LOUD Knocking.. I mean LOUD. Need help quick!
 

I recently acquired a 94 SVX (FWD) and I was pretty tickled to have it. I was deeply heartbroken though when the tiny little knocking noise in the front end completely screwed me over.

Here's the story: I got an SVX from a friend of mine. It had a moderately-loud knocking noise coming from the front end. Everyone was telling me it was the axles, so I thought "no big deal, right?" I was horribly wrong.

I took off from a stop sign with a somewhat strong gun on the accelerator (don't think I put it pedal-to-the-metal). And after going about 2 feet, that little knock got LOUD. Now the car knocks faster with speed and bucks the car simultaneously.

I went to a local mechanic and had both front axles replaced, and that didn't do a thing. The mechanic then told me that it was my transmission. Needless to say, I was infuriated. It didn't really help when I found out that a new transmission would run me about $3600 either.

I then came here and started looking around for SVX owners that have had or seen a similar problem before. I found a single thread describing my problem and people were saying that it was the front end differential.

I'm still somewhat unsure on what the exact problem is, which is why I'm describing it to you guys. I'm desperate to find out what the problem is, because my dad wants me to sell it. I reeeeeally don't want to sell it. I love that car just judging from the tiny amount of time I've driven it. Plus, if I sell it, that means I have to get my '97 Eclipse fixed and drive it around :mad:.

So to summarize my questions:
-What is wrong with my car?
-How much is the part to fix it?
-Is it an easy part to put in with little mechanical experience?
-If not, how much would labor cost on estimate?
-What would be the cheapest thing to do?

Remember, it's a FWD model.

I am no mechanic but I can give you some advise. Do not take this car to a "local" mechanic. There are many unique problems with this car. I only trust people who know "this" car. I drive 2 hrs. to a guy who knows almost everything about this car to have mechanical repairs done. Someone should chime in here and give you advise as to someone near you who can check out your car. Good luck and wlcome to the world of the "SVX":D

In my opinion, It does sound like the diff is gone. If your going to spend the 3+k for a new tranny, might I suggest going ahead and doing the 5/6 mt swap. I did my swap for less than 2k. If your looking for a replacement OEM transmission, I know where there are a few sitting.

It sounds like your front differential went bad.
You can get a used transmission for maybe $450.00 or so.
A fwd transmission is easier to install than an awd trans, but its not "easy".
The last fwd I swapped I charged $250.00 labor. (Plus filter and fluids.)
Have a used trans installed by someone who knows the car.

ps; It does not have to be an SVX trans.;)

So what would be the cheapest thing to do? What's the cheapest transmission I can put in (well, not me, a shop) and what would I have to change out for the car to accept the tranny? And I mean the absolute cheapest thing. And please refrain from any "cheapest thing" jokes, please. I'm really in a bind here. It's either this or possibly replacing a blown 420a engine in my Eclipse (I think it's blown, at least. My dad says it's a spun cam bearing, which I don't see likely).

relatively straight forward. The transmission should be replaced with any FWD subaru trans 91-95. They all have the same gear ratio and they will all fit and plug in exactly as a SVX transmission would. Try a junk yard for a cheap one. Also, Car-Part.com is a good resource in a bind

Tom

A FWD transmission from any 90-96 SVX, Impreza or Legacy will fit. You will want to use the SVX torque converter, not the one that comes with the Leg or Imp trans. They will need to pull the electronic speed sensor off of yours and install it on the new trans. That takes less than 5 minutes.

Search on
www.car-part.com
and
EDEN Online
for a used trans.

Ok, I think I found a transmission in Columbia, which isn't that far from here. Now how much would labor cost on estimate? Thanks for your help so far.

expect to pay around $500 for an install

Tom

What all would I have to buy for a 5 speed manual transmission swap? Because all I can afford in transmissions are the 5 speed Legacy trannys. It would be great if you could include a price too. Sorry for asking so much.

5mt's are very labor intensive and will cost a great deal in labor costs. Trust me an auto is going to be WAY cheaper

Tom

Using www.car-part.com and searching in MO, I found a few FWD Legacy AT's for $125. There was a 44,000 mile one listed for $300. Shop around at a few garages to get the swap done. A FWD trans swap on these cars is not that difficult, you don't need to find an SVX specialist to do it.

Yeah, I've decided that I don't really want to do the MT swap. What are the different cars I can take an AT out of and just put it on without changing anything else?

try reading the advice already given........twice

Tom

Made it easy

Tom