Subaru Forester Differential Fluid Service Replacement at your home or office.

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Differential Fluid Service Replacement Service

How much does a Differential Fluid Service Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a Subaru Forester Differential Fluid Service Replacement is $132 with $37 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2008 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeDifferential Fluid Service - Rear ReplacementEstimate$188.87Shop/Dealer Price$217.34 - $280.25
2014 Subaru ForesterH4-2.0L TurboService typeDifferential Fluid Service - Rear ReplacementEstimate$168.87Shop/Dealer Price$197.36 - $260.28
2007 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5L TurboService typeDifferential Fluid Service - Rear ReplacementEstimate$168.87Shop/Dealer Price$197.36 - $260.28
2002 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeDifferential Fluid Service - Rear ReplacementEstimate$168.87Shop/Dealer Price$197.34 - $260.24
2004 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5L TurboService typeDifferential Fluid Service - Front ReplacementEstimate$168.87Shop/Dealer Price$197.37 - $260.31
1998 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeDifferential Fluid Service - Rear ReplacementEstimate$168.87Shop/Dealer Price$197.36 - $260.28
2017 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5LService typeDifferential Fluid Service - Front ReplacementEstimate$173.87Shop/Dealer Price$202.22 - $265.04
2006 Subaru ForesterH4-2.5L TurboService typeDifferential Fluid Service - Front ReplacementEstimate$173.87Shop/Dealer Price$202.59 - $265.70
Show example Subaru Forester Differential Fluid Service Replacement prices

What is the differential fluid service (rear axle oil service) all about?

The differential is a special gear box located between the drive wheels of your vehicle. It allows the drive wheels to turn at different speeds, as they must when turning a corner. Over time, high operating temperatures can cause the lubricating fluid in the differential to break down, developing a gummy texture that doesn't properly lubricate the gears. Replacing the fluid can help you avoid premature wear on the gears in the differential, and can even help reduce wear on drive-wheel tires.

Keep in mind:

Some vehicles do not have a drain plug. In these vehicles, the differential cover must be removed to drain the fluid. A new gasket is installed and the proper amount of oil is then added.

How it's done:

  • Check the fluid level
  • Drain and fill the fluid
  • Add the correct amount and specification of oil
  • Test drive vehicle and check for leaks

Our recommendation:

You should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for when to change the differential fluid. Usually this is anywhere between every 15,000 and every 50,000 miles. However, all of the fluids in your vehicle should be checked during regular maintenance services.

What is a common symptom indicating you need a differential fluid service (rear axle oil service)?

  • Car is louder than normal

How important is this service?

When you turn your vehicle one way or the other, the wheels on one side of the car need to move at a different rate than the wheels on the other side of the car. The differential is a special gearbox that allows your wheels to do exactly that. It is located between the drive wheels, and helps the wheels turn at rates independent of one another. Like most parts of your car, the differential needs fluid to act as lubrication. When this fluid isn’t properly serviced, it can become contaminated. Contaminated differential fluid doesn’t work very well as a lubricant, and so your differential won’t be properly lubricated. This puts extra stress on the differential and wheels.

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Meet some of our expert Subaru mechanics

Real customer reviews from Subaru owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(542)

Rating Summary
522
8
5
1
6
522
8
5
1
6

Darnell

19 years of experience
5 reviews
Darnell
19 years of experience
Forester 1998 - Starter - Los Angeles, CA
Darnell was very professional and helpful! He broke everything down and leveled with me, which I really appreciate. Can’t recommend him enough!!

Derrick

20 years of experience
16 reviews
Derrick
20 years of experience
Forester 2017 - Oil Change - Brooklyn, NY
Superb experience!

Mike

25 years of experience
79 reviews
Mike
25 years of experience
Forester 1999 - Spark Plugs - Ann Arbor, MI
Mike was great, and I highly would recommend him. His 25 years of experience and expertise was clear by how he patiently answered all my questions. Mike was extremely helpful and efficient!

Alexander

5 years of experience
126 reviews
Alexander
5 years of experience
Forester 2010 - Wheel Stud - Columbus, OH
Alex is always over-the-top helpful and gives good guidance on upcoming care and areas to pay attention to and how to approach parts and planning for my vehicle's maintenance.

Excellent Rating

(542)

Rating Summary
522
8
5
1
6
522
8
5
1
6
Number of Subaru Forester services completed
5962+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Subaru MECHANICS
700+
experts on our platform

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