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9-5 3.0 TiD Est Clunking, Graunching and vibrating sounds

3K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  sgould 
#1 ·
I've got a 2002 model 3.0 TiD Vector Estate with 120k which has developed a number of sounds which no doubt I need to have investigated and fixed, but wanted the view of members on possible sources of the troubles I'm experiencing. The car had an engine change at 88k to a 2004 version of the engine. It's had yearly services since, but I have not had anything tightened up since the engine change.

1. Clunking from front off-side (I think) when going over bumps at slow speed. Not noticable at high speed.
2. Graunching sound from rear off-side wheel when pulling away under load from e.g. T-Junction
3. Occassional clunk when engaging gear / clutch and pulling away from standstill
4. Occassional low level vibration noise from offside front down to the right of the driver seat somewhere in the wheel arch.
5. A lot of suspension squeaking / graunching noise when going over speed bumps / uneven roads

I've read a few articles which suggest looking at lower ball joints, subframe bolts and bushes, etc and welcome any suggestions as to what should be checked. If it's suspension related does it need a main dealer to check it or given it's probably the same design as a Vectra should any garage mechanic have the necessary know how to find and fix the problems? I live near Brighton and any good garage references for that area would be welcome.

Many thanks
 
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#2 ·
Georgie the 3.0 TiD has a big heavy lump up front and this combined with the engines torque can give all the suspension parts and engine mounts a hard time, it is normal for these cars to develop such issues when they have done quite few miles, you really do have to find an independent who knows what he is doing with this model, a franchised Saab dealer could work out expensive, as they tend to have only one approach, which is to fit new and charge plenty! I'm am sure a post in the recommendations section will find a forum member who can help.

GG
 
#3 ·
Thanks. I've since taken the car into SaabFlight in Hellingly, East Sussex for a service who are very reasonsably priced and gave me a very good insight into the 9-5. He confirmed that given the age and mileage the suspension is getting somewhat tired. There is some evidence of wear through some of the various back suspension bushes and the shocks will probably need replacing, as the originals on this car are cheaper and less robust versions of the Bilsteins which used to be fitted to the 9000 and which hardly ever failed.
 
#4 ·
Thanks. I've since taken the car into SaabFlight in Hellingly, East Sussex for a service who are very reasonsably priced and gave me a very good insight into the 9-5. He confirmed that given the age and mileage the suspension is getting somewhat tired. There is some evidence of wear through some of the various back suspension bushes and the shocks will probably need replacing, as the originals on this car are cheaper and less robust versions of the Bilsteins which used to be fitted to the 9000 and which hardly ever failed.[/b]
My 02 3.0 TID shocks are Sach, which I thought was OE? Does anyone know for sure?
 
#6 ·
I've had the car checked 3 times now. The first 2 checks including one by a Saab specialist were inconclusive. The 2nd check suggested maybe the drop llinks were slightly worn, but couldn't be sure. The 3rd cleck by a local garage mechanic I've used on a previous car (not Saab) agreed there were no problems with the suspension, and after an hour identified the problem as the front subframe offside rear mounting. It had begun to collapse and some of the rubber was pushed out. The bold was knocking on the plate below the subframe. This would account for the knocking over uneven road surfaces, the knocking when pulling away and the occasional vibration noise though the drivers side by the botton of the door.

The local mechanic did not have the specialist tool to remove the rubber mounting so I talked to the Saab specialist who said this would be a 4 hour job including dropping of the sub-frame and he would suggest replacing both rear mountings. This would cost in the oder of £300 all in (including the VAT)

Finally checked with Saab (Frosts in Shoreham) who said according to their Gold plated Saab mechanic, there had never been a problem with these mountings before on this model and in any case they also did not have the specialist tool which they would have to buy in and charge me for if I were to put it through them for repair (my confidence and loyalty to Saab is being diminished every time I speak to the main dealer. I really don't think they care a damn about customer service anymore).

Any advice from the forum would be appreciated on whether they know of this problem or how to get it fixed without great expense.

Thanks
 
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