Questions on how to proceed

STeeL25T · #1 09-08-2020, 04:00 PM

I took my seemingly well cared for and low mileage SVX I recently bought to the dealer today and they found that pretty much everything on the whole front of the car is leaking. Valve cover gaskets and oil pan I've done before on these (with the engine out of the car ._.) but also both front axles are torn, the steering rack is leaking, the front diff is leaking, and so is the transmission pan. So much for an easy fixer upper.

I was just wondering where the experts would go from here. Given the number of things that need to be resealed or replaced and the scarcity of many of them, is this the time where it'd make more sense to do a 4.44 swap or something more drastic? Or are these things things more manageable than I'm thinking?

Sean486 · #2 09-08-2020, 04:48 PM

My advice is to just do a few things at a time. Axles and valve cover gaskets first. The others I would prioritize on how badly they were leaking.

Blacky · #3 09-08-2020, 04:56 PM

Are these things leaking enough to drip under the car?
I've had multiple small leaks ever since I bought my '97 in 2011. It doesn't drip so I just check fluid levels once in a while.
The axle boots should be replaced but are very cheap. If the axles are clicking you might as well just replace them instead of the boots.
Repairing all those issues could run into mucho dinero.

STeeL25T · #4 09-08-2020, 06:31 PM

The transmission most likely is leaving puddles all over my garage and the oil nearly as bad.

The dealer verbally told me that they could not get axles for this car, "even in the aftermarket". I'm assuming that isn't the case though? I've seen a couple for sale just googling it though I don't know whats legit.

LarryIII · #5 09-08-2020, 06:54 PM

I just got a front remanufactured rack & pinon for my '92 from CarID and a seal kit for same from Power Steering Seals in Oklahoma. As soon as I get the seal kit I will start the rebuild process. If you need part nos. contact me. Good Luck.

Blacky · #6 09-09-2020, 03:17 AM

Front axles are readily available. Cardone rebuilds etc. are for sale everywhere. They are the same as several other models of Subaru.

SoCoNoHa · #7 09-09-2020, 09:32 AM

Sounds like an excellent opportunity to refresh some fluids. Realistically, if you have all the parts, that doesn't sound like more than a weekend of work to me. You can just put new boots with fresh grease on the axles if they haven't already started clicking. I wouldn't drive it too far if it's leaking trans and diff fluid, depending on the severity it may be more detrimental than the leaking oil pan or valve covers.

Personally, I think ANYTIME is a great time to put shorter gears in an SVX.