Transmission and Diff fluid changes

[pkess3]

Has anyone performed a transmission fluid or differential fluid change on their Tribeca themselves? I'm thinking of saving a few bucks and trying to perform these if it's not too difficult. I changed the oil for the first time last month and I found it to be not as hard as I thought it would be.

[Brien]

Ours only has 14,500 miles on it. So we're far from needing to do such services.

I know this doesn't answer your question, but last week I had the tranny fluid and filter changed in my truck at 70,000. I think the tranny portion of the service was $225 which seemed about average after calling around. As for the differential, they found a small leak and topped it off. But said the fluid didn't appear contaminated and shouldn't need to be serviced anytime soon. So as long as you do the tranny you might be ok on putting off the differential fluid.

[singincanary]

We replace trans fluid every 15k and do a flush every 30k. It's messy, and the refill is a real PITA. Then again, I get a great deal from my mechanic, but then again he only charges $170 for a flush and fill.

[snork]

Doing the diffs is a fairly easy DIY...basically drain from the bottom plug and fill in the the top plug.

Changing tranny fluid is a bit more complicated as they are hard to drain out completely. Most quick-lube places can do it, but it'll cost $99+ depending on how much fluid is actually needed. They have what is essentially a pump machine that will pump out the old fluid while pumping in new fluid (not just a drain and fill). This is needed because trannies are pretty big and if you just drain it, not all the old fluid will necessarily come out. Usually they pump in ~3x the volume to make sure it's all swapped out...and why it costs so much!

My Accord's owners manual actually has instructions to DIY the tranny fluid change, and it actually says to drain and fill THREE TIMES:eek: and drive for 5 miles in between to make sure you get most all the old fluid out.

That being said, I usually do tranny and diff fluids every 30k miles.

[LORE BECA]

Flushing doesn't seem to be a good idea in comparison to drain and fill every 30,000 miles.

I hear flush pushes all of the crud deeper into tranny with problems noticed after a few miles, like slipping transmission.

I had asked about my Toyota cause it has a 60,000 mile if driven hard to 100,000 mile flush interval, in which in another forum allot of the knowledgeable truck guys wont go that long but most will drain and refill every 30,000 miles.
Even though you don't get it all out, it is always replenished.

I read somewhere that HONDA has stopped flushing their transmissions and started drain and fill.

Wonder what SUBARU dealer recommends on these new 5 speed transmissions, flush or drain and refill, and how often?

[LORE BECA]

You mention pumping in fluid, is that same as flush or is that a more gentle process for tranny?

Doing the diffs is a fairly easy DIY...basically drain from the bottom plug and fill in the the top plug.

Changing tranny fluid is a bit more complicated as they are hard to drain out completely. Most quick-lube places can do it, but it'll cost $99+ depending on how much fluid is actually needed. They have what is essentially a pump machine that will pump out the old fluid while pumping in new fluid (not just a drain and fill). This is needed because trannies are pretty big and if you just drain it, not all the old fluid will necessarily come out. Usually they pump in ~3x the volume to make sure it's all swapped out...and why it costs so much!

My Accord's owners manual actually has instructions to DIY the tranny fluid change, and it actually says to drain and fill THREE TIMES:eek: and drive for 5 miles in between to make sure you get most all the old fluid out.

That being said, I usually do tranny and diff fluids every 30k miles.

[snork]

I've watched them do my Accord, it's more of a flushing process...the machine simultaneously fills and drains the tranny casing, and by using about 3x the volume it effectively flushes out out the old fluid from all the nooks & crannies and any metal shavings from your regular gear wear.

[LORE BECA]

I've heard problems from flushing, at least getting first flush at higher mileage.

[snork]

Well FWIW I've never heard of probs flushing a tranny. Pretty much all quick-lube places do it as well as AAMCO which has the "Power Purge Plus" service and they specialize in trannies. IMHO, I don't see how you could get out the metal shavings from standard gear wear w/o flushing it?:Dunno:

Also my Accord has 192k on the clock (the notorious V6/5-speed combo:o ) and knock-on-wood it's been running strong w/ regular service @ 30k-40k intervals.

