front axle replacements

Jvan · #1 08-01-2017, 07:20 PM

My mechanic says the front axles in my 95 LSi are clicking and need to be replaced. Somewhere I think I read that the STI axles that are 5x114.3 (don't know if year specific) are the same as our SVX and can be used as a replacement; if they can be swapped, is there any benefit over our stock axles (stronger/cost less? Don't know if they are the same part numbers. Can anyone confirm or comment?

huck369 · #2 08-02-2017, 05:13 AM

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/s...+assembly,2288

Why not just get the correct axle? Pretty much any parts place can get them.

Jvan · #3 08-02-2017, 11:01 AM

Replacement w/stock axle is first choice but if there is an upgraded axle which is stronger and has better bearings or other parts at a reasonable price,why not use it instead? I plan on keeping the SVX going for as long as possible.

Tireiron · #4 08-02-2017, 03:31 PM

The best quality axleshaft you can get is an OEM subaru axle. The front are still available because they are used on other models.

Jvan · #5 08-02-2017, 06:00 PM

I though they were used on other models but can you tell me which models/years? Thanks for the info.

Blacky · #6 08-03-2017, 05:27 AM

Forester, Impreza, Legacy 90 to 99 and series 1 Outback. There are tons of them out there for the SVX so why take a chance.

Jvan · #7 08-03-2017, 11:57 AM

Thanks for the cross model identifications. I had checked the part number on several Subaru dealers online sites and they all listed the SVX axles as SVX specific and did not indicate that the same axles were used for other Subaru models. At $400 +- each, I want to make sure I'm getting the best axle for the cost. If there are sever duty or high performance options available, I want to compare what I'm paying for, even if they are OEM Subaru STI, Group N or Group B options.

Tireiron · #8 08-03-2017, 05:02 PM

No, the OEM from Subaru SVX specific axleshafts are the best. The others work, but they are technically about a 1/2 inch shorter. Also there are no aftermarket shafts as good as the OEM Subaru ones unless you go extremely high end big dollar pricetag shafts.

Jvan · #9 08-04-2017, 12:14 PM

I hear what your saying but the OEM axles aren't inexpensive at $400 +-. I've found aftermarket ranging from a low of about $93/$100/$105 for a front set to about $700-$1000 for a racing set. A set from Subaru is about $800 which I consider high end big dollar and then their is the added cost of removing/installing both axles. That bring the total cost to close to the value of the car.

huck369 · #10 08-04-2017, 12:48 PM

The link I posted above has the SVX axles for $39.99, I'm sure they are made in China, but if you're just needing axles on a budget, thats a deal....

I usually get my axles from a local parts place, for about $60 per, and have had no issues with them.

I agree Subaru ones are better, but not enough for me to pay that much for them....I'm a Cheap SOB

Jvan · #11 08-04-2017, 04:23 PM

I have purchased items from Rockauto in the past and have been very satisfied except for expensive shipping costs. Even if their axles are made in China (not a good source of quality parts), how can there be such a difference in purchase prices between OEM $400+ and Rockauto $40-?

bheinen74 · #12 08-04-2017, 11:56 PM

car was made in japan.
axles to have boot iissues,
to put a Chinese axle is a $32k car that was a good car is same as putting boot in a pooper.

stay oem or reboot. If you go china you get crap. The china boot is crap. it blows up in 5k miles.

just some truth.

Jvan · #13 08-05-2017, 02:08 PM

I totally agree that Chinese stuff is junk but who knows where the Subaru replacement axles are made;they could be made in China as well?

theflystyle · #14 08-07-2017, 06:10 AM

I am usually 100% about OEM parts, but my "temporary" eBay axle has been troublefree for years now. It was crazy cheap and I really just wanted the SVX to be road worthy. But as it has not failed and runs without issue I have had no reason to replace with an OEM or upgrade.

Jvan · #15 09-14-2017, 11:46 AM

I found a US manufacturer that will make a level 5 axle, here in the US, for the same price as the OEM Subaru replacements (<> $420 including shipping). Not cheap and definitely over the top for a street level car but the parts should be stronger than the OEM if they are for extreme horsepower. The company would prefer to have a stock SVX axle to compare as they build the replacement but I can't send them my axle since the car is a daily driver (current axle is just starting to make a clicking sound so I' still driving locally) Does anyone have an excess junk axle that I could send them?