GSP Axles (Advace Auto)...Pure Garbage

pjensen641 · 12-23-2010, 10:43 PM

To anyone looking to replace CV axles with cheaper aftermarket ones....Beware of the GSP ones from Advance Auto Parts.

I have a 2004 WRX wagon. The earlier model with the stub axles coming out of the transmission. The CV shafts have a female inboard end on the fronts. I mention this because maybe it is just a problem with this specific configuration.

Anyway, I replaced all 4 axles because of a torn right front and torn left rear boot. Figured they must all be getting worn and cracked. On some of the reviews and advice here, I picked up the GSP axles. Immediate after replacement, the front end knocked. It was worse when cold, and when accelerating. Never really went completely away. I thought it was more of a rubbing sound on just to front left at first, an though maybe the outboard seal shield might be rubbing the hub. It was slightly bent out of the box, but never though much of it.

I thought the noise might go away if it was just the shield. Figured it would wear away after a bit. Not so. The noise grew louder. I picked up another one from Advance to swap the left out (thought only the left was clunking). The new one did the exact same thing, just not as loud. Now I could hear that both were clunking. Knew it was both by the way the frequency would change going around a corner, the knocking would sync up and then go out of sync.

So now I was pissed

. Wanted to find out exactly what part was clunking. Jacked it up and spun the wheels and couldn't hear anything. Got underneath and started tugging on parts. Both the axle and inboard joint were loose. I am nearly positive that the inboard CV joint was the culprit. It fit so loose on the splines that i think it was rocking back and forth, while pivoting about the roll pin.

Back to the first new one that I had just pulled out. Started twisting all the joints and feeling for looseness of the CV bearings themselves. I could definitely feel play in both joints. In fact, the play was worse that the OEM one I had pulled out...and it had been running without grease for 5,000 miles!

So long story short...I replaced these pieces of garbage with some NAPA MaxDrive units...Problem solved. Only good thing about the GSP axle is that I can now swap a pair of front axles in an hour...too much practice

. Now I am paranoid that the rear axles I installed might be of similar crap quality.

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

REX_WGN · 12-24-2010, 03:23 PM

How come you didnt try to get oem ones? Too expensive? To me, some parts are worth it to get other than oem ( as in cheaper) but axles seem pretty important and I would've went that route. How are the napas holding up?

Csquared33 · 12-24-2010, 04:43 PM

next time just replace the boot. the strength of the oem cv joints is unrivaled

jash · 01-27-2011, 11:03 AM

wrong posting sorry

Turn in Concepts · 01-27-2011, 11:07 AM

The only non oem axles that we use are Empi. They are quite good. We have them in you guys want them.

Tony

Arnie · 01-27-2011, 11:38 AM

Any of the refurbished axles I've gotten from Subaru haven't been the "green" OEM ones. They have lasted longer than PEP Boys and Kragen but no where close to OEM. I'm tempted to just buy low mileage take-off axles!

kumanchu · 01-27-2011, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turn in Concepts

The only non oem axles that we use are Empi. They are quite good. We have them in you guys want them.

Tony

are they on your site or should I call?

Legacy777 · 01-27-2011, 01:00 PM

I tried the GSP axles on my Impreza....they were horrible...had vibration leaked grease. I took them back and told Advance I didn't want a replacement I want my money back. I ended up having the subaru axles rebuilt. The rebuilt axles were fine.

txl146 · 06-18-2011, 10:44 AM

I also had horrible experience with GSP axle. Had this thump sound that puzzled me for about 6 months.

I ended up going with spare OEM axle and now noise is gone.

HiTempguy · 06-18-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txl146

I also had horrible experience with GSP axle. Had this thump sound that puzzled me for about 6 months.

I ended up going with spare OEM axle and now noise is gone.