[LORE BECA]

I'm going by my 6 speed no deep stick tundra transmission.

A Toyota dealership refuses to flush due to seeing problems of slipping and breaking down of tranny soon after.
I WOULD LOVE TO FIND an INDEPENDENT shop that will truly service tranny with this special WS (worls standard 12-14 bucks a quart fluid, mine holds 6-7) TOYOTA FLUID for my truck.

The removal of dipsticks from some vehicles is BS and is the manufacturers way of making things hard.

That's the only experience I HAVE.
MY PREVIOUS TRUCK I DID TRANNY SERVICE EVERY 60-70 THOUSAND MILES WITHOUT PROBLEMS, it had deep stick.

Its probably the fact that you do it every 30,000 miles and don't give fluid a chance to break down and build up crud that flush can spread around.

[wrx-boy]

FWIW, I know the techs at my Suby dealership and they say for the tranny, drain and fill every 15K. All of the metal flaking and bits settle to the bottom of the tranny and are easily drained off with a normal drain and fill. Plus the drain plug is magnetic to catch the very small metal debris. They've all said that a flush is like kicking a dust pile, causes all the little bits to move around the tranny and get back into gearing. Drain and fill I shall ;)

[LORE BECA]

That is what I have heard from experienced truck guys too and an ongoing controversy/talk over at another forum, they say drain and fill and leave the flushing to the extended warranty guys.
How many quarts to drain and fill a 3.6L TRIBECA engine ( even though they don't get it all out) and how much do they charge for fluid and labor, if you don't mind asking him to give me idea?

If you can thanks!

FWIW, I know the techs at my Suby dealership and they say for the tranny, drain and fill every 15K. All of the metal flaking and bits settle to the bottom of the tranny and are easily drained off with a normal drain and fill. Plus the drain plug is magnetic to catch the very small metal debris. They've all said that a flush is like kicking a dust pile, causes all the little bits to move around the tranny and get back into gearing. Drain and fill I shall ;)

[wrx-boy]

How many quarts to drain and fill a 3.6L TRIBECA engine ( even though they don't get it all out) and how much do they charge for fluid and labor, if you don't mind asking him to give me idea?

If you can thanks!

$135 for a drain and fill on our H6 motor using 5Qts of Subaru ATF. Do it yourself for just the cost of the ATF for about $50.00+/- :tup:

[LORE BECA]

Is it hard to do tranny DIY?
I thought our trannies were every 60,000 miles as per SUBARU CORP recomendations?

[wrx-boy]

Is it hard to do tranny DIY?
I thought our trannies were every 60,000 miles as per SUBARU CORP recomendations?

Not at all...actually very easy. I've been doing all fluid changes on our 04' WRX, 03' Impreza Outback Sport and now will be doing the 09' Tribeca. It's just as easy as the motor oil.

- Pull the Dipstick
- Pull the Drain Plug below
- Drain, Drain and Drain...
- Replace the Plug and Torque
- Fill-er-up through the Dipstick hole (use a funnel extension...long)

TaDa...just saved your self $70+

SOA always has a set standard of "Guidelines", but I listen to the tech's. They are the ones who do all the Warranty Work and see what really happens. They say 15k...I'm down with that. Plus I love to wrench ;)

[LORE BECA]

AHHH, we have a deepstick.

Sounds like a good old fashioned tranny fluid change.

[LORE BECA]

Where can we find the official SUBARU recommended service intervals on various things like tranny, diffs, plugs on these 3.6l/5spped tranny combo?

I've read coolant change/flush at 120,000 miles as per SUBARU...that seems too long?

Any good site links.

15,000 miles sounds too soon for tranny fluid service...30 OR 60?

[POKO]

Has anyone performed a transmission fluid or differential fluid change on their Tribeca themselves? I'm thinking of saving a few bucks and trying to perform these if it's not too difficult. I changed the oil for the first time last month and I found it to be not as hard as I thought it would be.

