Subaru Forester recommended fluids

[webfors]

I know this has been discussed before. I've read half a dozen threads on the topic and the more I read the more I'm not sure.

I have a 08 Forester 5mt. Just changed the transmission and rear diff fluids yesterday. Here are some pics:

http://sugar.webfors.com/gallery/gearllube

I'm a little concerned about the amount of metal shavings/goo on both diff (worse looking) and transmission magnetic drain plugs. However, I've read on nasioc and sugaruforester.org that this amount is normal, especially for a new car.

That being said, I want to reopen the discussion on the best fluid for this manual transmission. It's a different beast then most other mt's, like Hondas. Manual recommends 75w90 gl-5. I put in Motul Gear300 all around yesterday.

I've used amsoil mtf in both my previous Hondas (si and crv) and loved the stuff. So I'm considering amsoil again for my next change in the spring.

There's many members on subaruforester.org that recommend RedLine *lightweight* shockproof mixed with Gear300. One member in particular appears to have extensive experience with subie transmissions and highly recommends both these products, mixed or not.

I've read threads by Bill, Joe (from PA) who were looking at amsoil but never heard a follow up on their experience.

So, hammer me with info. Keep in mind, we're talking about subaru manual transmissions here. So fluid recommendations/suggestions/experiences for other transmissions don't neccessarily apply.

Thanks!

 

[IndyIan]

If it makes you feel better, my 03 Tracker had about the same amount of metal on the drain plugs on the second change with some cheapo oil from the dealer. Nothing as big as the stuff in pic number 4 but I'm going to shorten my next change interval and go to synthetic for possible mileage gains.
Ian

 

[webfors]

Time will tell if the new fluids are better. It will be interesting to see the plugs next year when I change the current gear300 out. I expect much better performance over the oem fluids. The driving is definitely better, smoother shifts, better cold weather shifting/downshifting. Transmission 'seems' quieter, with less jerking/rough engagement. Even my wife was impressed with the improvement, and she tends to think I'm a nutball when it comes to fluids

 

[Johnny]

Here is what Amsoil recommends for your Forester and this is what I would use. I had a Forester a few year back and these transmission and differential recommendations are what I used, and I was extremely satisfied with the results.


2008 Subaru Forester Fluids

LUBRICANTS & FLUIDS
Engine Oil
Grade 1......API*
SAE 0w30 Synthetic Signature Series Oil
SAE 5w30 Synthetic Motor Oil
SAE 5w30 XL Synthetic Motor Oil
Above -4°F......10w-30, 10w-40
All Temps......5w30[1]
Manual Transmission,.....GL-5
All Temps......75W-90
Severe Gear 75W-90
Automatic Transmission,TZ1B5.....SLF[2]
Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid
Differential, Front .....GL-5
All Temps......75W-90
Severe Gear 75W-90
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-110
Differential, Rear .....GL-5
All Temps......75W-90
Severe Gear 75W-90
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Lube
Severe Gear 75W-110

 

[webfors]

Is everyone pretty much in agreement that amsoil's severe gear 75w110 is what's best for the rear diff?

 

[Johnny]

I no longer have the Forester (though I wish I did) but I use the Severe Gear 75W-110 in both the front and rear diffs of my Jeep. I would use the same in the Forester.

 

[webfors]

Hey Johnny,

have you heard much about Subaru's Extra-S 75w90 gear oil? It's getting a lot of good reviews on multiple subaru forums. Only downside is you have to buy it in 20 litre containers.

 

[Johnny]

I've heard a few things about it, but I'm not sure who makes it for them. I personally would not think it's any better than other good synthetic gear oils. Kind of hard to justify buying 20 liters when all you need is 4.

 

[bobbyjimmy]

You can buy the Extra-S from Turn in Concepts in 1qt bottles;
http://www.[non-sponsor website]

It works out alot more $$$, but better than buying a 20 of it...
Or you could get on NASIOC/IWSTi and post a group buy type thing seeing if people in your area want to split a 20 of it, I've seen people do this a few times.

FWIW, I've got an Outback (so basically the same box, diff etc), and I use 1qt of Motul Gear 300 topped up with Redline LW SP in the box and Motul Gear 300 in the diff, and basically is the same as you described (easier shifts, quiter etc).

I'm about to dump out the old stuff (due to an oil leak at the CV, not from the oil, just wear n tear) and use 1qt of Redline LW SP then top up with Motul Gear 300 and see how that goes.

 

[Strakes]

extra-S is a little cheaper here in 1 quart bottles:

http://www.[non-sponsor website]

 

[bulwnkl]

I've used Schaeffer, Red Line, and RenewableLube's gear oils in the rear diff of various Subarus. No complaints with any of them. I've used Specialty Formulations and Red Line in the 5-speed of a Subaru I no longer have. I'd use Red Line's 75W90NS (since S-F is out of business) in there simply because I happen to be a person who wants to follow Subaru's specification of a GL-5 in the transmission.

 

[sprintman]

Similar to a Forrester my Outback has Redline 75W90 in the diff, 75W90NS in the 5-speed, and D4ATF in the p/s.

 

[Pablo]

Originally Posted By: webfors
Is everyone pretty much in agreement that amsoil's severe gear 75w110 is what's best for the rear diff?


From all the great feedback I get, that is the ticket.

Amsoil SVT 75W-110

 

[webfors]

Originally Posted By: Pablo
Originally Posted By: webfors
Is everyone pretty much in agreement that amsoil's severe gear 75w110 is what's best for the rear diff?


From all the great feedback I get, that is the ticket.

Amsoil SVT 75W-110


Hi Pablo,

and in the transmission? Same?

 

[Pablo]

Yes for most of the world, but in cool Ottawa, you may want the 75W-90. Your choice.

 

[Johnny]

Most of the time I am in 100% agreement with Pablo, but for the transmission I would use one of these two gear oils from Amsoil. Mainly because of the difference in viscosity, plus the fact it is not on the list of Amsoil's recommendations. I believe the shifting would be easier with these.


http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/svg.aspx

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/fgr.aspx

 

[Pablo]

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/svg.aspx?zo=515729

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/fgr.aspx?zo=515729

Johnny - but we ARE in agreement. That's what I said....lightly...."you may want the 75W-90"

 

[Johnny]

I just would not have used the word "may". Oh, those two links I posted came from your website connection.

 

[webfors]

There is a big difference in Brookfield Viscosity, cP (150,000 Max) @-40°C, between svg and fgr, and only a slight difference in Kinematic Viscosity @ 40°C. So I assume cold weather performance will be much better with svg, while fgr will perform a little better then svt.

Now, that is only looking at the cold weather numbers. What about friction modifiers, how does each play nice with subaru's quirky synchros? Has anyone tried fgr in a subie?

What has been the feedback from subaru 5 speed clients Pablo?

 

[Pablo]

Johnny - check your PM.

Webfors - Indeed, pretty much why I was keeping it in the SV (Severe Gear) family. GREAT cold weather behavior. I leave the choice to you on the 90 vs. 110. Seems like that transmission likes the heavier stuff better, but unless you travel to the south US or Mexico frequently you should be fine with the 90.

I used to recommend FGR for that exact reason, thinking the HD EP/AW and FM characteristics of the SV family may not be the best for shifting, and while this remains true for most transmissions, it's just not the case (as it turns out) for the Subaru.

This is ALL based on feedback from Subaru 5 speed folks.