The Subaru SVX World Network   SVX Network Forums
Live Chat!
SVX or Subaru Links
Old Lockers
Photo Post
How-To Documents
Message Archive
SVX Shop Search
IRC users:

Go Back   The Subaru SVX World Network > SVX Main Forums > Technical Q & A

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-06-2008, 02:53 AM
insound insound is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Missouri, USA
Posts: 21
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 .

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.

Last edited by insound; 04-06-2008 at 03:14 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-06-2008, 05:12 AM
CorSVXette's Avatar
CorSVXette CorSVXette is offline
SVX- My daily driving Corvette
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Howard Beach, NY
Posts: 598
Send a message via AIM to CorSVXette
Classic SVX
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"
__________________
Paul
1969 Corvette
1995 SVX L Safety Option Package, HID's & Awsome Braking (Svxfilies/TomsSVX), JDM Clear Corners, JDM Boxer Engine cover, Transmission Cooler, AND NOW JDM FOLDING MIRRORS!
1995 Corolla
2003 Highlander
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-06-2008, 07:42 AM
Nforcer Nforcer is offline
You have been Nforced!
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Auburn, Al.
Posts: 60
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.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-06-2008, 08:46 AM
svxfiles's Avatar
svxfiles svxfiles is offline
There's a storm coming.
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Wiley Ford WV
Posts: 8,650
Significant Technical Input Registered SVX
Quote:
Originally Posted by insound View Post
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.
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.
__________________
www.svxfiles.com
The first SuperCharged SVX,
the first 4.44 gears,
the first equal length headers,
the first phenolic spacers,
the first Class Glass fiberglass hood,
the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway


Fiberglass Hood thread
My locker
4.44 Swap link

Last edited by RSVX; 04-07-2008 at 11:40 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-07-2008, 09:00 AM
insound insound is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Missouri, USA
Posts: 21
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).
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-07-2008, 09:18 AM
TomsSVX's Avatar
TomsSVX TomsSVX is offline
Maniac modifier
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Branchburg, New Jersey
Posts: 15,489
Registered SVX Classic SVX
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
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-07-2008, 09:20 AM
Hocrest's Avatar
Hocrest Hocrest is offline
Freezepop's are Awesome!!!!
Subaru Silver Contributor
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Pittston, PA
Posts: 5,334
Send a message via AIM to Hocrest
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.
__________________
Dave
- 03 Baja - 92 SVX - 86 Brat - 08 OB 3.0
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-07-2008, 10:52 AM
insound insound is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Missouri, USA
Posts: 21
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.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-07-2008, 12:20 PM
TomsSVX's Avatar
TomsSVX TomsSVX is offline
Maniac modifier
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Branchburg, New Jersey
Posts: 15,489
Registered SVX Classic SVX
expect to pay around $500 for an install

Tom
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-07-2008, 12:59 PM
insound insound is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Missouri, USA
Posts: 21
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.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 04-07-2008, 02:38 PM
TomsSVX's Avatar
TomsSVX TomsSVX is offline
Maniac modifier
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Branchburg, New Jersey
Posts: 15,489
Registered SVX Classic SVX
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
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 04-07-2008, 02:50 PM
Hocrest's Avatar
Hocrest Hocrest is offline
Freezepop's are Awesome!!!!
Subaru Silver Contributor
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Pittston, PA
Posts: 5,334
Send a message via AIM to Hocrest
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.
__________________
Dave
- 03 Baja - 92 SVX - 86 Brat - 08 OB 3.0
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 04-08-2008, 11:21 AM
insound insound is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Missouri, USA
Posts: 21
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?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 04-08-2008, 11:46 AM
TomsSVX's Avatar
TomsSVX TomsSVX is offline
Maniac modifier
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Branchburg, New Jersey
Posts: 15,489
Registered SVX Classic SVX
try reading the advice already given........twice

Tom
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 04-08-2008, 11:47 AM
TomsSVX's Avatar
TomsSVX TomsSVX is offline
Maniac modifier
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Branchburg, New Jersey
Posts: 15,489
Registered SVX Classic SVX
Quote:
Originally Posted by svxfiles View Post
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TomsSVX View Post
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
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hocrest View Post
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by TomsSVX View Post
expect to pay around $500 for an install

Tom
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hocrest View Post
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.
Made it easy

Tom
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:18 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2001-2015 SVX World Network
(208)-906-1122