New 2015 owner, a few maintenance questions...

1697 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by phelanbt, Nov 21, 2018

phelanbt

Discussion Starter · Nov 14, 2018

So just joined the board and owner of a 2015 Forester with 160k kms on her (yes all highway miles). I need this Forester to go the distance and make it to 300k kms so I have a few "newbie" questions...

The CVT transmission oil was changed at 105k kms, I'm wondering how long does the trans oil need to be changed? If change is needed, what oil do you guys recommend changing it with?

Front and Rear Differential oil was also changed at 105k kms. How often does that need to be swapped out? Any oil recommendations for that?

Spark Plugs were swapped at 105k kms by the dealer. Are the dealership OEM plugs iridium to go the distance or just the standard ngk ones that need swapping out every 48k kms like most cars?

Anything else I should really be looking at replacing in terms of fluids at 160k kms? I know both my front and rear brakes were done recently so I assume the system was flushed out (could be wrong here, but they feel strong and grippy).

Also when do the tensioners and belt need to be swapped out? As I can't seem to find any records on this car about maintenance regarding that. Most cars I've dealt with the timing belt and tensioners need to be swapped at 160,000 kms. I know this thing has a chain in it but the tenioners and belt ?

Thanks for helping a noob out

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ForesterBill

· #2 · Nov 14, 2018

phelanbt said:
Anything else I should really be looking at replacing in terms of fluids at 160k kms? I know both my front and rear brakes were done recently so I assume the system was flushed out (could be wrong here, but they feel strong and grippy).

Quite often brake pads are changed without the fluid being changed. If there is no record of brake fluid change I would have that done as brake fluid is easily contaminated by moisture, especially if you are in a cold, damp climate.

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mykeET

· #3 · Nov 14, 2018 (Edited)

Welcome to the forum! You can refer to the below for the maintenance schedule:

2015 Subaru maintenance schedule and new car break-in period

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slothman

· #4 · Nov 14, 2018

phelanbt said:
The CVT transmission oil was changed at 105k kms, I'm wondering how long does the trans oil need to be changed? If change is needed, what oil do you guys recommend changing it with?

The CVT is a sealed unit which Subaru says doesn't need servicing except when the car is used under extreme conditions such as towing and then at ~48k mile intervals. It is not just an oil, but a special fluid developed for CVTs. While some have changed it themselves, it is probably something best left to a dealer service department as this is not a straight forward procedure and replacement transmissions cost around $8 grand (as yet few independent shops service CVTs, and dealers replace only).

Also when do the tensioners and belt need to be swapped out?

It has a chain, not a belt.

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UhOh

· #5 · Nov 14, 2018

Step back - your car has been serviced 55k km ago in both differentials, the tranny and has new plugs then also. This is excellent service track record and speaks well for the prior owner and car condition. I'd just drive it now and look to further service at somewhere north of 220 km.

For future posts, you might modify your signature to show what city or state you reside in.

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phelanbt

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 21, 2018

Has anyone used Dorman crushwashers from amazon on foresters before? Wondering about the quality of them. Seems like they are the same size and fit for my g/f's subaru impreza as well.

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