Hello, and a request for info...

Hello,

Stumbled across this site whilst looking for info on SVXs - I've recently bought a 1993 UK spec vehicle, and I've got a problem with my automatic gearbox.

From everything that I've read online, it sounds like it needs a rebuild, I think one of the clutches is slipping.

Does anyone know of a reputable garage where I can get the work done in the Bucks/Oxon area? And does anyone know how much this would cost (approximately)?

Thanks a lot

L.
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[Earthworm]

Hi and welcome to the site.

What are the symptoms of your failing transmission?

eg. what does it do in (between) each gear?

The problem I am having, is that it feels like it is slipping after changing into top gear. When I accelerate, it changes up cleanly to 3rd gear, then doesn't seem to want to go into 4th, when it changes up, at about 500 - 750 rpm higher than normal, it feels as if it's slipping... Does that make any sense?

L.
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[svxistentialist]

Hi Jason,

See you found the Europe Forum.

4th gear, sometimes called Overdrive, is driven by the High Clutch and a thing called the Brake Band.

This brake band works in 2nd and 4th gear, and if it is too loose, it will slip and over-rev when changing up into the gear. It can also be the case that the high clutch is worn.

Two things to check, whether it's brake band, whether it's the high clutch. Run your car a mile or so till the oil is hot, then dip the transmission oil. The dipstick is on the rhs looking under the bonnet, at the back. The oil is meant to be pink and translucent, with a nice[ish] smell from it. If the clutches in the box are burning up through overheating, the oil will overheat and get scorched. It will turn toffee brown in colour, be opaque and smell bad. It will leave residue on a tissue paper whereas good oil will soak in and only leave a pink colour. If your oil is bad this way, your clutch or clutches are on the way out and will require a rebuild.

If the oil looks good to you, then you may only require a brake band adjust, can be done on the car [with difficulty!] and will be way cheaper.

Check this out first and come back with the report. Also, friendly warning, until you get it adjusted or fixed, drive in 3 not D, don't have it slipping and wearing the friction material.

Joe

[Earthworm]

I'm willing to bet on the high clutch.

[svxistentialist]

You could well be right David, but I expect it makes sense to check out the cheaper and easier cures first, eh?

Joe

Hi everyone,

I finally had a chance to drive the SVX over the weekend, drove it "around the block" (about 3 miles total, locked in 3rd), and it has started slipping in 3rd too.

I guess this means that the 'box really does need a rebuild

If someone can recommend a place where I can get it done that is reliable in the Bucks/Oxfordshire area then I'd be grateful.

L.
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[svxistentialist]

Sorry to hear that Jason. Sounds like your high clutch is gone all right.

Send a PM [Private Message] or an email to Phil and Belha. They are currently having their transmission fixed. Phil will have checked out the local tranny specialists in the area. Pretty sure they are in Bucks.

Look for posts by B3lha.

Joe

Also check out Tony's reference to Andrew Burt in this thread:

http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...5&pagenumber=1

Thanks Joe,

I'll PM Phil & Belha.

Hopefully I can get it rebuilt and back on the road ASAP

L.
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[svxistentialist]

No problem L.

Subaru send all their transmissions to a company in Glasgow, who do an excellent job, and charge about £1800 for the rebuild. This is the upper price range.

Phil is sure to get you someone more local [and probably cheaper].

Also, if you check all the European threads for the past year [use the drop-downs at the bottom] on transmission problems, you will read it is recommended to add an auxiliary cooler to your car, keeps the ATF from burning up. I have one on mine, and the Glasgow guys INSIST you put one in before they guarantee the work.

You should consider this while your tranny is out for fixing. A lot of insurance for not too much money.

Joe

I've been offered the 'box out of the P reg SVX on ebay for approx £380 incl VAT, plus £30 delivery.

Does anyone think that buying this and getting the work done by a local garage is a good way to go?

Let me know what you think.

L.
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I've been offered the gearbox on the P reg car for £380, which I've decided to go for - this comes with a 60-day warranty.

My local garage, a 4wd specialist, who have some experience with Subarus, have quoted £280 to swap out the two boxes, and will give me a six month warranty on the work with that.

Including some margin of error means I should be able to get my car back on the road for approx £720 (much more affordable than the £1200 + VAT I've been quoted).

What I was going to ask was, is it worth fitting an extra transmission cooler? (Thanks for the advice Phil), where could I source one? and how much do they cost?

L.
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(Getting excited at the prospect of getting my baby back).

[svxistentialist]

Originally posted by Lazarus
I've been offered the 'box out of the P reg SVX on ebay for approx £380 incl VAT, plus £30 delivery.

Does anyone think that buying this and getting the work done by a local garage is a good way to go?

Let me know what you think.

L.
--

Not sure what model year your "P" reg might be.

Here in Ireland, we stick with the year rather than go alphabetical to suit the car dealers. Horses for courses.

I did this and it was difficult. I bought a gearbox from a crashed '96 to fit to my Japanese '91. It didn't.

The post '95 cars have OBD 11, a different diagnostic system. The box, if it's from one of these later cars, will bolt up but not plug in. The looms are different.

What I had to do was take the internals from the '96 and fit them to the '91 gearbox housing. Even that had its problems. The gearbox had been improved, and part of the housing was modified.

The £400 you are spending here would buy the brand new clutch packs and seals for your rebuild. In either case, you will have to pay for the work of dismantling and refitting. Go for the rebuild is my advice.

However, if the tranny is from a 94 car and is good, it may bolt up and plug and play. You are still taking a risk that the box is half or 3/4 worn, no way of knowing that.

If you really must buy this box, make sure the wires have the same connections and same colours as your own.

Up to you.

Joe

[b3lha]

Hi Lazarus,

I've just fitted a transmission cooler in preparation for our transmission rebuild. A lot of people here prefer the B&M 70268 cooler, which will fit either in front of the A/C condensor or between the condenser and radiator.

I opted for the larger 70264 model which needs to be fitted in the "fender well" below the battery. It's a much more tricky installation although I think I made a nice job of it - time will tell.

Website is http://www.bmracing.com. Their UK dealers are "Demon Tweaks" or "Eibach". But neither of them actually keep these in stock - only special order.

[svxistentialist]

I have already said above you should be thinking of a cooler.

I bought mine from Jeg's in Ohio in the US. It cost me $115 shipped in.

The model was Transcooler 19000 lbs, part number for Jegs 70268. Cooler itself cost $46, but this was early '02.

Most SVXers go for this model, it fits easily between the radiator and the AC condenser. Phil has gone for a bigger one, but he has a heavy right foot.

Jegs number is 001 294-5451, but you can Google them on the web.

Joe