I just finished the 60K service myself. Flushing scares me so I bought 12 qts of Subaru tranny fluid to change it myself. You can only get about 4 quarts of oil out by draining so I was going to do it 3 times(driving around a bit in between). It holds about 11 qts total I think. After the second time it looked pretty good so I stopped there. I plan on doing a 4 qt drain and fill every 15k miles.

It is easier than changing engine oil since there is a drain plug on the transmission pan and there is no filter to change(there is a filter somewhere but it is recommended not to change it). You do need a very long funnel to get the fluid into the dip stick hole though. Actually the maint specs say it is only necessary to inspect the transmission oil every 30k miles(In severe conditions it should be changed every 15k miles). You be the judge.

The 60K service says to inspect(not necessarily change) the diff fluids. Mine looked OK so I did not change them. The levels were good(no leaks).

[POKO]

Where can we find the official SUBARU recommended service intervals on various things like tranny, diffs, plugs on these 3.6l/5spped tranny combo?

I've read coolant change/flush at 120,000 miles as per SUBARU...that seems too long?

Any good site links.

15,000 miles sounds too soon for tranny fluid service...30 OR 60?

You should have received a "Warranty and Maintenance booklet" which has a schedule of inspections and maintenance table.

I can only speak to my 2006 maintenance schedule which might be different than the 2009, but it says transmission inspection every 30k miles and change every 15k under severe conditions. It explains what severe conditions might be.

Coolant change every 30k miles.

Check this site:

http://www.subaru.com/content/downloads/pdf/maintsched/2009SchedFed.pdf

It in fact says the 2009 (using Subaru super coolant) is to be changed at 11 years or 137,500 miles. Amazing!!! I wish all fluids lasted that long!!!

[LORE BECA]

AT THE DEALER THEY HAVE THEIR OWN SCHEDULE.

Just asking if I should go and tell them that I want drain and fill in tranny at 15,000 miles with differential drain and fill at 30,000 miles.

Are the plugs supposed to be every 30,000 miles?

I read that 11 year on coolant as well, I don't know if one should go that long on any car?

They have the word inspect in their DEALER SCHEDULE allot with their 500 dollar service. I am not going to pay them to look but to actually do something!

Just wondering what some experienced Subby guys are doing or are going to do to their cars cause for future maintainance intervals
Subaru says inspect on allot of things.

PLEASE FILL IN BLANKS BELOW to give idea on the 3.6 l engine.

TRANSMISSION FLUID DRAIN FILL EVERY= 15,30,60
PLUGS=?
DIFFERENTIAL fluid replace=?
COOLANT=?
oil change every 3,750 or 5,000 miles

[jimbo]

I like the 15k tranny fluid drain/fill schedule. I do the same myself. Plugs are tougher, because while some folks like to change them at 30k whether they need to be changed or not, others like to pull em and check at 30k...only replacing if necessary. If you want to go the second route, pull and inspect at 30k, then every 10k or so after that.

Diff fluid should be replaced every 30k miles, unless you do a lot of towing. If you do, replace it every 15k.

Coolant should be replaced every 30k at least, especially given that you live in such a warm climate.

Oil change - if you drive hard - should be every 3750. If you drive gently, or if you use synthetic oil, you can make 5k miles easily.

[LORE BECA]

Thanks for reply.
The coolant is for 11 years FOR the 3.6l engine?!?!
PLUGS, one schedule says to replace at 30 and the other at 60 for the 09 beca.
Drain and fill sounds better then flush on multiple forums, wonder how many quarts the 3.6l tranny holds total and how many we actually get out in drain and fill?

Keep it coming guys, know I have the 3.6l 09 model so that might matter on schedule?

I like the 15k tranny fluid drain/fill schedule. I do the same myself. Plugs are tougher, because while some folks like to change them at 30k whether they need to be changed or not, others like to pull em and check at 30k...only replacing if necessary. If you want to go the second route, pull and inspect at 30k, then every 10k or so after that.