Are these axles "rebuilt"? You can not actually rebuild a CV joint (you can "sort of"), hence the problem you guys are experiencing. New is the only way to go.

crxgator · 06-18-2011, 09:25 PM

Ive been having good luck with my NAPA axles in the front so far.

txl146 · 06-19-2011, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiTempguy

Are these axles "rebuilt"? You can not actually rebuild a CV joint (you can "sort of"), hence the problem you guys are experiencing. New is the only way to go.

nope, they are NEW.

Lboogie · 06-20-2011, 02:43 PM

*NAPA know how*

sorry, couldn't resist

69subaru360 · 06-20-2011, 04:41 PM

I use only good used factory axles or new empi from rock auto. The empi are only $60 new and you can't beat that anywhere. The new empi are a quality brand made in an iso 9000 factory not "rebuilt" by clueless minimum wage workers who knows where.

txl146 · 06-20-2011, 05:49 PM

problem is EMPI only sells front axles...

Dentt42 · 06-21-2011, 09:23 PM

I've had very good experiences over the years with Raxles in Gainesville, FL. They're a little more, but are built in house with USA components, and their customer service is excellent.

www.raxles.com

Spigatelli · 01-09-2012, 08:18 PM

+1 for Raxles. I have been running them on my Outback for almost a year and around 20k miles. They are solid.

bugeyetex · 01-10-2012, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjensen641

Now I am paranoid that the rear axles I installed might be of similar crap quality.

Let this be a lesson. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. My rear axles are still stock with 205k miles. Since the rear wheels don't turn, there is a lot less stress on the boots.

sszyma · 01-10-2012, 09:03 AM

Total agreement. My original axle boot deteriorated and I figured rather than replace the boot I would by the Advance GSP axle. I went through three of them and they all made noise after 15-20 miles. Since I tossed the original I had to bite the bullet and by a rebuilt OEM unit for 3x the price. However the rebuilt OEM has been great for 2k miles so far.

Driveshaft shop · 01-11-2012, 07:48 AM

i see that your car is a wagon, do they show different part numbers for the sedan VS the wagon. the wagon axles are a bit shorter ? I'm not trying to support the axles listed just checking to see if this may be the problem. We will be spending some time on the forum very soon and want to see if we can help with certain things like this.

Frank

sszyma · 01-11-2012, 08:51 AM

I had the "Wagon Axle" or at least that is what the box and the computer said. They did have a different part number for the 02 Sedan so I was assuming different lengths. After ten miles of driving on one of them I removed it and felt rotational pay on both ends!

Driveshaft shop · 01-11-2012, 09:34 PM

there is allot of junk parts coming out of China as far as axles go,not all of them are bad but when the part can be purchased for less than the material costs here you have to wonder why (there buying our scrap at a higher rate than we can supply right now) see if you can find some "factory Rebuilts" they would be the best option.

boilermaker29 · 01-12-2012, 10:52 AM

This is why I use raxles, you actually get a decent rebuilt set the first time. Good balance between expensive OEM and the cheapo's.

FCP Import · 01-12-2012, 02:52 PM

We carry the EMPI axles as well and they are on our website if you want to check it out.

chimchimm5 · 11-28-2012, 10:51 PM

bumpdigity. I need front wagon axles.

how much are EMPI's?

Do sedan axles work on wagons?

