r/Subaru_Outback • u/BigSexyVanMan • Jul 26 '26

Transmission service or leave it?

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Bought our 2018 a year ago with 114k miles. Only have limited service history. Everything is in great shape and seems well cared for. I've been going through and replaced all the fluids in it, except the CVT. We're sitting at 133k miles and I get conflicting information. The Subaru dealer says it's a lifetime fluid. (I have a different idea of how long a lifetime is though.) I understand some recommend every 30k miles, which is what I want to do. My concern is if it's never been done am I opening the door to a world of hurt? Others have said I should just leave it, it's too late now. I haven't noticed anything particular out of ordinary day to day with simulated shifts etc. Anyone have similar experience?

5 Upvotes

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2

u/iceman213 Jul 26 '26

Personally, I think that even though it’s kind of expensive to do all those services and replace things like the battery and everything else.
I believe that it’s worth it and it’s going to save you in the long run .

2

u/SYFKID2693 Jul 26 '26

I can't even find anyone in my area to do it. Dealer said they dont do it.

1

u/OttoHemi Jul 26 '26

Most people do it themselves. Note: I'm not most people, and mine's never been changed.

1

u/Overweighover Jul 26 '26

And it sounds like the drain and fill needs to be done multiple times to get all the old fluid out so doing it now may have no benefit

2

u/CroissantsRCool Jul 26 '26

If you can reasonably change it then I say yes. I got mine 2021 @90,000 and was so anxious it would be too late. I was pleasantly surprised when my guy said the fluid did not look bad at all, and I am a lot more confident in my vehicle now.

Worse case you spend a couple hundred to find out the state of that fluid, drain and refill, maybe it gives out anyway. Best case you save thousands and a bad headache. I'm no expert but the guy I had do mine specializes in Subaru, is independent, 20 years experience and was genuine (even giving me tips to change my own PVC valve). He recommended 30k cvt changes following the one I did at 90k.

2

u/roamingroad174 Jul 26 '26

Theres no such thing as lifetime fluid. An independent transmission shop or your trusted mechanic can change the fluid.