[idosubaru]

Subaru (used-rebooted) and MWE's all the way.

I don't even know how many failures and problems I've seen, it's far more than anecdotal as I've lost count. A "brand new" axle blew to pieces within 100 yards after install. And by blow to pieces I mean little balls all rolling on the ground under the wheel, that was awesome. Vibration is by far the most common then there's leaking, clicking, blowing apart..and it can happen out of the box, 3 months, or a year later. Get the word out, I'm tired of all the threads!

 

[idosubaru]

mechanics... Can I pull the current Axle and take to a rebuild place? or should I just order a rebuild from Dealership? Is there a difference? Lastly, am I guarunteed no axle vibrations with the Dealer rebuild.

MWE (out of colorado about $75 plus shipping/core)

Subaru is way to expensive. Just get a used Subaru axle (i get them for $33 bucks locally) and reboot it. They are recognizable by the boot, clamps, and green inner joints.

Dealer won't vibrate, they're good.

 

[idosubaru]

I need to replace my axles very soon, and not being able to get ahold of MWE Im not sure what to do....??

Thanks!!!

original Subaru axles generally run 50,000 miles even if they're clicking and going nuts, i wouldn't be too worried about it.

call shawn at retroroo for FWE axles:
Rebuilt FWE Subaru Axles, crafted in the US, by a specialist with more than 20 years of experience!

or get a used pair of axles and reboot them:
Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market

i do it all the time, it's hands down the best solution and it's inexpensive. look for OEM axles with the green inner cups. $25-$33 per axle have them shipped if you have to.

i'd use Subaru boots but if you just want to order whatever rockauto/local store has in stock, then do it.

in 2000 Subaru changed to the better outer boots with more convolutions that lasts much longer, so i'd want the greater number of convolutions, not sure all the aftermarkets have that.
you have to have the particular style CV boot tool for the style clamp provided with the boot kit. there are multiple variations.

 

[idosubaru]

Axle.

You're looking for inner green cup. Keep calling until you find a place that knows what they're talking about. If they sound uncertain or just like they're appeasing you, move on. I'll be buying a few soon as I'm about out and could just ship you what you need...but I probably don't have time right now, my favorite place is an hour out of the way.

Axle assembly is probably (just a guess) an entire rear diff with both axles attached. That's my guess anyway. If you called and asked they would explain it in 30 seconds probably.

In the future include a link with your PM. This isn't a job, strictly volunteer, so make it easy on me. I'm busy as crap and don't generally poke around on the internet.

 

[idosubaru]

I replaced both my front axles on '01 with DSS (drive shaft solutions) axles. No problems after replacement. Ride quality is still OEM.

for future readers, the axle issue isn't about axles working or not. for better use of resources and compiling relevant date - if you want to tout one particular brand/axle - start a thread about that brand/manufacturer, rather than post a random comment in a generic axle thread.

"i installed axles and they were fine" posts don't say anything except what we already know - a percentage of them work fine out of the box.

if you vomited 4 out of 10 times after eating at a restaurant you'd be annoyed, frustrated, and avoid that place (if not complain or sue). so it is with aftermarket axles - the 6 out of 10 initial success install stories are largely irrelevant for the most effective repair/approach for most people.

initial install aside - over time they have a higher failure rate too, where Subaru axles are robust and essentially don't fail at all. Subaru axles are good for 200,000 miles, aftermarkets can't come close to touching that kind of longevity and repeatability.

 

[idosubaru]

Subaru remanned axles aren't known to be robust, they shouldn't be looked at as a top tier repair option.

Experienced and statistically relevant Subaru axle approach is really simple:
1. Reboot original OEM axles - they last 200,000+ miles like clockwork
2. Buy a used axle and reboot it with Subaru boots. Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market
3. FWE (formerly MWE) from Denver if you want a boxed solution

I think FWE is less expensive than Raxles for the same product. OEM axles with new CV's.

FW Enterprises LLC.
Formerly: “MWE Axles”.
6401 N. Broadway. Unit D
Denver, Colorado. 80221
Phone: 1-303-522-8070
Email: [email protected]

 

[idosubaru]

well, he said they claimed they were re-manned OEM. If so, they are probably OK - just pricey.

Copy that, i saw that. I've seen reports of bad experiences with Subaru reman online and while I don't have experience with it, these guys seem to concur:

Seattle Subaru CV Boots And Axle Problems Explained :
A quote from them:
"Subaru has had a here now gone tomorrow Remanufactured axle program that has had some quality control issues as well and they are a bit pricey."

 

[idosubaru]

I don't know if mine are aftermarket or not? How can I tell?

you answered your own question:

It vibrates

replace the aftermarket front axle.
Car-Part.com--Used Auto Parts Market or ebay to buy OEM used Subaru axle and reboot.

If it vibrates when standing still, it's not the drivetrain.

incorrect.

 

[idosubaru]

There's a lot of assumptions we have to make with only a keyboard but if a dealer can't replicate the issue it'll be hard for us to fully understand what's going on.

Drain the front and rear diff fluids and check for debris or have it analyzed by Blackstone labs or similar.
Start with the rear diff if you feel heavily convinced it's emanating from the rear. (although if you're doing all this front axle work it may suggest you're not 100% certain the source is from the rear?)

1. Why were both original axles replaced in the first place?

Describe it better:

2. how intermittent is this - once a day or once a year?
3. is it intermittent because you rarely see those situations/conditions that cause it - or it's intermittent even under identical conditions?
4. does turning the wheel matter - does it ever happen while turning (same inputs otherwise) or only while driving straight - or does it change if you turn while it's happening (conditions unchanged)?

 

[idosubaru]

My Good ol boy backyard mechanic uses $59.95 rebuil axles from NAPA, had quite a few put in my soobs...never had a problem.....

thats great in your case

It raises some questions.. but it doesn’t matter.

This is about high failure rates, not successes or failures. 100 aftermarket axles will incur a relatively high failure rate which most people on this forum would avoid if they understood. And a few will blow to pieces and strand the vehicle, something Subaru axles never do.

It’s so common, this topic is a shoulder shrugging yawn to anyone around a lot of Subaru axles.

So yes take chances on aftermarket if it sounds good, I’ve done it plenty of times on other things, but it’s easy to get nearly guaranteed success, no stranding events for cheaper. The cost to benefit ratio in this case makes it a non-decision for me and anyone else once they see the scope of the isssue.

 

[idosubaru]

All of my research has yielded similar results. This probably explains the crazy intermittent vibrations from the 4runner.
When I went to the subie yards, they gave me an axle with hexagonal inner CV's for the BAJA.
Odd considering they were from a similar year and model, and the original vehicle had round inners.

Any heat shielding solutions for the 2000-2003 crowd? or will it end the cat's life prematurely?

All Bajas are the same as 00-04 outback’s.

05 outback’s get the newer axles (and other changes from 00-04 generation outback’s), but 05-06 Baja’s retain the 00-04 outback platform axles and suspension.

 

[idosubaru]

All of my research has yielded similar results. This probably explains the crazy intermittent vibrations from the 4runner.
When I went to the subie yards, they gave me an axle with hexagonal inner CV's for the BAJA.
Odd considering they were from a similar year and model, and the original vehicle had round inners.

Any heat shielding solutions for the 2000-2003 crowd? or will it end the cat's life prematurely?

I use Subaru boots only and they seem to last a long enough time for me.

I’ve seen aftermarkets, even touted brands, fail in 2-3 years.