Forester Fluids!

[Hugh]

Hey everyone,

Changing out all the fluids!
Dot 3 or Dot 4 for brake fluid, what do people prefer?
Same for gear oil, semi-synth or full synthetic?

Cheers!

 

[Ben Up North]

Well... my parts foz (MY04) it says only Dot3, ditto my actual foz (MY05).
My 92 SVX states only Dot 4 to be used.
this website: https://mechanicbase.com/brakes/dot-3-vs-dot-4/ suggests you can use Dot 4 especially if under load regularly.
Re Engine oil, Full Synthetic is the go. would have thought the same for the gearbox if you're going that far. I've never touched the oil in the gearbox.
Bit of information here too that might be useful:https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/best-gearbox-oil.419801/

 

[Ratbag]

Largely agree with Ben, except that our mechanic of about 25 years reckons that Subaru and Honda manual gearboxes don't like fully synthetic, use semi-synthetic is better.

I use Shell Helix Ultra fully synthetic 5W-40 in our SG and SH engines (both EJ253).

If changing brake fluid type, you should fully flush the whole system with the new fluid type.

 

[Ben Up North]

If changing brake fluid type, you should fully flush the whole system with the new fluid type.

I agree.

I'll have to ask my mechanic what gear oil he uses/recommends.
I should really do it myself nowadays, save the mechanic bills for the SVX.

 

[Hugh]

Engine oil and filter done! Fully synthetic in.

I reckon I'll get dot 4 for the brakes and do a flush (tho apparently dot 3 does absorb less water).

Keen to see what verdict we reach for Gearbox and Diff oil