Diff fluid should be replaced every 30k miles, unless you do a lot of towing. If you do, replace it every 15k.

Coolant should be replaced every 30k at least, especially given that you live in such a warm climate.

Oil change - if you drive hard - should be every 3750. If you drive gently, or if you use synthetic oil, you can make 5k miles easily.

[jimbo]

wonder how many quarts the 3.6l tranny holds total

Your manual will tell you what the fluid capacity of the transmission is. Check the tables in the back...look for "Specifications."

[LORE BECA]

Will Do.

[Flatsix]

So...let's assume I went to Wal-Mart to get tranny fluid for my 08, what fluid is appropriate?

Thanks!

[LORE BECA]

STICK to SUBARU ONLY TRANNY FLUID.
Unless you want problems like slipping and if something happens to your transmission and they find you are using other fluid, VOID WARRANTY.

I WOULD RATHER PAY A FEW EXTRA BUCKS FOR CORRECT FLUID, i.m.h.o.!

[chrisinky]

Hearing a lot about changing the tranny fluid but no one is mentioning the filter - has anyone done it? Dealer wants $30 for the filter, the FSM says I need to remove the front bumper to replace it but also interesting that the retail parts places have the filter too.

anyone ever done this and do I HAVE to remove the bumper?

C

[chrisinky]

4qts Subaru HP ATF fluid + ATF filter from dealer (mind you parts places sell them too) $61. The filter was $31 - it appears very similar in size to the oil filter. Will change before we head out on vacation and let everyone know how it goes, hoping I can drop the lower cover and not remove the whole bumper to get to it, but who knows!

C

[LORE BECA]

I realized that I HAVE iridium plugs in the 09, how often should they be changed REALISTICALLY?

[chrisinky]

Well.....

First off - changed the fluid - old looked good but was a bit high on the stick when looking at it cold and hot. I added less than 3.25 qt's back in after draining and it was STILL high hot/cold. After getting it just about right the shifting is better (I had the hard 1-2 shift issue).

The filter however - I'm headed on vacation in a few days, couldn't find it, and not about to take the front bumper off looking for it. I also found that supposedly the filter is a "lifetime" part, only needing replaced if it rusts or is damaged.

C

[LORE BECA]

Call dealer and ask tech if they change filter as the norm when doing transmission fluid service, if not every time then when if at all?
S.O.A. tech phone call should also give you official responce, even through e mail.
That should tell you something.

Well.....

First off - changed the fluid - old looked good but was a bit high on the stick when looking at it cold and hot. I added less than 3.25 qt's back in after draining and it was STILL high hot/cold. After getting it just about right the shifting is better (I had the hard 1-2 shift issue).

The filter however - I'm headed on vacation in a few days, couldn't find it, and not about to take the front bumper off looking for it. I also found that supposedly the filter is a "lifetime" part, only needing replaced if it rusts or is damaged.

C

[ninefourteener]

It's a piece of cake.... not nearly as big of a deal as this thread has made it out to be.

Drain the pan..... change the filter, fill the tranny. Done.

The filter is a remote unit, located on the front side of the Driver front wheelwell. It's as easy as an oil change

[Rotorflyr]

I realized that I HAVE iridium plugs in the 09, how often should they be changed REALISTICALLY?

They're supposed to have a life of 100,000mi but realistically it varies.

A big factor is going to inculde driving conditions and quality of gas you use.
That is to say in areas where air temps run hotter or there is high humidity (both being the worst combination) you likely won't get as long a life as you might otherwise.

Using crappy quality gas or gas that contains some contaminants (due to condition of delivery trucks, age of storage tanks etc...) on a regular basis you'll probably see a shorter life on the plugs..

Personally I would look at changing them around 65-75k and I'd likely do the wires at the same time (barring signs of wear prior)

[LORE BECA]

Is the transmission filter supposed to be changed?

