Why Was Install of Transmission Cooler on 2011 Subaru Outback Attached to Vehicle Bumper

Question:

I watched your video about installing a trans cooler on a 2012 Outback, bought the Derale 13503 cooler and now that Im about to install it, I have some questions that werent addressed in the video. First, why was it installed on the bumper rather than using the supplied zip-tie system to attach it to the coolant radiator? Seems unnecessary and less efficient due to half of the cooler being blocked from airflow by the bumper. Second, the video never mentioned how to check the fluid level, probably because its a sealed CVT, nor did it mention anything about adding fluid to the cooler during installation. Shouldnt fluid be added? Thank you

asked by: Jonathan M

Expert Reply:

Sometimes you have to get a bit creative with the mounting of transmission coolers like what our installer did in the instal video of the Derale part # D13503. It may seem like the bumper beam would block most of the air flow but there's going to be quite a bit of air moving around in that area so it will still make a big difference to the transmission fluid temperature. If you wanted to use the zip ties to attach the cooler to your radiator you certainly could though.

You are most likely going to have to add around 1/2 quart to the transmission fluid to account for lost fluid during the install and the volume of the inside of the cooler.

expert reply by: Jameson C