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SERVICE MANAGER

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SERVICE BULLETIN
APPLICABILITY: 2010-12MY Legacy and Outback 2.5L NA Models
2015-2017 Legacy and Outback 3.6L Models
2014-17MY Forester Turbo Models
2015-17MY WRX
All Above Models Equipped with TR690 CVT

NUMBER: 16-103-16R
DATE: 12/14/16
REVISED: 01/08/19

SUBJECT: Transmission Fluid Seepage
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 a likely source of the
seepage to be the sealant used on the CVT’s oil pump chain cover. The repair involves removal, a
thorough cleaning and inspection of the sealing surfaces followed by re-sealing the cover.
PART INFORMATION:
Description
THREE BOND 1215
RING SEAL

Part Number
SOA868V9600
31377AA510

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.

Continued...
CAUTION: VEHICLE SERVICING PERFORMED BY UNTRAINED PERSONS COULD
RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY TO THOSE PERSONS OR TO OTHERS.
Subaru Service Bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians ONLY. They
are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur in some vehicles,
or to provide information that could assist in the proper servicing of the vehicle. Properly
trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to
do the job correctly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that this
Service Bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition.

Bulletin Number: 16-103-16R; Revised 01/08/19

SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. IS
ISO 14001 COMPLIANT
ISO 14001 is the international standard for
excellence in Environmental Management
Systems. Please recycle or dispose of
automotive products in a manner that is friendly
to our environment and in accordance with all
local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Page 1

•

Once the inspection has confirmed the seepage is CVTF, remove the CVT assembly
following the procedure outlined in the applicable Service Manual.

•

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).

Seepage
Point
Fluid “Flows”
to Low Point

Seepage Out to
Converter Case

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-103-16R; Revised 01/08/19

Page 2

•

Remove the 7- 12mm hex bolts securing the oil pump chain cover.

•

Using a prying tool and in the proper order as shown in RED below, 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.

•

CAREFULLY remove all residual sealant completely from the cover and mating surface of
the housing. DO NOT use any abrasive or gasket removal / cleaning discs. Use the adhesive
side of a piece of duct tape (or equivalent) to pick up any loose pieces of sealant material
which may be found in the cavity around the stator support. DO NOT use compressed air.

•

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.
Continued...

Bulletin Number: 16-103-16R; Revised 01/08/19

Page 3

•

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

•

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 and dry,
CAREFULLY apply the new sealant bead to the cover along the edge of the chamfer as
shown below.

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-103-16R; Revised 01/08/19

Page 4

DO NOT apply sealer
around the arrowed hole.

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.
• 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).

•

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.

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION:
For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited or Powertrain Limited Warranty period or covered by
an active Subaru Added Security Powertrain, Classic or Gold plan, this repair may be submitted using
the following claim information:

Continued...
Bulletin Number: 16-103-16R; Revised 01/08/19

Page 5

Labor Description

Labor
Operation #

CVT R&R to RESEAL OIL
PUMP CHAIN COVER
Includes: CVT assy. R&R, Chain
Cover R&R, cleaning and re-seal
and center support seal ring
replacement.

B303-135

CHAIN COVER REPLACE
(only if determined necessary
after cleaning and inspection)

C303-136

Labor
Time
2010-12MY Legacy / Outback 2.5L 3.8
Applicability

2015-17MY Legacy / Outback 3.6L

4.2

2014-17MY Forester

4.5

2015-17MY WRX

4.0

All

0.1

Fail
Code

MTZ-34

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
•

SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously
released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.

•

Always check for any open recalls or campaigns anytime a vehicle is in for servicing.

•

Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

Bulletin Number: 16-103-16R; Revised 01/08/19

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