Transmission Fluid Seepage – 2012-2020 Subaru

NHTSA ID Number: 10165497

Manufacturer Communication Number: 16-103-16R

Summary

This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly. Investigation has identified likely sources of the seepage to be the sealant used on the CVT’s oil pump chain cover and the input shaft oil seal. The repair involves chain cover removal, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the sealing surfaces followed by re-sealing the cover and replacement of the input shaft oil seal with the new, redesigned type.

 

48 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
SUBARU	ASCENT	2019-2020
SUBARU	CROSSTREK	2013-2019
SUBARU	FORESTER	2014-2019
SUBARU	IMPREZA	2012-2019
SUBARU	LEGACY	2010-2019
SUBARU	OUTBACK	2010-2019
SUBARU	WRX	2015-2019

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INTRODUCTION:

This bulletin has been developed in response to a small number of customer concerns regarding fluid seepage found coming from the CVT assembly.  Investigation has identified likely sources of the seepage to be the sealant used on the CVT’s oil pump chain cover and the input shaft oil seal.  The repair involves chain cover removal, a thorough cleaning and inspection of the sealing surfaces followed by re-sealing the cover and replacement of the input shaft oil seal with the new, redesigned type.

 

PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION:

Model	Starting VIN
Legacy	L3002280
Outback	L3100230
Ascent	L3407153

The available starting VINS for incorporation of the new input shaft oil seal are supplied to the right.  This bulletin will be revised with the VINs for the remaining applicable models as they become available.

 

PART INFORMATION:

Description	Part Number
THREE BOND 1215	SOA868V9600
RING SEAL	31377AA510
OIL SEAL	806747030

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:

As a first step, during inspection of the customer’s concern, confirm the fluid found to be seeping is CVT fluid (CVTF) and not engine oil.  The photos below are examples of where CVTF seepage may be evident.

• Once the inspection has confirmed the seepage is CVTF, remove the CVT assembly following the procedure outlined in the applicable Service Manual.
• CAREFULLY remove the torque converter from the CVT and inspect the area of the oil pump chain cover as indicated in the photo below for any accumulation of CVTF and road dirt which may also have collected in the area.

NOTE:  A small amount of fresh CVT fluid may appear near the 6:00 position of the seal area during removal of the torque converter (GREEN circle).

 

Remove the 7- (TR690) or 10- (TR580) 12mm hex bolts securing the oil pump chain cover.

• Using a prying tool, CAREFULLY pry (GREEN arrows) the cover loose from the housing.

Pry ONLY on the specific areas or “tabs” of the pump cover indicated by the BLUE arrows.  When the cover starts to come loose, continue to pry ONLY on the tabs and not the machined sealing surface of the cover.

 

Take note of how the sealant on the removed cover forms an additional “seal” when it  becomes displaced into the chamfer around the inside edge of the case’s machined surface  at assembly.

 

• Inspect both of the machined sealing surfaces closely for irregularities. If necessary, replace the cover following the applicable Service Manual procedures.

NOTE:  Should the cover need to be replaced, always confirm the new part has the new-style input shaft seal with the additional side lip as described below before installation.

• IMPORTANT: Before reassembly, always replace the ONE TIME USE plastic sealing ring on the center support and thoroughly lubricate it with CVT fluid.

Once both surfaces and the area surrounding the cover are completely clean, dry and the new input seal is properly installed, CAREFULLY apply the new sealant bead to the cover along the edge of the chamfer as shown below.

 

NOTE:  As shown above, a properly applied, small bead of sealant will fill in the chamfered portion after the cover is installed.  Do not use an excessive amount of sealant.

• On the TR690, there are 2 different length bolts for the pump cover. Make sure the proper length bolts (A and B) are in their respective holes as shown below.  Torque to  24 Nm (17.7 ft. lbs) in a crossing pattern.

 

For the TR580 (all 10 cover bolts are the same length), apply the sealer, (EXCEPT for the arrowed hole), reinstall the cover and torque the bolts to 21 Nm (15.5 ft. lbs.) in a crossing pattern.

• CAREFULLY reinstall the torque converter and the CVT assembly in reverse order of removal following the service procedure in the applicable Service Manual.
• Road test to confirm the repair and proper vehicle operation.

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NUMBER: 16-103-16R
DATE: 12/14/16
REVISED: 09/26/19

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10165497

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10165497-0001.pdf

Download (PDF, 1.63MB)

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NUMBER: 16-103-16R
DATE: 12/14/16
REVISED: 08/29/19

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=10164446

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10164446-0001.pdf

Download (PDF, 1.63MB)

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Last update on 2019-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2019-11-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API