Servicing Tips & Tricks

Viper

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2024
Messages
5
Vehicle(s)
Levorg STI Concept
I'd like to use this thread to share and update upon the key things I learn throughout DIY servicing and maintaining my Levorg. I am in Australia so product recommendations are based on what I have access to. This car is a 2015 with the FA20DIT and TR690 CVT.

General equipment:
  • Bahco aluminium jack and jack stands. Not necessary by any means but fanastic quality and lightweight.
  • GKTech Super Low ramps. Provide just enough clearance for my jack, may require higher ramps for larger jacks

CVTF:
Getting straight into it here. I bought an 18L drum of Petronas Tutela Multi CVT 700 shipped for $300. On older models drain plug is a 14mm, Which has since been updated to a 17mm head to prevent stripping. Plug is 32195AA021 and gasket is 803916010. Fill plug is 10 mm hex with gasket 803918060 torqued to 50 Nm.

As I was switching from Subaru's High Torque CVTF, I performed 3 drain and fills to replace as much of the old liquid as possible. Draining will remove approx 6-7L of fluid. Fill until fluid comes out, tighten plug, cycle engine gears, drain and rinse and repeat. I used the Alemlube 8828N2 to pump fluid from the drum which was pretty easy. On final fill up, remove the fill plug while the car is running and fill until fluid starts dripping out, then tighten fill plug.

Engine Oil:
A Fumoto drain valve make oil changes trivial. I run the F108-S with a short nipple as my car is quite low. You can attach a pipe to directly to the valve, so no more drain bucket required.

If you choose to retain the original sump plug, the updated plug (17mm head) is 32195AA021 and the gasket is 803916010. New plug is about $35 from dealer.

Front Differential:
Drain plug is uses a T70 Torx which is sold at Bunnings, gasket is 803926090. Check plug is just a 14 mm. To access fill port, pull the rubber hose charge pipe off the top of the differential. The little plastic attachment can then be pulled out and you can fill through that hole. The pump I used for this was the Penrite Little Mate which is worth its weight in gold for this job. Fluid was Penrite Pro Gear 75W-90.

Rear Differential:
Both plugs are 13mm square drive which I bought online for $40 as I figured I would rather not round my plugs using the regular 1/2" drive. I rounded them anyway so I bought two new ones, with part number 32103AA070, $14 each.

The plugs are extremely tight so I recommend using an impact wrench. I had to loosen the mid pipe exhaust bolts to get enough clearance for my impact. I used a Dewalt DCF921 and it took maybe 2 seconds to remove the old bolts.

Liquid gasket is to be applied on a few threads on both bolts. Threebond 1105 is stated but I used Permatex Ultra Grey. Filled with same fluid as front differential.

PCV Valve:
Remove intercooler via 3 bolts and two hose clamps. PCV valve on the top of the engine block with a hose coming out of it vertically. The valves uses a 19mm to remove and I strongly recommend using a deep or long reach socket. My Kincrome 19mm was too short but my Toolpro 19mm barely got a good grip on the valve. Tightening torque is 23 Nm. I used Loctite 243 as it closely matches the stated Threebond 1324.

When trying to access the valve straight on, a metal EGR pipe is blocking it so just remove that and torque to 20 Nm afterwards.

Coolant:
Remove plastic undertray and drain from the radiator. Service manual states use new O-ring but to quote my local dealer "We do not replace or sell O-rings, just put red rubber grease on the existing O-ring". Mine did not have an O-ring anyway.

I used the Kincrome Spill Free Funnel kit for $45 and it makes it extremely easy to burp the coolant, also works on a variety of cars.


Once I keep performing more tasks I'll post results in this thread. Car in question pictured here (not the black one):

levorg_carpark.jpg
 

Daiganzen

New Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2025
Messages
28
Vehicle(s)
JDM Levorg STI
Thanks so much buddy. I am new to Vorg Ownership and have recently just chained my oil (Easy job in the Biz).
But looking at doing CVT oil in near future.
Big ask could we get pictures on how you do all the jobs would be fantastic
 

Robsyuk

Active Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2022
Messages
633
Vehicle(s)
LEVORG Sti
I took my car for a short drive, jacked it up and opened the filler plug. I then opened the drain plug and drained the cvt.
Once empty I filled the cvt 1 litre at a time, it was insanely messy and I used around 9 litres. I took out about 5.5litres.

