Subaru 5MT Transmission Overview
Subaru was one of the first mainstream automakers to offer all-wheel-drive on its affordable, compact models. Today, the little Japanese automaker is known for their Symmetrical all-wheel drive system, and the enduring reliability of both their vehicles and their owners. The Subaru 5MT transmission was another innovation for the small car company, as it allowed them to offer five forward gears with their full-time all-wheel-drive system. Two versions of the Subaru 5MT transmission were made; the push-type 5MT transmission and the pull-type 5MT transmission. This has to do with the location of the clutch slave cylinder in relation to the clutch fork. If the clutch slave is located behind the fork, then it is said to be a 5MT pull-type transmission. If it is located in front of the fork, then it is a 5MT push-type transmission. Turbo models typically use the 5MT pull clutch, and normally aspirated versions get the 5MT push clutch.
What Transmission Do I Have?
OE 5MT 5-speed Manual Transmission Applications
USDM – Push Clutch
1993 – 2004 Subaru Impreza
1997 – 2004 Subaru Forrester
1994 – 2005 Subaru Legacy
2005 Subaru Baja
USDM Pull Clutch
2002 – 2004 Subaru WRX
2004 – 2005 Subaru Forester XT
2005 Subaru Legacy Turbo GT
2005 Subaru Legacy Turbo Outback
2004 Subaru Baja Turbo
5MT Technical Specs
Case: Aluminum
Fluid capacity: 3.7 qt
Fluid type: GL-5 gear oil
5MT Gear Ratios
1st = 3.454
2nd = 1.947
3rd = 1.366
4th = 0.972
5th = 0.738
R = 3.333
1st = 3.166
2nd = 1.882
3rd = 1.296
4th = 0.972
5th = 0.738
R = 3.333
What Transmission Do I Have?
Common 5MT Transmission Problems
Broken gears
Bearing failure
Viscous coupling failure