12-23-2010, 10:43 PM	#1
pjensen641 Scooby Newbie Member#: 36777 Join Date: May 2003 Vehicle: 2004 WRX Wagon WRB	GSP Axles (Advace Auto)...Pure Garbage To anyone looking to replace CV axles with cheaper aftermarket ones....Beware of the GSP ones from Advance Auto Parts. I have a 2004 WRX wagon. The earlier model with the stub axles coming out of the transmission. The CV shafts have a female inboard end on the fronts. I mention this because maybe it is just a problem with this specific configuration. Anyway, I replaced all 4 axles because of a torn right front and torn left rear boot. Figured they must all be getting worn and cracked. On some of the reviews and advice here, I picked up the GSP axles. Immediate after replacement, the front end knocked. It was worse when cold, and when accelerating. Never really went completely away. I thought it was more of a rubbing sound on just to front left at first, an though maybe the outboard seal shield might be rubbing the hub. It was slightly bent out of the box, but never though much of it. I thought the noise might go away if it was just the shield. Figured it would wear away after a bit. Not so. The noise grew louder. I picked up another one from Advance to swap the left out (thought only the left was clunking). The new one did the exact same thing, just not as loud. Now I could hear that both were clunking. Knew it was both by the way the frequency would change going around a corner, the knocking would sync up and then go out of sync. So now I was pissed. Wanted to find out exactly what part was clunking. Jacked it up and spun the wheels and couldn't hear anything. Got underneath and started tugging on parts. Both the axle and inboard joint were loose. I am nearly positive that the inboard CV joint was the culprit. It fit so loose on the splines that i think it was rocking back and forth, while pivoting about the roll pin. Back to the first new one that I had just pulled out. Started twisting all the joints and feeling for looseness of the CV bearings themselves. I could definitely feel play in both joints. In fact, the play was worse that the OEM one I had pulled out...and it had been running without grease for 5,000 miles! So long story short...I replaced these pieces of garbage with some NAPA MaxDrive units...Problem solved. Only good thing about the GSP axle is that I can now swap a pair of front axles in an hour...too much practice. Now I am paranoid that the rear axles I installed might be of similar crap quality. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

01-27-2011, 11:03 AM	#4
jash Scooby Newbie Member#: 223671 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: boca raton Vehicle: 2002 wrx sedona red	wrong posting sorry Last edited by jash; 01-27-2011 at 11:39 AM. Reason: wrong post

11-28-2012, 10:51 PM	#25
chimchimm5 Scooby Guru Member#: 88501 Join Date: Jun 2005 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: NorCal Vehicle: 2011 WRX Hatch Dark Grey	bumpdigity. I need front wagon axles. how much are EMPI's? Do sedan axles work on wagons? Last edited by chimchimm5; 11-28-2012 at 11:48 PM.

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12-24-2010, 03:23 PM	#2
REX_WGN Scooby Guru Member#: 107618 Join Date: Feb 2006 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY Vehicle: 06 GG WRX / 09 FXT @florencedestinedfxt	How come you didnt try to get oem ones? Too expensive? To me, some parts are worth it to get other than oem ( as in cheaper) but axles seem pretty important and I would've went that route. How are the napas holding up?

12-24-2010, 04:43 PM	#3
Csquared33 Scooby Specialist Member#: 198053 Join Date: Dec 2008 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: CT Vehicle: 02 WRX Wagon www.efilogics.com	next time just replace the boot. the strength of the oem cv joints is unrivaled

01-27-2011, 11:07 AM	#5
Turn in Concepts Former Vendor Member#: 93646 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Vehicle: Many Track Records Let us help you go fast!	The only non oem axles that we use are Empi. They are quite good. We have them in you guys want them. Tony

01-27-2011, 11:38 AM	#6
Arnie Scooby Guru Member#: 1725 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: International Location: Germany Vehicle: 2002 Subaru Forester SG silver	Any of the refurbished axles I've gotten from Subaru haven't been the "green" OEM ones. They have lasted longer than PEP Boys and Kragen but no where close to OEM. I'm tempted to just buy low mileage take-off axles!

01-27-2011, 01:00 PM	#8
Legacy777 Scooby Guru Member#: 4800 Join Date: Mar 2001 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: Houston, Tx Vehicle: 1990 Legacy & OB XT AWD 6MT EJ22T AWIC Swap	I tried the GSP axles on my Impreza....they were horrible...had vibration leaked grease. I took them back and told Advance I didn't want a replacement I want my money back. I ended up having the subaru axles rebuilt. The rebuilt axles were fine.

06-18-2011, 10:44 AM	#9
txl146 Scooby Guru Member#: 32459 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY Vehicle: 02 WRX VF34 (SOLD) Junior Tuned 301whp	I also had horrible experience with GSP axle. Had this thump sound that puzzled me for about 6 months. I ended up going with spare OEM axle and now noise is gone.

