spencer.SVX

Not sure what is involved with rebuilding. It always seemed to be more of a clean room type of operation. Definately not suited to my not-so-clean garage :-) Thanks for the advice, did a search on car-part and sent out a request on LKQ. Good to know that there might be a warranty available. Are there any questions I should be asking when I call about the used compressors? I assume lower mileage is preferred. Perhaps less time since the removal from the original vehicle is better also? Anything to look out for which would indicate the compressor is compromised? Most folks recommend replacing the dryer at the same time as the compressor. The dryer is around $40 or so, so not too expensive, so this makes sense. How would I check and know to see if a condenser is needed? Is there some tell tale that is obvious? Do I need to take the compressor apart to see anything? I'm leaning towards doing this myself, given the cost of having it done at a mechanic with brand new parts. Still a bit overwhelming as there are gauges, vacumes, oils and refridgerents non of which are familiar to me.

I've got a 1994 SVX used primarily by my sons. The compressor belt started squealing and the ac compressor looked to be smoking when we had a chance to stop and pop the hood on a recent trip. From what I've read, either the compressor clutch and/or the compressor itself are toast. Couple of questions: 1. There are no longer any compressors available from Subaru (they were about $570 if available) or the repair shop providers, so this narrows the replacement choices to recycled (junk yard) or re-manufactured compressors. Has anyone installed used ac compressors from recycle yards? How about re-manufactured units? My mechanic doesn't want to go the reman route as he has had bad luck with reman compressor failures and the concomitant finger pointing. 2. If I used junk yard or reman parts I may end up doing this myself. If the compressor itself failed, other parts may be needed as I've read that metal bits come out of failed compressors and clog up the downstream and possibly the upstream bits. Does this make sense? How do I check to figure out if I need to replace the condenser and the dryer and the low pressure input pipe? If it's just the clutch on the compressor and the test for a bad/clogged condenser and/or bad dryer shows no need for replacement I'm inclined to try a junk yard compressor? Any ideas on how to proceed with determining the extent of the damage and part sourcing steps? What to look for when requesting a recycled compressor? Any recommendations on used or re-manufactured sources which have been successful?

I've got a 1994 SVX which may have some of the same problems. Is there a good step by step reference for checking the pressure in various places and looking for leaks? Thanks!

Just took possession of a 1994 SVX with about 120,000 miles. I'm in the hunt for a good mechanic who has worked on SVXs and other Subarus. Does anyone have a recommendation? Phoenixville is NW of Philadelphia northeast of Exton and northwest of King of Prussia. The SVX runs fine, but the body seems to ride a little low in the rear. Does anyone know why this might happen? Some sort of suspension issue? Thanks