Once filled, and dribbling out, I started the car and cycled the gears while pressing the brake. I then topped the cvt up with another half litre (ish).

I did plan to take my car for a drive and do another change, but it was so messy, I aborted that.

The fluid that came out of mine was quite golden, and being at 55k I expect it was done in Japan
20250501_155541.jpg
 

Robsyuk

Active Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2022
Messages
633
Vehicle(s)
LEVORG Sti
I'd like to use this thread to share and update upon the key things I learn throughout DIY servicing and maintaining my Levorg. I am in Australia so product recommendations are based on what I have access to. This car is a 2015 with the FA20DIT and TR690 CVT.

General equipment:
  • Bahco aluminium jack and jack stands. Not necessary by any means but fanastic quality and lightweight.
  • GKTech Super Low ramps. Provide just enough clearance for my jack, may require higher ramps for larger jacks

CVTF:
Getting straight into it here. I bought an 18L drum of Petronas Tutela Multi CVT 700 shipped for $300. On older models drain plug is a 14mm, Which has since been updated to a 17mm head to prevent stripping. Plug is 32195AA021 and gasket is 803916010. Fill plug is 10 mm hex with gasket 803918060 torqued to 50 Nm.

As I was switching from Subaru's High Torque CVTF, I performed 3 drain and fills to replace as much of the old liquid as possible. Draining will remove approx 6-7L of fluid. Fill until fluid comes out, tighten plug, cycle engine gears, drain and rinse and repeat. I used the Alemlube 8828N2 to pump fluid from the drum which was pretty easy. On final fill up, remove the fill plug while the car is running and fill until fluid starts dripping out, then tighten fill plug.

Engine Oil:
A Fumoto drain valve make oil changes trivial. I run the F108-S with a short nipple as my car is quite low. You can attach a pipe to directly to the valve, so no more drain bucket required.

If you choose to retain the original sump plug, the updated plug (17mm head) is 32195AA021 and the gasket is 803916010. New plug is about $35 from dealer.

Front Differential:
Drain plug is uses a T70 Torx which is sold at Bunnings, gasket is 803926090. Check plug is just a 14 mm. To access fill port, pull the rubber hose charge pipe off the top of the differential. The little plastic attachment can then be pulled out and you can fill through that hole. The pump I used for this was the Penrite Little Mate which is worth its weight in gold for this job. Fluid was Penrite Pro Gear 75W-90.

Rear Differential:
Both plugs are 13mm square drive which I bought online for $40 as I figured I would rather not round my plugs using the regular 1/2" drive. I rounded them anyway so I bought two new ones, with part number 32103AA070, $14 each.

The plugs are extremely tight so I recommend using an impact wrench. I had to loosen the mid pipe exhaust bolts to get enough clearance for my impact. I used a Dewalt DCF921 and it took maybe 2 seconds to remove the old bolts.

Liquid gasket is to be applied on a few threads on both bolts. Threebond 1105 is stated but I used Permatex Ultra Grey. Filled with same fluid as front differential.

PCV Valve:
Remove intercooler via 3 bolts and two hose clamps. PCV valve on the top of the engine block with a hose coming out of it vertically. The valves uses a 19mm to remove and I strongly recommend using a deep or long reach socket. My Kincrome 19mm was too short but my Toolpro 19mm barely got a good grip on the valve. Tightening torque is 23 Nm. I used Loctite 243 as it closely matches the stated Threebond 1324.

When trying to access the valve straight on, a metal EGR pipe is blocking it so just remove that and torque to 20 Nm afterwards.

Coolant:
Remove plastic undertray and drain from the radiator. Service manual states use new O-ring but to quote my local dealer "We do not replace or sell O-rings, just put red rubber grease on the existing O-ring". Mine did not have an O-ring anyway.

I used the Kincrome Spill Free Funnel kit for $45 and it makes it extremely easy to burp the coolant, also works on a variety of cars.


