Just picked up a running 88 GL D/R 5SP 1.8 FI. All power options still work, goes, stops (needs flush and some new pads wouldn’t be too bad), and turns. For $300 I am pretty happy with the purchase.

The car grinds in both directions as well as on heavier acceleration. I figure the CV's are toast on both sides. I plan on just swapping in new two new front axles. I have read through many posts and it looks like people have had okay luck with Ebay cheapies, get autozone/OReilly/Checkers with lifetime warranty, or order elsewhere online. I want to order the right parts the FIRST time. Can anyone post up the PN I will need from their favorite source?

 

PS Ill post pictures later of the engine bay for hints and clues on repairs (there are various unplugged wires, some oily parts).

Edited March 23, 201016 yr by UI Vandal

GL hatch = EA81

GL wagon = EA82

 

well that even depends on year I think. EA81 and EA82 axles are different.

 

Your best option is to reboot Subaru axles or get them from MWE. Aftermarket axles are annoying, search here and you'll find gobs of threads with clicking, grinding, noise, vibration, leaking, blowing to pieces, etc. Granted, 8 out of 10 are fine so you're chances are good at not having any problems. But down the road and if you're time is valuable aftermarket is a waste unless you're time rich and cash poor I guess.

Welcome! And,congratulations on your subi. I have had hit or miss luck with the axles from places like Schucks and Autozone. The benifit to places like that is you can have your axle in,well,in my case,about 10 minutes. I have both of those stores just down the street from me. The down side is you may have to re do the job a few times to get a good set.

 

If I had to choose between Schuck's and Autozone,I'd go with Autozone as they'r axles are New and the one's Schucks is selling are remans. If your not in a hurry and want to Maybe just do the job once,then you'd be doing yourself a favor by ordering a set from MWE. I have never bought a axle from them,but it seems the general consensus on the board here that they have the best axles.Aside form OEM,of course.

 

I have bought several EMPI axles and have had good luck with them. Others have not. They are a little harder to find but you may have a supplier locally depending on how big your town is,but you may also have to order them as well.

 

Before you buy new axles,be sure your axle nuts are good and tight.If they are not,you can get all kinds of bad noises from the front end. They need about 150 lbs of torque on them.

 

Also,unless you know the maintenance history of your wagon,you may want to replace all of your timing belt components. When you do,leave all of the timing belt covers off. They just make maintaining the front of your engine a huge hasstle. Ditch um.Seriously.

 

MWE Axles, Just call them. (303) 522-8070

EMPI axle part # 80-5504

Schucks # 607009

Autozone # 7315

Edited March 23, 201016 yr by markjw

Wagon EA82.

 

Are driver side and passenger side different part #?

Wagon EA82.

 

Are driver side and passenger side different part #?

 

Nope. Stay away from turbo axles.They are different

What spline count am I: 23 or 25? I am thinking about some new EMPI's for ~$80. Thoughts?

Google! Looks like 23 (turbo is 25). So I am looking at $180 for two new EMPI axles. As far as bang for buck, is this the route to go?

Get the empi's. The price is a little high,but only by a few dollars. And yeah,23 spline.

Going rate for EMPI's is $55 to $75 each. Your pricing is a bit high. My local dealer in EMPI parts sells them for $65 and I get another 10% off that.

 

GD

Just emailed EMPI to see about dealers in my area. Any chains sell them?

 

Bonus Q: Weather stripping is a sag fest on my rear doors. Gorilla glue sufficient? What to stick it back on there? Just go by unviersal weatherstriping do it that way?

If it's not destroyed you can try gluing it back on. 3M makes some urethane in a caulking tube that's really sticky and dries pretty hard - I would probably use that.

 

GD

Still supple just about 3 inches longer and 4 tabs short of original position. Might snip a small section out then reattach with 3m stuff.

 

Does anyone know of national chains that sell EMPI axles?

Does anyone know of national chains that sell EMPI axles?

 

I don't think they are sold that way. At least,none of the common national chains are selling them.

That is a bummer. I will just have to wait for response from EMPI then.

 

Engine/trans mounts a good idea on a 217k mile car? Since this is a $300 beater (already have 08 Impreza, 05 Saab 9-2x Aero, Supercharged 97 Miata), I don’t plan on throwing money into it to make it perfect. It looks like the mounts are ~$100 new for all. I can better spend that money on the Miata for auto-x. This is going to be hard not spending money on this since I am a perfectionist. Grr. Extremely worth doing? Or just leave the tired ones in?

It's been said that worn engine/tranny mounts wear out new axles prematurely. But,if yours look Ok,I wouldn't spend the money.Besides,they'r expensive. A good wrecking yard item.