Help! More Expense

The Monzta · #1 01-08-2004, 03:23 PM

My SVX had its first service this week since I bought it and I had it MoT'd as well. It failed the MoT on its front brakes.......low pads and cracked discs. These have now been replaced and I have my car back with a stamped up service book and a fresh MoT pass.

The garage that did the work noticed though that the front calipers are in very poor condition and advised they be replaced as soon as possible. Also the noise from the rear that I had surmised to be the dreaded rear wheel bearings going is in fact coming from the rear diff. They have advised that the diff be replaced rather than be rebuilt.

They are going to price up a set of new front calipers and a rear diff but they said it couldn't hurt to get further advice from other owners as to sourcing these items from a cheaper supplier.

So folks, can anyone help me here?

Nobody · #2 01-09-2004, 12:27 AM

I have problems with rear diff. (bushing) as well. As I found out it is the same like in Nissan 300 I try get more info to replace all necessary parts from there. As I have cehceked with Subaru, original parts are extreemly expensive and have to buy whole unit :-(
Peter

Andy · #3 01-09-2004, 01:12 AM

The front calipers are also Nissan and they may be cheaper.

I would also suggest contacting Tony Shale as he has a parts car.

b3lha · #4 01-09-2004, 03:47 AM

GET A SECOND OPINION ON THE DIFF!!!

We had TWO different Subaru dealers inform us that the loud noise was coming from the diff and it would have to be rebuilt. But they both said that their mechanics didn't have the skills/tools to repair a diff, only replace it.

So I took the car to a tranmission specialist in Slough, expecting to pay a thousand quid to have the diff rebuilt. He took it for a drive and told me almost immediately that it was not the diff, just a wheel bearing.

He replaced the wheel bearing for a very good price too, although I can't remember exactly how much it was.

Phil.

Nobody · #5 01-09-2004, 06:24 AM

As for my case it is deffinitely rear diff. I was told both tranny expert and Subaru dealer. I have luck because my Subaru dealer has a very good skilled mechanic who will do it for me. The whole unit cost I think about 800 USD so it is wasting money...
Peter

The Monzta · #6 01-09-2004, 10:13 AM

Can anyone give me more details about exactly which Nissan models share the same diff and front calipers as our cars? I especially want to get my calipers replaced ASAP for safety's sake.

Thanks in anticipation.

Andy · #7 01-09-2004, 11:34 AM

Pathfinder

The Monzta · #8 01-09-2004, 01:59 PM

Is the Nissan Pathfinder available in the UK or is it yet another rare Jap import? Or is it known here under a different name?

wawazat?? · #9 01-09-2004, 02:07 PM

The caliper casting itself rarely goes bad, it is typically just the seals, boots, slides, and occasionally a piston (if the seals go bad). Order the caliper rebuild kit and do a tear-down.

Todd

Andy · #10 01-09-2004, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by The Monzta
Is the Nissan Pathfinder available in the UK or is it yet another rare Jap import? Or is it known here under a different name?

It is a UK car.

Have you tried Tony yet?

The Monzta · #11 01-09-2004, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Andy

It is a UK car.

Have you tried Tony yet?

And you're sure the Pathfinder has exactly the same calipers as the SVX? Do you know what Nissan shares our diffs?

I've PM'd Tony and await a reply.

Andy · #12 01-10-2004, 01:41 AM

I suggest you carry out a site search as there is a wealth of information on this already.

The Monzta · #13 01-10-2004, 03:57 AM

Will do, thanks.

BTW, the garage rang me this morning with prices from the Subaru dealer.......brace yourself...........

.......£286 + VAT + shipping from Japan per brake caliper

and........£1900 + VAT + shipping for the rear diff!!!!

Subaru have said they are unable to source a caliper repair kit. As time is of the essence from a safety point of view I'm going ahead with the calipers but I'll have to find some other way of getting the diff fixed.

Andy · #14 01-10-2004, 04:11 AM

Sounds like BS to me. If you need it desperately, try one of the US suppliers, half the price and twice as quick.

svxistentialist · #15 01-10-2004, 12:23 PM

Yes, and you have not gone to a Nissan dealer looking for Pathfinder calipers yet, so it is too soon to be throwing in the towel.

Last time I did my brakes, I used Nissan pads from Halfords at a fraction of the Subaru price. Perfect fit, and the right stuff.

I would search around a little more before throwing away money. These dealerships are in the business of separating you from your money. Never forget that.

Joe