Wasn't able to find a write-up for transmission oil change on a 2008 STi. Since the 2008's don't have a transmission dipstick, I was hoping someone could post a picture or explain where the fill plug is located. It looks like I will need to take the IC off but was hoping someone could verify. Thanks for the help.
2008 STi transmission oil change
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alphatango
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A better question is on my 04 STi, I had to fill from the top fill hole in the first picture in the OP's picture.
I just did a transmission drain and refill using the "Old style" bolt on the topside, think I caused any issues?
This would be great to know before morning when im suppose to drive the car! haha
I just did a transmission drain and refill using the "Old style" bolt on the topside, think I caused any issues?
This would be great to know before morning when im suppose to drive the car! haha
I filled from top hole, but used side hole to check level.
Also found out if you use the oil dipstick, the correct fill level for the trans ends up being between full and low, dead center. So you can just pull the top one and use that as a gauge as well. Your pick. Filling is really intended from the top hole I believe. The side hole is more of a level check.
Also found out if you use the oil dipstick, the correct fill level for the trans ends up being between full and low, dead center. So you can just pull the top one and use that as a gauge as well. Your pick. Filling is really intended from the top hole I believe. The side hole is more of a level check.
you're car is different - thats a diagram from the 08, if you have a dipstick you might not have a side filler to begin with. regardless i doubt any issue would arise from either as long as it gets down to the gears
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i dont have a sti, but i do have an 09 wrx and my transmission comes with a dipstick, i was actually surprised when i first noticed it, i wonder if its something the my08 guys can buy and use.....
bummer i was hoping there was a way to retrofit the older dipstick to the newer trans
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375 Posts
I just did mine and I thought id clear some things up in one post.
For a 08 there is no dip stick.
Use a t70 for the clutch side.
And remove both drains, and allow oil to drain.
When refilling.
![Image]()
Take out both 1 and 11, fill through 1 until it comes out of 11, that’s it.
I found it easier to fill through 1 as it was on top and easy to get to.
A 08 takes the same oil in the trans, center and front diff, which is all one piece, as it does on the rear diff.
And that oil is this stuff
http://www.turninconcepts.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_9_11_1057_287&products_id=401,
Previous models took different stuff in the front and rear, but not the 08’s
For a 08 there is no dip stick.
Use a t70 for the clutch side.
And remove both drains, and allow oil to drain.
When refilling.
Take out both 1 and 11, fill through 1 until it comes out of 11, that’s it.
I found it easier to fill through 1 as it was on top and easy to get to.
A 08 takes the same oil in the trans, center and front diff, which is all one piece, as it does on the rear diff.
And that oil is this stuff
http://www.turninconcepts.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_9_11_1057_287&products_id=401,
Previous models took different stuff in the front and rear, but not the 08’s
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466 Posts
I'll correct this asap. Thanks for pointing it out.
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Hate to be a pain but:
1) Could someone post a complete list of what is needed (including what kind of fluid, what quantity for front and rear, what tools, etc.) to change the front and rear differential fluid? This would clear up a lot of the confusion.
2) It would also be helpful to find out the cheapest place you know of to buy the fluid. For example, "Motul is ** per liter at **."
This would be a good reference for the people who haven't done this repair yet.
1) Could someone post a complete list of what is needed (including what kind of fluid, what quantity for front and rear, what tools, etc.) to change the front and rear differential fluid? This would clear up a lot of the confusion.
2) It would also be helpful to find out the cheapest place you know of to buy the fluid. For example, "Motul is ** per liter at **."
This would be a good reference for the people who haven't done this repair yet.
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1,878 Posts
Couple of questions:
1) Is it okay to use Royal Purple 75w90 Gear Oil if it says "Limited Slip" on the label even if we don't need that in the '08?
2) Anybody have opinions on Castrol Syntec for this? or Mobil 1? any other brand reviews or problems?
1) Is it okay to use Royal Purple 75w90 Gear Oil if it says "Limited Slip" on the label even if we don't need that in the '08?
2) Anybody have opinions on Castrol Syntec for this? or Mobil 1? any other brand reviews or problems?
hey docblack, i cant answer all of your questions because i havent done the rear diff yet, but heres a few regarding the trans:
1. 75w-90 it the right fluid. for the trans/front diff. the front diff and trans share the same oil, so you dont have to do the front diff, its automatically done when you do the trans.
