2018 Subaru Outback Differential Fluid Change: Maintenance Tips for Improved Performance

The 2018 Subaru Outback is a popular mid-size SUV that requires regular maintenance to keep it running in top condition. One of the most important maintenance services is changing the differential fluid, which helps keep all the drivetrain components lubricated and functioning properly. Differential fluid change is a relatively simple but important procedure that should be done every 30,000 miles or so, depending on your driving habits. This guide will provide an overview of what’s involved in changing the differential fluid in a 2018 Subaru Outback. It will cover everything from gathering the necessary tools and supplies to performing the actual fluid change.

Automobile: 2018 Subaru Outback Differential Fluid Change

What is Differential Fluid?

Differential fluid, also known as gear oil or differential oil, is a lubricant made specifically for the differential of a vehicle. The differential is an essential part of your car’s drivetrain and helps to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. The differential fluid helps to reduce friction and improve efficiency by lubricating the gears and other components inside the differential. It also helps to ensure that all parts are operating correctly and can help protect against wear and tear caused by friction. Differential fluid is usually made with a combination of synthetic oils, detergents, and other additives that help it perform its job more effectively.

When To Change The Differential Fluid?

Most manufacturers recommend that you change your differential fluid every 30,000-50,000 miles (48,280-80,467 km). However, if you use your car for towing or off-roading you may want to change it sooner. If you notice any strange noises coming from the back of your car or if the oil has become darker than normal then it may be time for a change. It’s always best to check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations on when to change the oil in your vehicle.

Benefits Of Changing Differential Fluid

Changing your differential fluid regularly can benefit both vehicle performance and lifespan in several ways. Fresh oil can help reduce friction between components and ensure that all parts are operating correctly. This can help improve fuel economy as well as reduce wear and tear caused by friction over time. Additionally, fresh oil can help protect against build-up of dirt or debris inside the differential which can cause damage or poor performance if left unchecked. Finally, fresh oil can also increase the lifespan of components inside the differential which will save money on repairs down the line.

Requirements For The 2018 Subaru Outback

The 2018 Subaru Outback requires 75W-90 synthetic gear oil for its rear axle differential which has a capacity of 1 quart (0.95 liters). It is important to use only this type of gear oil as other types may not provide adequate protection or lubrication for this specific model of car. You should also check with your local dealership or service center before purchasing any gear oils so that you know exactly what type you need for your model year Outback.

Preparation For Differential Fluid Change

Before beginning any work on a vehicle’s drivetrain it’s important to make sure you have all necessary tools as well as safety equipment such as gloves, glasses and a jack stand in case you need it while working under the car. Additionally, it’s important to have a clean area around where you’ll be working so that nothing gets spilled on the ground or in any crevices around the car where it could cause damage later on down the line. Finally, make sure that all fluids are cold before beginning work so that they don’t burn you while handling them during this process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Changing the differential fluid in a 2018 Subaru Outback is not a difficult task, but it does require some time and patience. The first step is to determine which type of fluid you need to use in your vehicle. Differentials often require synthetic or mineral oil, so it’s important to check your owner’s manual for the correct type. Once you’ve determined which fluid you need, you’ll need to drain the old fluid from the differential. This can be done by removing the drain plug on the bottom of the differential and draining the old fluid into an appropriate container.

Once all of the old fluid has been drained, you’ll need to refill the differential with new fluid. This can be done by pouring the new oil into a funnel and then slowly pouring it into the differential until it reaches its full capacity. Once you’ve filled it with new oil, you’ll need to replace the drain plug and clean up any spilled oil.

Finally, it’s important to check for any potential leaks or other issues that may have arisen during this process. If there are any issues, they should be addressed immediately before continuing with further maintenance on your vehicle.

Diagnosing Differential Fluid Issues

If you suspect that there is a problem with your differential’s fluid levels or quality, there are a few steps that can help diagnose what is causing the issue. One way is to check whether or not there are any leaks near where your differential is located. If there are any visible signs of leakage, this could indicate that there is an issue with either your gasket or sealant which needs to be replaced before continuing with further maintenance on your vehicle.

Another way to diagnose potential issues with your differential’s fluid levels or quality is by checking for any strange noises coming from underneath your car when driving. If you hear anything unusual such as grinding noises or vibrations coming from underneath, this could indicate that there may be an issue with either your axle shafts or bearings which will require further inspection and repair if necessary.

Potential Complications and Solutions

When changing differential fluids in a 2018 Subaru Outback, it’s important to keep in mind that certain complications may arise during this process due to improper installation or maintenance procedures being used. Some common complications include incorrect oil levels resulting in poor lubrication of parts within the differential, resulting in premature wear and breakdown of components over time; incorrect type of oil being used resulting in either inadequate lubrication or excessive friction; improper installation leading to potential leakage; and incorrect torqueing leading to premature failure of parts due to insufficient clamping forces being applied during installation.

To prevent these complications from occurring during maintenance procedures on a 2018 Subaru Outback’s differential system, proper installation instructions must be followed closely when changing fluids as well as periodic inspections and maintenance must be performed regularly according to OEM specifications outlined in owner’s manuals or service bulletins provided by Subaru dealerships nationwide. Additionally, regular inspections should also be performed on all related components such as axle shafts, bearings and seals for signs of wear or damage which could affect performance over time if left unaddressed.

FAQ & Answers

Q: What is Differential Fluid?
A: Differential fluid is a lubricant used to keep the differential in an automobile functioning correctly. It helps reduce friction between the gears and ensures that the vehicle is able to move at its proper speed and torque. This fluid is also responsible for reducing heat within the differential, which can cause damage to the components if left unchecked.

Q: When to Change the Differential Fluid?
A: Most manufacturers suggest that you should change your differential fluid every 30,000 miles or at least once a year, depending on how often you use your car. If you drive in extreme conditions or if you frequently tow heavy objects, then it is recommended that you change your differential fluid more often.

Q: What are the Benefits of Changing Differential Fluid?
A: Changing your differential fluid can help extend the life of your car’s transmission and ensure optimal performance. It can also reduce wear and tear on other components in your vehicle’s drivetrain, such as axles and wheel bearings. Finally, changing your differential fluid can help prevent premature wear due to contamination or overheating.

Q: What are the Requirements for the 2018 Subaru Outback?
A: The 2018 Subaru Outback requires synthetic 75W-90 GL-5 gear oil for its differential fluid change. It should be noted that using any other type of oil may void any applicable warranty on your vehicle, so it is important to use only what is specified by Subaru for this model year.

Q: What Preparation Should I Do Before Changing Differential Fluid?
A: Before changing your differential fluid, it is important to make sure that all of the necessary tools are available and ready for use. Additionally, it may be helpful to have some spare parts on hand in case anything goes wrong during the process. Finally, make sure that you have access to a safe workspace with plenty of lighting and ventilation before beginning any job such as this one.

In conclusion, changing the differential fluid in a 2018 Subaru Outback is an important part of preventive maintenance that should be done every few years. Although it is a relatively simple process, it requires some special tools and can be quite time-consuming. As such, it is best left to a professional mechanic who has the necessary experience and expertise. Doing so will help ensure that your Subaru Outback runs smoothly for years to come.