Parts for your 2012 Subaru Forester-Oil seals

2012 Subaru Forester oil-seals – what they do and when to replace them

Oil-seals are absolutely used on the 2012 Subaru Forester. Technical sources that catalogue and describe them include the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the SH-series Forester (via Subaru Technical Information System), Subaru’s FAST genuine parts catalogue, and the drivetrain sections covering engine, transmission and differential assemblies. These sources list front and rear crankshaft oil-seals, differential side oil-seals, transmission/transfer output seals and, depending on engine variant, various cover and carrier sealing interfaces that keep the lubricants where they belong.

On this model, oil-seals do a simple but vital job: they keep engine, gearbox and diff oils inside pressurised or splashed areas, and keep dust, water and road grit out. That protects bearings and chains/gears, maintains oil pressure, reduces mess under the bonnet, and helps the Forester meet emissions and reliability targets. Subaru typically uses high-temp elastomers (like nitrile and fluorocarbon) sized for the crankshaft, cam/timing cover interfaces, and axle stubs.

For non-turbo 2012 Foresters running the FB25 engine, there’s a front crankshaft seal and rear main seal, along with timing-cover, cam-carrier and valve cover sealing interfaces. On turbo or belt-driven EJ variants, there are also traditional front camshaft seals. All models use axle/diff side seals at the front transaxle and in the rear differential, plus output shaft seals in the transfer section where fitted.

• Common replacements: front and rear crankshaft seals, front diff/gearbox side seals, rear diff side seals, and (EJ engines) camshaft seals.
• Tell-tales: oil mist at the crank pulley area, drips on the undertray, oil on the bellhousing, gear oil weeping at axle stubs, or a hot oil smell after a drive.

Service advice is straightforward. Use the correct spec oil and don’t overfill, a healthy PCV system helps prevent crankcase pressure from pushing seals out. Inspect for weeps at each service (10,000–15,000 km in local conditions is common). On EJ engines with a timing belt, it’s smart to replace front crank and cam seals during the belt service. On FB25 timing-chain engines, seals are generally replaced only if leaking or when the front cover is off for other work. Rear main seals are best tackled when the gearbox is out for a clutch or other driveline job. Proper installation matters: use the correct seal driver, fit the lip facing the oil, lightly oil nitrile lips (don’t oil PTFE types), and follow Subaru sealant specs for covers.

Parts are relatively inexpensive, labour varies with access. Catching a small weep early avoids contaminated belts, fouled sensors and slippery drivelines, keeping the Forester tidy and reliable on Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions

What oil-seals are fitted to a 2012 Subaru Forester?
A 2012 Forester typically has a front crankshaft seal, a rear main seal, front transaxle/diff side seals, rear diff side seals, and (on EJ engines) front camshaft seals. FB25 engines use sealing at the timing cover and cam carriers rather than traditional external cam seals. The exact list depends on whether it’s an FB25 non-turbo or an EJ turbo variant.

How often should oil-seals be replaced?
There’s no set interval. They’re replaced when leaking or during related work. For EJ belt engines, it’s wise to do front crank and cam seals with the timing belt. For FB25 chain engines, replace only if a leak is confirmed or when the front cover is off. Diff and gearbox seals are done when weeping is noted at services.

What are the signs of a failing oil-seal?
Look for oil around the crank pulley/timing cover, drips at the bellhousing, gear oil around axle flanges, oil on the undertray, or a burnt oil smell. A sudden drop in oil level or damp patches after parking are also giveaways. Early attention stops small weeps becoming big jobs.