Anyone in or near Iowa who can work on my SVX?
 

Is there anyone in the midwest, near Iowa, who is an experienced SVX mechanic? I live in Des Moines area am now getting ready to have some major repairs done on my car and will have to take my local Subie dealer if I can't find anyone else near me. I am expecting expensive repairs, there are some major issues with it. I haven't been driving it. It is 94 LSi...there is thumping/clunking noise from right front end when go over bumps and bad vibration and shimmy when wheel turned sharply at low speeds. I know nothing about fixing cars and obviously dont want to pay dealer prices for repairs but most importantly I want the repairs done correctly.
Any help appreciated!

http://svxworldforums.com/

ask for budfreak he is from Ohio

Subeman, Thanks for the idea, but I think I really need chicago area (farthest), or Kansas City which would be even better, or Omaha or Minneapolis...I just dont want to risk driving it further than that.

he does traveling mechanics...sorry I should have been more clear on that.

oh, I probably should have known that...how does that work, if work takes a while to complete, figuring out what it wrong, etc. Sorry, am ignorant of these things, am used to "normal" car repairs

You might try an alignment shop. They should be able to locate your problem. Be sure to just get an estimate for the work first-it should get you an idea of the cost, but like everything else, once you get it torn down, you always find other things that need attention. Ramsey seems ok with newer Subs but I get the idea not too many of the current guys have done much with the SVX.

Yes, I understand that even dealerships may not know the ins and outs of SVX repairs. This particular car was supposedly originally owned by the owner of Ramsey delaership when it was new, he bought it for his wife...has had 2 local owners since. I have spent a lot of time reading all the possible things that could be wrong with it, wheel bearings, struts, AWD transfer case, etc ...is mind boggling. I think the transmission is ok, shifts very smoothy and the engine purrs. I just don't want to throw money at it and not have it fixed right. I have some tax money coming back and thought perhaps I would put it into getting my car running, it makes me sad to see it sitting in the garage

Jim Shaeffer Subaru technician at Beardmore Subaru in Bellevue, Nebraska (Omaha)

Is he the best person to go to in Omaha? I'm looking to buy a 96 soon but I am worried about finding someone who knows how to work on one.

If you live in the Omaha area, just stop by Subaru Service and just ask for him.
Jim Shaeffer
Beardmore Subaru.
Bellevue Nebraska

Hi Bailey. I'm Nevin. I live near Iowa City. DSM is about an hour and a half drive for me.

If you find out what the problem is and you can get the parts, I could maybe come up and help you out. I work at a tire shop and also do mechanic stuff by day, so I'm not afraid to work on this kind of thing.

If it's popping like this, it could just be an axle. The sounds you describe remind me of when my axles were bad.


Just get ahold of me if you're interested. I don't mind helping people out!

Also, I have a budy who lives in Ankeny who works at the Audi dealer, I could maybe have him trouble shoot it for you sometime, and then I could maybe come and work on it. WHo knows. ANyways, just let me know.

The moral of the story is.. My name is Nevin. Have tools, will travel.

Nevin, Nice to meet you and thanks for the offer! I am hoping just an axle too..
I will know after Ramsey looks at it tomorrow.

Sounds good! Just let me know what you find out.