If you own a Subaru Forester, you may be wondering about the differential oil capacity. The differential is an important part of your vehicle’s drivetrain, and it requires regular maintenance to ensure it is functioning properly. In this article, we will discuss the Subaru Forester differential oil capacity and provide some helpful tips for maintaining your vehicle’s differential.
The Subaru Forester has different differential oil capacities depending on the year and model of your vehicle. For example, the 2021 Forester has a rear differential oil capacity of 1.7 pints (0.8 liters), while the 2014 Forester XT with the CVT has a front and rear differential oil capacity of 1.2 liters. It’s important to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult with a trusted mechanic to determine the correct differential oil capacity for your specific vehicle.
Regularly changing your Subaru Forester’s differential oil is essential for maintaining the health of your vehicle’s drivetrain. Over time, the oil in your differential can become contaminated with metal shavings and other debris, which can cause damage to the gears and bearings. By changing your differential oil at the recommended intervals, you can help prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Understanding Differential Oil
If you own a Subaru Forester or any other car, you might have heard of differential oil. Differential oil is a special type of lubricant that is used in the differential system of a car. It is an essential component for the smooth functioning of the differential system. In this section, we will discuss the purpose of differential oil, types of differential fluids, viscosity, and specifications.
Purpose of Differential Oil
The differential system is an essential component of your car’s drivetrain. It is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. The differential system consists of gears, bearings, and other moving parts that need to be lubricated to prevent wear and tear. Differential oil is used to lubricate these parts and prevent friction between them. It also helps to dissipate heat generated by the moving parts and keeps the differential system cool.
Types of Differential Fluids
There are different types of differential fluids available in the market. The most common types are conventional and synthetic oils. Synthetic oil is a better option than conventional oil as it provides better protection and lasts longer. Synthetic oil is also designed to perform better in extreme temperatures and conditions. Subaru recommends using synthetic oil for the differential system of your Forester.
Viscosity and Specifications
Viscosity is an essential factor to consider when choosing differential oil for your car. Viscosity is a measure of the oil’s resistance to flow. It is measured in units of centistokes (cSt). The viscosity of the differential oil should be chosen based on the manufacturer’s specifications. The viscosity of the differential oil for the Subaru Forester is 75W-90.
The amount of differential oil required for the Subaru Forester varies depending on the model and the type of differential system. According to the search results, the front differential system of the Forester requires 1.4 quarts of 75W-90 synthetic oil, and the rear differential system requires 0.8 quarts of the same oil.
In summary, differential oil is an essential component of your car’s differential system. It lubricates the moving parts, dissipates heat, and keeps the differential system cool. Synthetic oil is recommended for the differential system of your Subaru Forester. The viscosity of the differential oil should be chosen based on the manufacturer’s specifications.
Subaru Forester Differential Oil Capacity
If you own a Subaru Forester, you may be wondering how much differential oil your vehicle can hold. The differential is an essential component of the drivetrain, and it is crucial to keep it well lubricated with the right oil. In this section, we will discuss the differential oil capacity of the Subaru Forester.
Capacity by Model Year
The differential oil capacity of the Subaru Forester can vary depending on the model year. Here is a breakdown of the oil capacity by model year:
- 2016-2018 Subaru Forester: The front differential oil capacity is 0.8 quarts, while the rear differential oil capacity is 1.2 quarts.
- 2019-2021 Subaru Forester: The front differential oil capacity is 0.7 quarts, while the rear differential oil capacity is 1.1 quarts.
- 2022 Subaru Forester: The front differential oil capacity is 0.7 quarts, while the rear differential oil capacity is 1.2 quarts.
It is essential to use the correct oil capacity for your specific model year to ensure optimal performance.
Front vs Rear Differential Capacity
The front and rear differentials of the Subaru Forester have different oil capacities. The front differential typically has a smaller oil capacity than the rear differential. The front differential oil capacity ranges from 0.7 to 0.8 quarts, while the rear differential oil capacity ranges from 1.1 to 1.2 quarts.
When changing the differential oil, it is essential to use the recommended oil type and viscosity for your specific model year. The owner’s manual or a trusted mechanic can provide this information.
In conclusion, the differential oil capacity of the Subaru Forester varies by model year and differential type. It is crucial to use the correct oil capacity and type to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the differential.
Differential Oil Maintenance
Maintaining the differential oil in your Subaru Forester is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly. The differential oil helps to lubricate the gears and bearings in the differential, which helps to reduce friction and wear. Here are some things you should know about maintaining the differential oil in your Subaru Forester.
