traction, handling, and performance, as it balances power between the front and back, left and right wheels, providing consistent and predictable driving experience. The differential system includes a multi-plate center clutch pack, rather than a traditional differential, which allows for slip and is always partially engaged.
Differential Fluid Service
The fluid in the differential system of a Subaru breaks down over time and will eventually need to be replaced. It is recommended to change the differential fluid to maintain maximum protection and avoid costly damage and repairs later . The differential fluid, typically 75-90w, needs to be changed at specific intervals, such as the 60k interval for manual transmission Subarus.
Types of Subaru All-Wheel Drive Systems
Subaru offers different versions of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive tailored to specific powertrains or models. These versions include Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) and Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD), which are designed for specific Subaru vehicles like the WRX and WRX STI, providing a 45/55 split between the front and rear wheels for more back-end grip and electronic hydraulic transfer clutch for quick acceleration. Subaru’s all-wheel drive systems are designed to distribute torque to all four wheels all the time, reducing tire slip, especially on slippery or loose surfaces.
In summary, the differential on a Subaru is a critical part of its all-wheel drive system, and maintaining the differential fluid is essential for the vehicle’s performance and longevity. Different types of all-wheel drive systems, such as VTD and DCCD, are tailored to specific Subaru models to optimize grip, traction, and handling.

What is the purpose of a differential?

The differential is a system that allows the drive wheels to turn at different speeds, which is required when the car is negotiating a turn. In a turn, the outside wheel must travel farther, which means it must travel faster than the inside wheels.

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 is symptoms of a bad differential?

Here’s what to look out for.

• Noises. Whining or whirring noises can be a sign of a failing differential.
• Overheating.
• Vibration.
• Handling/steering problems.
• Gear grinding.
• Tyre damage.
• Oil leaks.
• Out-of-balance driveshaft.

What happens if you drive with a bad differential?

When rear differentials fail, it can cause vibration, noises, and fluid leaks. Ultimately, it can impact your vehicle’s handling and acceleration. If you notice any of the above symptoms, it’s crucial that you consult a certified mechanic to diagnose and correct the issue.

How many differentials do Subarus have?

Subaru offers four different all-wheel drive systems for their models. The only model that doesn’t offer all-wheel drive is the BRZ, which is rear-wheel drive. Each of these systems offers an open differential in the front and rear, except on the STI which has its own system.

Is it expensive to fix a differential?

Differential repairs may cost between $200 and $400—or even less—while complete differential replacement may cost between $1,500 and $4,000.

Is it OK to drive with a bad differential?

Not only is driving with a damaged rear differential dangerous but, if you don’t have the issue addressed right away, it could snowball into more expensive repairs down the road. Even though rear differentials can experience a wide range of issues, these problems are fairly easy to spot and repair when caught early on.

What is the purpose of differential in a car?

The function of a differential is to transmit power from the engine to the axle that moves the wheels and allow the wheels to move at different speeds from each other. When the fluid is compromised or deteriorated, increased heat and friction can cause the gears to not function smoothly.

What does a differential do?

A differential is a gear train with three drive shafts that has the property that the rotational speed of one shaft is the average of the speeds of the others. A common use of differentials is in motor vehicles, to allow the wheels at each end of a drive axle to rotate at different speeds while cornering.

What happens if you don’t fix a differential?

In a worst-case scenario, the differential could experience catastrophic failure and lock up, potentially causing damage to additional driveline components. Also, if engine torque is no longer being transferred to the drive wheels, the vehicle may not move under its own power.