One dealer said never unless its rusted or dirty according to SUBARU, another said at 90,000 miles and a third said it should at the 30,000 mile interval change. Another dealer said the interval is 15,000 miles in our Texas hot climate.

Which one do you believe regarding tranny filter replacement?

Just tranny fluid drain and fill runs 90 bucks, with filter its almost double.

[Rotorflyr]

The first thing I would do is contact SOA directly and ask them what they recommend, then depending on their answer, I'd go from there.

I can say that I wouldn't even take my vehicle to the dealer that suggested it needed to be changed every 15k.

[Peace]

The filter however - I'm headed on vacation in a few days, couldn't find it, and not about to take the front bumper off looking for it. I also found that supposedly the filter is a "lifetime" part, only needing replaced if it rusts or is damaged.
C

I did an ATF drain and fill today (3.5 qts Subaru ATF-HP) I couldn't find the ATF filter either...:confused: (I did not remove the front bumper though). I will repeat the drain and fill in a week or so, because the old ATF was pretty darkish rust colored (and I have had some occational slipping transmission issues lately, between 2nd and 3rd), so I am gonna repeat it a few times, to change most of the old fluid out.

Now, anyone that actually knows the precise location of the ATF filter and how to access it without removing the front bumper? Please post!

[drbrousters]

They're supposed to have a life of 100,000mi but realistically it varies...
Personally I would look at changing them around 65-75k and I'd likely do the wires at the same time (barring signs of wear prior)

Because I'm about to head to Glacier National Park (see articles about "Going to the Sun Road), I just had a 60,000 service done at 54,000 by the guys who do all my mechanical work. I intended to have the plugs changed. The guy told me the recommended interval is 90,000 on the 3.0 and mine showed no signs of wear...and it runs great.

I run Costco Premium, 76 Premium, or Chevron mid-grade or Premium in the car, but have only had it for a few thousand miles. My mechanic told me to run Premium because it recommends it and there is nothing currently harder on a car than poor grade gasoline. :scurred: He states that if you work on a car that has run cheap gas (and you WILL need it worked on), it will cure you of ever using it.
I heard this same thing about Penzoil from mechanics...told me there is so much parafin in the oil that it always turns to sludge. I suspect that their synthetic oils are a different story.

There is a guy here that was trained by/worked for Subaru for many years and opened his own "Subaru Only" shop. I'm going to go by there today to ask about "the Transmission ECU flash." The dealer told me they'd do it, but it wasn't a good idea -my B9 isn't under warrantee. Odd response. :Dunno: I'm going for a 2nd opinion.:argue:

[drbrousters]

So, as suspected, the non-dealer shop says that Subaru develops and releases the latest software for it's Transmission ECU on an ongoing basis. They basically refine, adjust, and "make better" how the transmission operates. He had no idea why the dealer would indicate updating the transmission software was a bad idea.
His opinion is that later software is better software. Makes sense to me...
I wonder if the same is true for the Engine ECU.
Didn't think of that till now.

[drbrousters]

Just got back from the software upgrades -they did the engine too at no additional charge.
Noticed difference immediately. Engine smoother, smoother starts and gear changes. ????more pep??? I haven't had it on the highway yet.
Well worth the $75 and tax.

[Rotorflyr]

What year Tribeca do you have?

[drbrousters]

It's a 2006 Limited.
Now that I have a few miles on the update (30 to be exact) I can highlight the changes a bit:

1) Engine idles much lower at stops -when air compressor kicks, it increases the idle speed to about double. This can cause surges which feel like rough idle, but it's just in response to the demands of the AC.
Sorry, but no numbers. I think it's from 500 to 1000, but will look closer. Weather's been in the 80's so the compressor is going most of the time.

2) When warmed up, other than #1, engine is so smooth that you don't feel it at all.

3) Car shifts into 1st gear when speed drops somewhere below 10MPH. Usually not noticeable, but can give a "jerk". Again, no problem, just occasional "bump". It doesn't seem to do it now -maybe just needed a few miles to learn my driving pattern.