Checking Differential Oil Level
It is important to check the differential oil level regularly to ensure that it is at the correct level. To check the differential oil level, you will need to locate the fill plug on the differential. The fill plug is usually located on the side of the differential and is marked with a “fill” or “oil” symbol.
To check the oil level, you will need to remove the fill plug and insert your finger into the hole. The oil level should be up to the bottom of the fill plug hole. If the oil level is low, you will need to add more oil until it reaches the correct level.
Changing Differential Oil
It is recommended that you change the differential oil in your Subaru Forester every 30,000 miles. Changing the differential oil is a straightforward process that you can do yourself if you have the right tools.
To change the differential oil, you will need to locate the drain plug on the differential. The drain plug is usually located on the bottom of the differential and is marked with a “drain” or “oil” symbol.
You will need to remove the drain plug and let the oil drain out into a container. Once all of the oil has drained out, you can replace the drain plug and fill the differential with new oil using the fill plug.
Recommended Change Period
It is recommended that you change the differential oil in your Subaru Forester every 30,000 miles. However, if you frequently drive in harsh conditions, such as off-road or in extreme temperatures, you may need to change the oil more frequently.
It is also a good idea to check the differential oil level regularly to ensure that it is at the correct level. If you notice any leaks or other issues with the differential, you should have it inspected by a qualified mechanic.
In conclusion, maintaining the differential oil in your Subaru Forester is an essential part of keeping your vehicle running smoothly. By checking the oil level regularly and changing the oil every 30,000 miles, you can help to ensure that your differential continues to function properly.
Subaru Forester Specifications
Trim and Transmission Types
When it comes to the Subaru Forester, there are a number of different trim levels and transmission types available. The trim levels include the base model, Premium, Sport, and Limited. As for the transmission types, there is a manual transmission available on the base and Premium trims, while the Sport and Limited trims come with a standard automatic transmission.
Engine Codes and Capacities
The Subaru Forester comes with a few different engine options, including the FB20, FB25, and FA20 engines. The FB20 engine has an oil capacity of 4.4-4.8 liters (service fill) or 5.3-5.7 liters (dry fill), while the FB25 engine has an oil capacity of 4.2 liters (service fill) or 5.1 liters (dry fill).
In terms of transmission fluid, the Subaru Forester with a manual transmission requires Subaru Extra MT oil, while the automatic transmission requires Subaru High Torque CVT Fluid TR580. The rear differential oil capacity for the Subaru Forester is 1.7 pints or 0.8 liters.
The XT trim comes with a turbocharged FA20F engine, while the Legacy GT and Outback XT models are equipped with the EJ255 turbo engine. These engines have different oil capacities, so it’s important to check the owner’s manual for the specific capacity.
Overall, the Subaru Forester is a reliable and versatile vehicle that offers plenty of power and capability. Whether you’re looking for a car for your daily commute or for off-road adventures, the Forester has something to offer.
Lubrication and Fluid Types
When it comes to lubrication and fluid types for your Subaru Forester’s differential, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this section, we’ll cover the differences between synthetic and conventional oil, as well as the manufacturer-recommended oil types.
Synthetic vs Conventional Oil
One of the main differences between synthetic and conventional oil is the way they are made. Synthetic oil is chemically engineered to provide better performance and protection than conventional oil. It is also more expensive than conventional oil.
However, synthetic oil has several advantages over conventional oil. It provides better lubrication, which can lead to better fuel economy and longer engine life. It also flows better in cold temperatures, which can be beneficial in colder climates.
On the other hand, conventional oil is cheaper than synthetic oil. It is also more widely available, so you can find it at most auto parts stores.
Manufacturer Recommended Oil Types
Subaru recommends using a 5W-30 synthetic oil for the rear differential on most of their models, including the Forester. However, it’s important to note that the oil capacity can vary depending on the specific model and year.
It’s also important to use the recommended oil type for your front differential. According to a search result, most of the front differential oil capacity is a standard 1.2 liters. You can use a 1.2-liter capacity oil and make it work for your Subaru model.
In addition to the oil type, it’s also important to use the recommended gear oil for your Forester’s differential. Subaru recommends using a 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil for the rear differential. This type of gear oil is designed to provide maximum protection for your differential and help it last longer.
In conclusion, using the right lubrication and fluid types for your Subaru Forester’s differential is important for its longevity and performance. Stick to the manufacturer-recommended oil types and gear oil types to ensure that your differential is properly lubricated and protected.
