This page details the steps taken to change out the gear oil in the 5MT Subaru transmission. You will need a 21mm or 13/16" socket (fairly large for a normal socket set- you might have to buy one), a long-neck funnel, and 3.7 quarts of your fluid of choice. I chose Redline Superlight Shockproof full synthetic for it's lighter weight, heat tolerance, and gear/synchro protection properties. If you have any questions, feel free to email me.
Locate the drain on the underside of the transmission- it will be just in front of the where the two downpipes from the engine meet. You will need a 21mm or 13/16" socket and at least a 4" extension to remove the drain plug nut. The righty tighty, lefty loosie rule applies. Have a large drain pan handy- the transmission contains 3.7 quarts of fluid.
With the drain plug nut removed and the transmission draining, take a moment to check the nut. There is a magnet on it to capture any of the bits of gears that wear away. If there is a large amount of metal on there, take it easier on your gears. A coating of metal shavings is normal to find here however. Clean the magnet off throughly, as well as the threads. You should also take the time to remove the metal washer from the nut and clean under it as well as cleaning the washer itself.
Once the transmission has drained fully, clean off the seating area for the drain plug nut with a rag as well. The last thing you want is to have either that gunk getting on the threads and into the transmission or the nut leaking because some crud kept the drain plug from seating fully.
With the transmission drained and the plug, washer, and plug seat cleaned, reinstall the drain plug nut. For those who love torque wrenches instead of "tight enough" the drain plug should be torqued to about 44 ft-lbs.
Now, to fill the transmission back up. This will be greatly simplified by removing the stock airbox, though I leave the choice up to your judgement to do so or not. I did. Start on the passenger side, and remove the 10mm nut holding the airbox to its bracket, and remove the two breather lines connected to the airbox.
Next, remove the band clamp that holds the airbox to the throttle body. It is an 8mm nut or you can use a slotted screwdriver to loosen it.
Lastly, remove the last breather line and the other 10mm nut holding the airbox to the bracket. With that done, push the airbox back towards the firewall, and you should then be able to lift it clear out of the engine bay and set it aside.
Subaru did a good job of hiding the dipstick for the transmission, which is also the same place you fill it up from. This picture was taken from the passenger side of the car, with the engine pitch stop mount included for reference. That small yellow object is the top of the transmission dipstick.
This is a much closer view of the dipstick, so you can see what you are working with. Pull it up and out.
This is the dipstick as view from the side. Again, this is something that should be cleaned thoroughly (at least from the o-ring down) so that no debris gets into your transmission.
Here's where the long-neck funnel comes in- it's a long way between anywhere you can pour your fluid and the tiny filler hole. A long-neck funnel can reach down to the tranny fill hole while giving you room to pour. From here, add about 3.5 quarts of fluid and then check the level with the dipstick. Alternate between adding a little fluid and then checking the level until you hit the "fill" mark on the dipstick. It is much easier to add a little and then check than to overfill and have to drain a bunch of fluid out. Replace all the bits of the intake if you did remove them, and take the car for a drive of about 15 to 30 minutes, in order to circulate the new fluid. Upon returning home, check the fluid level and add a bit if need be. If the transmission is a bit overfull, it is not a huge deal- just make sure it is not way overfull, as the gears may foam up the fluid.
Standard Disclaimer: Modification of your car involves risks and may void your warranty. I can not be held responsible for the modifications you consciously decide to undertake nor for the results of doing so.
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