SVX Network Forums Live Chat! SVX or Subaru Links Old Lockers Photo Post How-To Documents Message Archive SVX Shop Search |
IRC users: |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Installing Front Axle
Last week mike (rufus) and i replaced the front driver's side axle. The procedure was pretty much straight forward. However, i haven't gotten an alignment yet. At first the car pulled to the left just slightly. Now at 200 miles since then the car is pulling significantly more, a creeking noise occurs especially when applying the brakes and turning, and there is a very noticable shudder and shaking of the left side wheel. Any thoughts of what we could have done wrong? Too much torque on the outside bolt (the one that is the farthest outside). I am having the car "fixed tomorrow" hopefully it is just a case of an alignment. I can't see how we messed up things that much. Your thoughts and recommendations are highly appreciated. Thank you
chris |
#2
|
||||
|
||||
Without knowing why the right axle was replaced, maybe a broken boot, I'll say the front axles are usually replaced in pairs. Now it might be a left axle problem.
The alignment is most likely the pulling problem but but may not be the noise problem. I hope it's just the alignment. I just remembered....... If you take the 3 bolts out of the ball joint to remove the axle you should not need a wheel alignment. This method does not remove the two bolts that hold the strut to the wheel hub.
__________________
May your transmission live forever. SuperbVehicleXtraordinary Proud sponsor of a 1992 SVX. Last edited by svx_commuter; 07-03-2003 at 10:21 AM. |
#3
|
||||
|
||||
We used the strut bolt method.
I can see the alignment problem, of course, but I'd love to hear some opinions on anything we could have done that would have caused any sort of squealing or shuddering. Our procedure: Break loose axle nut with car on the ground Jack up car. Tap out axle-to-transmission retaining pin Score camber adjustment bolt and strut to mark position Remove axle bolt Remove strut bolts and rest brake disc on wooden blocks Remove axle Install new rebuilt axle Install retaining pin Install and tighten strut bolts Install axle bolt and torque the crap out of it. Thats it.
__________________
First the smiles, then the lies. Last comes gunfire. |
#4
|
||||
|
||||
Is the sheet metal on the back of the wheel hub rubbing on the disk? Might have bent while sitting on the wood block.
__________________
May your transmission live forever. SuperbVehicleXtraordinary Proud sponsor of a 1992 SVX. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Mike Kerven Subaru Parts |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
well the saga of the mystery shudder and creak has been solved. Kind of embarassing to admit, but the lugnuts weren't properly tightened. There was also some play in the axle, so the tech put on new axle nuts on both sides. It definately made a difference, cause the handling is noticeably different. The problem I think is I had put the bolts one with mikes air tool, set the car down and mike torqued the wheel nuts. What i should have done was tighten them as hard as i could by hand. Then used the torque wrench. At least no damage was done and everything was done correctly up to that point. Well I am off to work. Hope everyone has a Happy Fourth of July. Thanks for all your comments and concern.
Chris |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
Mike Told-ya-so. |
|
|