Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Oil seals

2014 Subaru Forester oil seals — what they do and when to sort them

Yes — oil seals are absolutely used on the 2014 Subaru Forester (SJ). Subaru’s factory Service Manual for the SJ series, along with the Subaru Electronic Parts Catalogue, lists engine crankshaft and camshaft oil seals, transmission and differential side shaft seals, and pinion/output seals for CVT and manual models. Procedures in the Engine (Lubrication and Timing Chain), Transmission (TR580 CVT/6MT), and Rear Differential sections specifically cover inspection and replacement of these seals, confirming their fitment on both FB25 2.5i and FA20F 2.0XT variants.

Oil seals on a 2014 Forester are the quiet achievers that keep engine oil, transmission fluid, and diff oil where they belong — inside. They sit around rotating shafts (like the crank, cams, and drive shafts) and at key housings, preventing leaks while everything spins away at speed. When they harden or wear, you’ll see tell-tales like damp timing covers, weeping at the bellhousing, or oily residue around inner CV joints.

There’s no set replacement interval in Subaru’s schedule — seals are generally replaced on condition. Smart owners get them checked during regular servicing. Any wetness, dust stuck to oily areas, or fluid level drops in the engine, CVT/gearbox, or diffs are reasons to investigate. Typical seals that warrant a look include:

• Front crankshaft and rear main engine oil seals
• Camshaft seals (front of the cylinder heads)
• CVT/6MT front differential side (axle) seals
• Rear differential side and pinion seals

Handy tip: crankcase pressure accelerates leaks. If a Forester starts sweating oil, check the PCV valve and breather hoses. Keeping them clear helps seals live longer.

When replacement’s on the cards, quality matters. Genuine or OEM-spec seals, installed with the correct driver and depth, dramatically reduce the chance of a comeback. Lightly oil the lip, inspect the shaft surface for grooves, and torque everything to spec. For CVT models, fluid level is temperature-dependent — the workshop should set it using the scan tool procedure after any axle seal work. On manuals, seal jobs often pair well with a clutch replacement to save duplicated labour. Rear main seals and some cam/crank seals are labour-heavy because of access, so bundling them with timing cover, clutch, or transmission-out work is the wallet-friendly way to go.

Left alone, leaks can contaminate belts, degrade mounts and bushes, and lower fluid levels — not ideal on long Kiwi and Aussie kilometres. Catching them early keeps the Subie tidy and mechanically happy.

Popular questions about 2014 Subaru Forester oil seals

Does the 2014 Forester have a timing belt oil seal?
No. The 2014 Forester uses a timing chain. It still has front crankshaft and camshaft oil seals at the front of the engine, but there’s no timing belt or belt-specific seal to worry about. Any oil seen around the timing cover area is usually from the crank or cam seals, or from the timing cover sealant itself.

How much does a rear main seal job typically cost?
It’s mostly labour, as the transmission needs to come out. Expect several hours of book time, with total costs commonly in the mid-to-high hundreds to over a thousand dollars in Australia or New Zealand, depending on model (CVT vs manual), parts choice, and local labour rates. Many owners combine it with a clutch (manual) or other transmission work to save on labour overlap.

Can a blocked PCV valve cause oil seal leaks?
Yes. Excess crankcase pressure from a stuck PCV can push oil past otherwise healthy seals. Replacing a tired PCV valve and checking breather hoses is a quick, low-cost way to protect seals and reduce the chance of new leaks forming after a repair.