Once I keep performing more tasks I'll post results in this thread. Car in question pictured here (not the black one):

View attachment 3802
I love this
 

quicksilver

New Member
Joined
Sep 25, 2020
Messages
1
Vehicle(s)
Levorg STI
Does anyone know if the CVT TR690 has a external spin on filter, I'm getting this coming up as a replacement: Ryco Transmission Filter Kit - RTK303
 

Robsyuk

Active Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2022
Messages
633
Vehicle(s)
LEVORG Sti
Im pretty sure it's above the valve body inside the cvt
 

Viper

New Member
Joined
Jun 2, 2024
Messages
5
Vehicle(s)
Levorg STI Concept
Few extra jobs complete, unfortunately I didn't take many photos but sure did learn a lot about this vehicle

Intake Valve Cleaning
Direct injection engines are notorious for allowing carbon to buildup behind the valves, so this is a necessary job. Walnut blasting isn't available for cheap in my city so zip-ties on a drill was the next best thing.

Steps to removing the intake manifold and getting to the intake ports are in the service manual, but here's what I did
- Drain coolant (to remove intake manifold, a few coolant lines need to be taken off. it will get extremely messy if you don't drain it first)
- Remove intercooler and brackets for it
- Remove coolant hoses from throttle body (pain in the ass but is possible), as well throttle body intake pipe
- Disconnect/break engine harness clips from intake manifold
- Disconnect fuel lines (little blue clip) and egr hoses
- Disconnect PCV hose
- Remove egr pipe
- Disconnect any electrical plugs in the way
- Remove basically anything still connected to the intake manifold. I recommend taking photos of where things go before you zip them off.
- Hardest step: Remove the two 12mm bolts connecting the long pipe from the turbocharger to the intercooler. This will allow you to pull it off its rubber vibration isolation mount. Highly recommend using a gear spanner

Once the intake manifold is out,
- Remove purge control solenoid valves (thing with 4 hoses and 2 electrical plugs)
- Remove EGR
- Remove whatever stops you from pulling out the large insulation mats on top of the engine, then remove the mats
- Remove 3 bolts on either side holding the lower TGV assembly

Once all is out, slide the little metal aerofoils out of the intake ports - you should then have access to the intake ports. Using a 22mm (or 21 I forgot) and a breaker bar, turn the crank clockwise and look for a set of valves that are clearly shut.

My methodology for the cleaning process was:
- Spray the shit out of each port with CRC Throttle Body Cleaner
- Spin a drill with 10 nylon zip ties to attack carbon deposits
- Scrub whatever I can reach with a brass brush
- Soak remaining throttle body cleaner with a rag
- Repeat until valves are clean(er)

These were the state of my valves at 163000km. I didn't take an after photo as I was desperate to put my engine back together
IMG_8486.jpg

With the TGV pieces and throttle body out of the car, I also gave them all a thorough scrub with the same CRC cleaner. I also cleaned the little aerofoils that slide out.

The result of this is an engine which idles significantly smoother, and is much more responsive at the throttle. Note: when you're reassembling the the intercooler, make sure there is a perfect mate between all the pipes from the turbo to the throttle body, I had one loose and it blew off during a test drive (easy fix thankfully)

Brakes
There is plenty of info on brake changes for WRXs so I will spare most of the details.

My car has STI 4 pot Brembos at the front with a 326mm rotor, so I bought:
Rotor: 09.7812.21, $168.5 AUD per side
Pads: P54039N, $66.6 for both sides

For rear brakes (standard electronic parking brake model)
Rotor: 09.D246.11, $76 per side
Pads: P78026N, $69.6 for both sides

The service manual requires a scan tool to service the rear brakes, but we don't do that around here. Here is what I did:
- Once all 4 wheels are off the ground, make sure the parking brake is not activated
- Remove metal support clip from caliper
- Remove EPB motor from back of caliper, held in with two 5mm Hex bolts
- This exposes a little torx gear. With a 9mm socket, turn it clockwise while prying the inner brake pad backwards with a flat head screwdriver. Go as far as you can - this will retract the piston ease. There multiple videos of this on youtube
- Remove caliper assembly by removing two 7mm Hex bolts. Each bolt is covered by a plastic cap
- Use a breaker bar to remove the caliper support and free the rotor

If you plan to change the fluid and bleed the brakes (which I did), rear nipples are a 10mm spanner, while the STI Brembo nipples are an 11mm spanner.

Coming from STI rear brake pads and DIXCEL front pads, the car has a noticeably less bite on the Brembo Prime Ceramics, but in return provides a significantly smoother stopping experience. I will probably later upgrade to Endless brake components to support more spirited driving.
 
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