06-18-2011, 09:25 PM	#11
crxgator Scooby Specialist Member#: 39017 Join Date: Jun 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Raleigh, NC / Kingston, NY Vehicle: 2017 VW Alltrack "R"	Ive been having good luck with my NAPA axles in the front so far.

06-20-2011, 02:43 PM	#13
Lboogie Scooby Specialist Member#: 171611 Join Date: Feb 2008 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Silicon Valley Vehicle: 2014 FiST Blk	NAPA know how sorry, couldn't resist

06-20-2011, 04:41 PM	#14
69subaru360 Scooby Guru Member#: 159682 Join Date: Sep 2007 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Maine Vehicle: 1995 WRX 2015 F150	I use only good used factory axles or new empi from rock auto. The empi are only $60 new and you can't beat that anywhere. The new empi are a quality brand made in an iso 9000 factory not "rebuilt" by clueless minimum wage workers who knows where.

06-20-2011, 05:49 PM	#15
txl146 Scooby Guru Member#: 32459 Join Date: Feb 2003 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NY Vehicle: 02 WRX VF34 (SOLD) Junior Tuned 301whp	problem is EMPI only sells front axles...

06-21-2011, 09:23 PM	#16
Dentt42 Scooby Specialist Member#: 180570 Join Date: May 2008 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Orlando, Florida	I've had very good experiences over the years with Raxles in Gainesville, FL. They're a little more, but are built in house with USA components, and their customer service is excellent. www.raxles.com

01-09-2012, 08:18 PM	#17
Spigatelli Scooby Newbie Member#: 306391 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Fort Worth, TX Vehicle: 2005 Outback 2.5i	+1 for Raxles. I have been running them on my Outback for almost a year and around 20k miles. They are solid.

01-10-2012, 09:03 AM	#19
sszyma Scooby Newbie Member#: 31399 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago Vehicle: 2007 WRX 2015 SQ5	Total agreement. My original axle boot deteriorated and I figured rather than replace the boot I would by the Advance GSP axle. I went through three of them and they all made noise after 15-20 miles. Since I tossed the original I had to bite the bullet and by a rebuilt OEM unit for 3x the price. However the rebuilt OEM has been great for 2k miles so far.

01-11-2012, 07:48 AM	#20
Driveshaft shop Former Vendor Member#: 306253 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Charlotte NC	i see that your car is a wagon, do they show different part numbers for the sedan VS the wagon. the wagon axles are a bit shorter ? I'm not trying to support the axles listed just checking to see if this may be the problem. We will be spending some time on the forum very soon and want to see if we can help with certain things like this. Frank

01-11-2012, 08:51 AM	#21
sszyma Scooby Newbie Member#: 31399 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago Vehicle: 2007 WRX 2015 SQ5	I had the "Wagon Axle" or at least that is what the box and the computer said. They did have a different part number for the 02 Sedan so I was assuming different lengths. After ten miles of driving on one of them I removed it and felt rotational pay on both ends!

01-11-2012, 09:34 PM	#22
Driveshaft shop Former Vendor Member#: 306253 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Charlotte NC	there is allot of junk parts coming out of China as far as axles go,not all of them are bad but when the part can be purchased for less than the material costs here you have to wonder why (there buying our scrap at a higher rate than we can supply right now) see if you can find some "factory Rebuilts" they would be the best option.

01-12-2012, 10:52 AM	#23
boilermaker29 Scooby Newbie Member#: 278025 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: PA Vehicle: 2011 IMP 2.5i HATCH BLUE	This is why I use raxles, you actually get a decent rebuilt set the first time. Good balance between expensive OEM and the cheapo's.

01-12-2012, 02:52 PM	#24
FCP Import Former Vendor Member#: 305489 Join Date: Dec 2011 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: CT Vehicle: 91 skyline GTR champ white	We carry the EMPI axles as well and they are on our website if you want to check it out.