Tools and Equipment
When it comes to maintaining the differential of your Subaru Forester, having the right tools and equipment can make the job much easier. Here are some tools you’ll need to perform differential maintenance:
Tools for Differential Maintenance
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Drain pan: This is a container that you can use to catch the old differential oil as it drains out of the differential. Make sure it is large enough to hold the amount of oil that will come out of your Forester’s differential.
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Torque wrench: A torque wrench is essential for ensuring that you tighten the drain and fill plugs to the correct torque specification. This will help prevent leaks and ensure that the plugs don’t come loose over time.
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Socket set: You’ll need a socket set to remove the drain and fill plugs from the differential. Make sure you have the correct size socket for your Forester’s differential.
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Funnel: A funnel will make it easier to pour new differential oil into the differential without making a mess.
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Differential oil: You’ll need to purchase the correct type and amount of differential oil for your Forester. Refer to your owner’s manual or the search results for the correct oil capacity.
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Check plug: Some differentials have a check plug that allows you to check the oil level without removing the fill plug. If your Forester’s differential has a check plug, make sure you have the correct size wrench to remove it.
With these tools and equipment, you’ll be well-equipped to perform differential maintenance on your Subaru Forester. Just make sure to follow the correct torque specifications and use the correct type and amount of differential oil for your vehicle.
Subaru Model Comparisons
Forester vs Other Subaru Models
When it comes to differential oil capacity, the Subaru Forester is comparable to other Subaru models. For example, the 2013 Subaru Forester has a front differential oil capacity of 1.2 liters, which is the same as the Subaru Impreza. The rear differential oil capacity for the 2013 Forester is 0.8 liters, which is also the same as the Subaru Outback.
If you’re comparing different model years of the Forester, you’ll find that the differential oil capacity can vary slightly. For instance, the 2005 Forester has an engine oil capacity of 4.2 quarts, while the 2013 Forester has an engine oil capacity of 5.2 quarts. However, the front and rear differential oil capacities remain the same.
It’s worth noting that while the differential oil capacity may be similar across different Subaru models, the type of differential oil used may vary. Always check your owner’s manual or consult with a trusted mechanic to ensure you’re using the correct type of oil for your specific vehicle.
In summary, when it comes to differential oil capacity, the Subaru Forester is comparable to other Subaru models such as the Impreza and Outback. While the differential oil capacity may vary slightly between different model years, it’s important to always use the correct type of oil for your specific vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the recommended interval for changing differential fluid in a Subaru Forester?
Subaru recommends changing the differential fluid in your Forester every 30,000 miles or every 24 months, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive in severe conditions such as off-road, towing, or driving in extreme temperatures, you may need to change the fluid more frequently.
How much fluid is typically required for a Subaru Forester’s rear differential?
The amount of fluid required for a Subaru Forester’s rear differential varies depending on the year and model of your vehicle. According to the Subaru Forester Owners Forum, the rear differential capacity for most Forester models is 0.8 liters.
Can you guide me on the differential oil capacity for a Subaru Forester from recent years?
The differential oil capacity for recent Subaru Forester models may vary slightly based on the engine and transmission type. For example, the Subaru Outback with an FB25D engine has a front differential oil capacity of 1.28 liters. However, the rear differential capacity for most Forester models is 0.8 liters.
What are the steps involved in checking the differential oil level on a Subaru Forester?
To check the differential oil level on your Subaru Forester, park your vehicle on a level surface and let it cool down. Then, locate the differential oil dipstick, which is usually located near the back of the engine bay. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it. Finally, remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. If the oil level is low, add more oil until it reaches the appropriate level.
Is there a specific type of differential oil recommended for Subaru Foresters?
Yes, Subaru recommends using a specific type of differential oil for Forester models. According to the Subaru Forester Owners Forum, most Forester models require 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil for the rear differential. However, it’s important to check your owner’s manual or consult with a certified Subaru technician to ensure you use the correct oil for your specific model.
How does one determine the appropriate amount of differential oil for a Subaru Forester’s gearbox?
The appropriate amount of differential oil for a Subaru Forester’s gearbox varies depending on the year and model of your vehicle. However, most Forester models require 3.5 liters of gear oil for the manual gearbox and 4 liters of oil for the engine (without filter change). It’s important to check your owner’s manual or consult with a certified Subaru technician to ensure you use the correct amount of oil for your specific model.