4) Due to #3, it comes out of turns ready to accelerate. You don't have to press hard on the accelerator to get it to shift down. It's already there. Very smooth. As a matter of fact, it seems to take less pedal pressure to get it to shift down when needed for entering the freeway, etc. It doesn't shift down unless you need it, but just seems smoother when called on.

All in all, if you have not had this done, it would be good idea to have it done. If you're under warrantee, it should have been done...but I don't know.

[tribecadean]

both differentials on my car had a lot of debris on the magnet. I dont think the differential oil had ever been changes.Fairly dirty.

the tranny was dirty too, I did a drain and fill with Subaru brand tranny fluid

[ianm]

The transmission filter was real pain getting off on my 2006 Tribeca. There are 2 ways to get it off. First off, the filter sits between the front driver's side headlight and the front driver's side wheelwell. I found that the first method was easier 1. remove the plastic wheel well cover slightly and just bending it enough to be able to reach you hand in. Once you bend it back a bit you can use a flashlight and locate the filter just below the battery casing. The filter is the screw on type so just screw it off and replace. Mine was really on there good and I had to use big plier to get it off. 2. The other method is a little harder. Remove the battery completely and reach you hand in and feel for the filter. Once located, screw it off and replace. My car took a full 4 litres after flush.
Hope this helps!

[allsold]

both differentials on my car had a lot of debris on the magnet. I dont think the differential oil had ever been changes.Fairly dirty.

the tranny was dirty too, I did a drain and fill with Subaru brand tranny fluid

I'm having a hard time to locate the transmission drain plug, could somebody please post photos for the location?

thanks million !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[drbrousters]

:eek: I'm having a hard time to locate the transmission drain plug....

Several problems with this:

1) You didn't identify your year/model. :Dunno:
2) It's likely to be a dealer only part. :eek:

Here's one possible site: :type:
http://www.thepartsbin.com/catalog/?N=1719%2B2337&uts=true&Ntt=tribeca+oil+drain&x=19&y=7

And now for something completely different: :cool:
http://www.qwikvalve.com/F-105-20mm-1.5.html

But....this one might be subject to leaking.:scurred:

[Peace]

I'm having a hard time to locate the transmission drain plug, could somebody please post photos for the location?

thanks million !!!!!!!!!!!!!
see attached jpg
Cheers

[mravil]

It's a 2006 Limited.
Now that I have a few miles on the update (30 to be exact) I can highlight the changes a bit:

1) Engine idles much lower at stops -when air compressor kicks, it increases the idle speed to about double. This can cause surges which feel like rough idle, but it's just in response to the demands of the AC.
Sorry, but no numbers. I think it's from 500 to 1000, but will look closer. Weather's been in the 80's so the compressor is going most of the time.

2) When warmed up, other than #1, engine is so smooth that you don't feel it at all.

3) Car shifts into 1st gear when speed drops somewhere below 10MPH. Usually not noticeable, but can give a "jerk". Again, no problem, just occasional "bump". It doesn't seem to do it now -maybe just needed a few miles to learn my driving pattern.

4) Due to #3, it comes out of turns ready to accelerate. You don't have to press hard on the accelerator to get it to shift down. It's already there. Very smooth. As a matter of fact, it seems to take less pedal pressure to get it to shift down when needed for entering the freeway, etc. It doesn't shift down unless you need it, but just seems smoother when called on.

All in all, if you have not had this done, it would be good idea to have it done. If you're under warrantee, it should have been done...but I don't know.

drbrousters - I had my transmission reflashed (supposedly) on my 2008 a few months ago at a subaru dealership. Unfortunately, it did not correct the hard shift problem whet going into or coming out of 1st gear (your #3 above). It seems to reliably occur around 15 mph when in non-sport mode. You seemed to have luck in getting this corrected. Do you have any info on what software version they flashed your tranny too or any other info from your non-dealer shop with respect to what they did to fix this? Thanks