2. i used motul, it was $15(i think) a bottle, and use about 4.5. i think 4.3 or so is what is recomended(so youll need 5 bottle, just like engine oil) but some spills out the hole on the side while filling(if you use that hole). i got em at south coast subaru dealership. all dealers prob dont cary it though, but SCS has a performance parts area in the parts dept. also it works pretty good. i didnt fell a huge inprovement over the stock fluid like some ppl claim, but it was a nice small difference in feel.
3. you need a 10mm allen socket driver, and T-70 torx bit, a ratchet, youll probably need a breaker bar, and a long funnel or funnel with hose or a oil pump. theres 2 drain holes on the bottom(one is the 10mm allen, and the other is the T-70), then 2 fill holes(on passenger side top, under the tmic. and other one is on the driver side, on the side of the trans) both are 10mm allen, and you can use either one to fill it. reuse washers on all plugs/bolts.
also to note- you might be able to oreder the motul from SCS and get it shipped, call and ask for Ferdie if you do. it was pretty easy and straight forward once i was under there doing it, wasnt to messy, just spray some degreaser on the trans where it ran down the side when all done. my magnetic drain plug was pretty clean, not much black gunk or metal on it.
1. 75w-90 it the right fluid. for the trans/front diff. the front diff and trans share the same oil, so you dont have to do the front diff, its automatically done when you do the trans.
2. i used motul, it was $15(i think) a bottle, and use about 4.5. i think 4.3 or so is what is recomended(so youll need 5 bottle, just like engine oil) but some spills out the hole on the side while filling(if you use that hole). i got em at south coast subaru dealership. all dealers prob dont cary it though, but SCS has a performance parts area in the parts dept. also it works pretty good. i didnt fell a huge inprovement over the stock fluid like some ppl claim, but it was a nice small difference in feel.
3. you need a 10mm allen socket driver, and T-70 torx bit, a ratchet, youll probably need a breaker bar, and a long funnel or funnel with hose or a oil pump. theres 2 drain holes on the bottom(one is the 10mm allen, and the other is the T-70), then 2 fill holes(on passenger side top, under the tmic. and other one is on the driver side, on the side of the trans) both are 10mm allen, and you can use either one to fill it. reuse washers on all plugs/bolts.
also to note- you might be able to oreder the motul from SCS and get it shipped, call and ask for Ferdie if you do. it was pretty easy and straight forward once i was under there doing it, wasnt to messy, just spray some degreaser on the trans where it ran down the side when all done. my magnetic drain plug was pretty clean, not much black gunk or metal on it.
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1,878 Posts
Thanks for the informative response!
New questions:
1) Does the '08 have the large magnet in the pan (other than the magnetic plug) like the older models?
2) The rear differential takes the same fluid now, right? (Unlike previous years.)
3) Is it okay to use the limited slip differential oil or does it HAVE to be the other kind?
(By the way, the only place I could find the Torx T70 around here only had it in a set of 8 bits for an impact wrench. I think I'll probably go ahead and get it.)
New questions:
1) Does the '08 have the large magnet in the pan (other than the magnetic plug) like the older models?
2) The rear differential takes the same fluid now, right? (Unlike previous years.)
3) Is it okay to use the limited slip differential oil or does it HAVE to be the other kind?
(By the way, the only place I could find the Torx T70 around here only had it in a set of 8 bits for an impact wrench. I think I'll probably go ahead and get it.)
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1,878 Posts
Went ahead and got an 8 piece set of Torx Impact sockets to get the T70 size. I'm sure eventually I'll need something out of there again so it's probably worth it.
Also bought a set of Allen wrench sockets while I was at it.
Next is to buy the Motul. It looks like vividracing.com may have the cheapest price on it. Depends on the shipping.
Also bought a set of Allen wrench sockets while I was at it.
Next is to buy the Motul. It looks like vividracing.com may have the cheapest price on it. Depends on the shipping.
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1,878 Posts
Does anybody have the part numbers for the gaskets for this and the rear differential? I'm about to go to the dealership.
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972 Posts
I just reused my plug gaskets (I think that's what you're referring to) when I swapped my fluid a couple weeks ago. They aren't crush style gaskets so they are fine to reuse again if they aren't damaged.
Oh, and those interested in using Extra-S (that's what I will be using for the life of this car) Fred Beans has quarts of it on sale for only $12/qt
Does anyone know if these instructions are the same for a 08/09 WRX? I know the STI doesn't have a dipstick and has a larger capacity. Just wondering if all the other steps are the same and bolts are the same? I want to throw some Extra-S into my tranny this weekend.
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