Parts for your 2008 Subaru Forester-Oil seals

2008 Subaru Forester oil-seals — what they do and how to look after them

Oil-seals absolutely are used on the 2008 Subaru Forester. Subaru’s Factory Service Manual for the 2008 Forester (Engine, Engine Lubrication, and Transmission/Differential sections) and the Subaru Genuine Parts Catalogue both specify multiple oil-seals across the EJ25 engine and the driveline. That includes the front crankshaft seal, rear main seal, camshaft seals, oil pump seal, front differential/gearbox output shaft (axle) seals, and rear differential pinion and side seals. These are standard rotary lip seals used to keep lubricants in and grit out around rotating shafts.

On this Forester, oil-seals do a simple but vital job: they hold engine oil, ATF, or gear oil where it belongs while a shaft spins. That keeps lubrication stable, reduces leaks onto hot exhausts, and prevents contamination that can shorten the life of bearings and gears. They’re typically spring-loaded nitrile or fluoroelastomer lips running on a machined sealing surface.

For everyday servicing, it’s smart to have the tech check for dampness around the timing covers, the bellhousing area, the front diff/gearbox where the CVs exit, and the rear diff flanges. Slight misting can be monitored, active drips or oil on the undertray usually calls for action. When the timing belt service comes due (around the 100,000–105,000 km mark, model and market dependent), it’s common practice to inspect and often replace the front crank and cam seals while access is wide open. That’s a small extra cost that can prevent a messy return visit.

Rear main seals generally wait until a clutch or transmission job is on the cards, because the gearbox has to come out. Axle and diff seals are done as needed if there’s wetness at the CV stubs or diff pinion, or if fluid levels are dropping. Quality matters here—use genuine Subaru or reputable brands, lightly oil the new seal lip, and press it square with the correct driver. It also pays to check the PCV system, excessive crankcase pressure can make fresh engine seals weep.

• Watch for signs: oil smell after a drive, spots on the driveway, oil inside timing covers, or gear oil around CV joints.
• Pair seal work with logical jobs: timing belt (front seals), clutch/gearbox work (rear main), CV/boot work (axle seals).
• After any seal job, top up the relevant fluid and recheck for seepage over the next few hundred kilometres.

Popular questions about 2008 Subaru Forester oil-seals

Where are the main oil-seals on a 2008 Forester?
They’re at the crankshaft (front and rear), the camshafts behind the timing covers, the oil pump, the front diff/gearbox output shafts where the CVs plug in, and the rear diff pinion and side flanges. These positions are detailed in the Subaru Factory Service Manual and reflected in the Subaru parts catalogue for the EJ25-powered 2008 Forester.

Should the front crank and cam seals be replaced with the timing belt?
Often, yes. With the belt, covers, and pulleys off, it’s the perfect time to inspect and replace tired seals. It adds minimal labour now and can save a second teardown later if a weep develops.

Is a small oil-seal weep urgent?
It depends on the location and rate. A light mist can be monitored, but active drips, oil on the exhaust, or falling fluid levels warrant booking it in sooner. Diff or gearbox seal leaks can escalate bearing wear if the oil gets low.