What kind of gear oil does a Subaru Outback take?
As a proud owner of a Subaru Outback, ensuring that your vehicle runs smoothly and efficiently is paramount. One of the essential aspects of maintaining your Outback is using the correct gear oil. This article will guide you through the types of gear oil suitable for your Subaru Outback, helping you make informed decisions for your vehicle's maintenance.
Understanding Gear Oil
Gear oil, also known as differential oil, is crucial for lubricating the gears in your vehicle's transmission and differential. It helps reduce friction, dissipate heat, and protect against wear and tear. Using the right type of gear oil is vital for the longevity and performance of your Subaru Outback.
Recommended Gear Oil for Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback typically requires a specific type of gear oil depending on the model year and the drivetrain configuration. Here are the general recommendations:
- Manual Transmission: For models equipped with a manual transmission, Subaru recommends using 75W-90 gear oil. This viscosity provides optimal performance under various driving conditions.
- Automatic Transmission: If your Outback has an automatic transmission, it is essential to use Subaru ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). This fluid is specially formulated to meet the needs of Subaru's automatic transmissions.
- Differential: For the rear differential, a 75W-90 gear oil is also recommended. Ensure that the oil meets the API GL-5 specification for optimal protection.
Checking and Changing Gear Oil
Regularly checking and changing your gear oil is crucial for maintaining your Subaru Outback's performance. Here are some tips:
- Check the owner's manual for specific recommendations regarding gear oil change intervals.
- Inspect the gear oil level regularly to ensure it is within the recommended range.
- Look for signs of contamination or discoloration in the oil, which may indicate a need for replacement.
Conclusion
Using the correct gear oil in your Subaru Outback is essential for its performance and longevity. By following the recommendations outlined in this article, you can ensure that your vehicle remains in top condition. If you're ever in doubt, consult your owner's manual or reach out to a trusted auto service professional for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is differential fluid the same as gear oil?
The differential fluid, also known as gear oil, is specifically formulated to lubricate and protect the gears and bearings within the differential housing. On the other hand, transmission fluid is responsible for lubricating and cooling the intricate components of your vehicle's transmission system.
What kind of fluid goes in a rear differential?
Think engine oil but thicker; it's similar to fluid that's used to lubricate manual transmission gears. There are two basic types of differential fluid: Mineral oil, which is a natural, crude oil-based fluid. Synthetic differential fluid, which is created with chemicals and can be fine-tuned for optimal performance.
How often do I need to change gearbox oil?
every 30,000 to 50,000 mi
Manual gearboxes usually require a gearbox oil change every 30,000 to 50,000 mi (48,000 to 80,000 km). Automatic gearboxes usually have gear oil change intervals of between 60,000 to 100,000 mi (96,000 to 160,000 km). It's advisable that you change your gearbox oil filter at the same time as your oil.
What oil is recommended for a Subaru Outback?
Oil Type & Capacity for Subaru Outback
Also like the Crosstrek, the Outback engine should be filled with 0W-20 synthetic oil. If synthetic oil isn't available, you can use either 5W-30 or 5W-40 conventional oil. However, as suggested above, the engine oil should be replaced with synthetic oil during the next change.
Is gear oil and transmission oil the same?
Transmission fluid and transmission oil are the same, but gear oil is for differentials, and in some people's minds, for transmissions, but you should not use just any gear oil in a manual transmission, as they may destroy synchronizers in their effort to protect extreme pressure.
When to change gear oil on a Subaru?
Subaru often suggests changing the transmission fluid at regular intervals, such as every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on the model and transmission type.
Does it matter what gear oil I use?
All gear lubricants are definitely not the same. There are differences in the additive technology used for lubricants for each specification, and just because one type of gear oil works well for one type of gear application, that doesn't mean it will work well for all.
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.
What happens if you never change differential fluid?
Most differentials need a fluid change at about 50,000 miles. If left too long or if the fluid starts to run low, the differential will become noisy and can eventually fail. If that happens, the gears can seize, locking up the rear wheels and potentially causing a lot of damage or even an accident.
How often should I change my Subaru Outback differential fluid?
Having your Subaru's differential fluid drained and replaced as often as every 30,000 miles is important to keeping your vehicle running in top condition.
