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 > Regional SVX Forum & Clubs > Down Under

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-11-2014, 05:55 PM
andreoz andreoz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 112
Send a message via Skype™ to andreoz
Registered SVX
Drive shaft centre bearing

My SVX is a 1992 model (Australian) with just under 180k on the clock and I have had it since new. Recently developed a clunking noise coming from the left and centre - sounded like my CV joints which was confirmed by a mechanic. Have just had the CV joints and shafts replaced and to my surprise some of the noise is still there but it is very much under left of centre console. After showing it to the repair shop I was told that it is most likely the centre bearing in the drive shaft. The noise seems to be only present when accelerating from stand still and is more readily seen when turning to the right. I had a quick search through the forum and I see that there seem to be two different versions of the drive shaft - one with replaceable bearing and one with NOT.
I am looking for recommendations from any of you who have had similar experience or have had to replace the centre bearing or perhaps it is another problem.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-12-2014, 05:12 AM
michael's Avatar
michael michael is offline
What Potholes ???
Subaru Bronze Contributor
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Scranton, PA
Posts: 2,425
Registered SVX
Re: Drive shaft centre bearing

Have you thoroughly checked your trans and engine mounts? Sometimes a tear can be hard to spot.
__________________
"The things you own end up owning you. It's only after you lose everything that you're free to do anything."

92 Pearl White Ls-l (138k) Euro Headlights & Blinkers, 97 Grill, Euro Tail Lights, SS Brake Lines, Stebro Exhaust, Slotted Rotors, Classic Registration
96 Legacy Outback (206k) 5-speed 2.2 Lightweight Crank Pulley, Group N Trans & Motor Mounts SOLD
Wanted: Steering Wheel
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-12-2014, 03:10 PM
andreoz andreoz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 112
Send a message via Skype™ to andreoz
Registered SVX
Re: Drive shaft centre bearing

Thanks Michael. I wonder if that could be the problem as I have also just noticed that when the car is idling in Neutral it runs nice and smooth. As soon as I put the lever into drive or reverse there is a slight vibration through the whole car.....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-12-2014, 04:10 PM
carlhoffmann carlhoffmann is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 46
Re: Drive shaft centre bearing

hi try a tube of lubegard in the auto, its sold on ebay @ about $10, it could be the auto locking up
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-12-2014, 04:16 PM
carlhoffmann carlhoffmann is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 46
Re: Drive shaft centre bearing

also known as shudder fix.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-13-2014, 12:41 AM
ShaneHobson ShaneHobson is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Waikato, New Zealand
Posts: 364
Re: Drive shaft centre bearing

I can vouch for the magic potion called Dr Tranny that Carl is recommending. I dropped a couple of tubes down the transmission filler tube and it immediately fixed the shuddering that occurring during slow, tight turns.
This is a fault that the transmission shop and the Subaru dealer couldn't solve.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-19-2014, 08:41 PM
andreoz andreoz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 112
Send a message via Skype™ to andreoz
Registered SVX
Re: Drive shaft centre bearing

Well I have just had a "grease and oil change" type service and the mechanic has confirmed that looks like the drive shaft centre bearing is shot! Anyone had experience replacing and are parts available??
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 03-13-2014, 08:29 PM
andreoz andreoz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 112
Send a message via Skype™ to andreoz
Registered SVX
Unhappy Re: Drive shaft centre bearing

Well guys, I have been snookered!!! As well as the drive shaft my gearbox mounts were shot as well. At that time Subaru had an SVX drive shaft in stock but the gearbox mounts had to come from Japan. We decided to hold off with the tail shaft till mounts arrived so the drive shaft could be sent away to check if it is repairable. Well it is not and the drive shaft from Subaru has been sold. Now it is ex Japan at double the price. Anyone have any suggestions for a cheaper option??
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 03-19-2014, 02:50 AM
JDW-SVX's Avatar
JDW-SVX JDW-SVX is offline
it's ruby red - not burgundy!!
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 447
Registered SVX
Re: Drive shaft centre bearing

Quote:
Originally Posted by ShaneHobson View Post
I can vouch for the magic potion called Dr Tranny that Carl is recommending. I dropped a couple of tubes down the transmission filler tube and it immediately fixed the shuddering that occurring during slow, tight turns.
This is a fault that the transmission shop and the Subaru dealer couldn't solve.
I don't think that would work in this particular case. The shuddering that Carl mentions is being caused by the AWD Transfer Clutch binding during tight turns (where the input and output shafts of the transfer clutch are rotating at different speeds).

Australian delivered SVXs do not use this type of AWD system - they use the VTD system, which does not use a transfer clutch.

I actually had this very issue on my grey SVX - it was caused by a combination of a worn driveshaft centre bearing, worn transmission mounts, and one completely broken engine mount. This caused the driveshaft to be slightly out of alignment, causing shuddering during fast standing starts.

I have also experienced the issue of shuddering caused by a binding AWD transfer clutch - my Vortex 4WD Turbo uses the same transfer clutch based AWD system that US model SVXs use. Occasionally, I would feel the drivetrain binding up during standing starts when I was also turning. In my case, an ATF fluid change fixed that, but that shuddering was definitely caused by the transfer clutch.

Jason.
__________________
1992 Charcoal Grey SVX - 165,000km

1992 Ruby Red SVX - 165,000km

....now with sequential VIN numbers!


1986 Holden (Isuzu) Piazza Turbo - 225,000km

1993 Mercedes W140 S500 Coupe - 153,000km

1990 Mercedes W124 300D - 313,000km

EG33 + 4EAT + VTD AWD = SVX
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 03-19-2014, 03:43 PM
SURTEESS's Avatar
SURTEESS SURTEESS is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Posts: 1,421
Cool Re: Drive shaft centre bearing

There are 2 partout SVXs on -

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Sear...ch_suggested=0

would be a lot cheaper to get photos of yours & see what they want ....
__________________
1995 LSI, Added the following - Gear Firm-Up unit (that I sell) together with Power TCU ROM & Power switch, K&N air filter, SVX side badges (USA type), Rear Deck Blower (JDM type), Side front markers (USA type), Side rear markers (USA type), Middle rear light (USA type), USA OEM Fog Lights fitted into NZ OEM glass (NZ OEM headlights had only reflectors fitted) Full set of yellow (90SH) Polish bushes includes 15 min mod, R1 Concepts drilled/slotted/gold finish rotors & Red covered braided brake lines (both from Dayle at Motorsport warehouse), EBC Redstuff brake pads. Full SVX bra (only used for shows). Koni adjustable inserts fitted inside OEM strut body, Zoom lowering springs (2" lower), OEM headlight washers fitted.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 03-23-2014, 01:14 AM
93tzlegacy 93tzlegacy is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 226
Re: Drive shaft centre bearing

you can use a 1999 - 2003 gen 3 liberty AUTO tailahaft. i have used them in place of SVX shafts before with no problems what soever. they should be about $100 from a wreckers. i may even have one in stock at work, if you need one please call me on 02 9600 7066. thanks, Ben.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 03-24-2014, 03:55 AM
andreoz andreoz is offline
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 112
Send a message via Skype™ to andreoz
Registered SVX
Re: Drive shaft centre bearing

Jason - mine is exactly the same problem. Both gearbox mounts need replacement and the drive shaft centre bearing is shot! Managed to pick up an SVX drive shaft from the wreckers with a reasonable bearing so will use that. Have given the Hardy Spicer drive shaft experts a challenge to see if they can remove the original bearing so they can put on a replacement.

Thanks for all your tips. Certainly interesting about the Legacy drive shaft!!
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

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 05:46 PM.


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