[pva]

This posting follows on from "alternator".
The "failing bearing" comes from the alternator, but apparantly when the belt was removed the alternator ran smoothly. The mechanics finally decided the belt idler bearing was the culprit, and have ordered the spare part (ex Australia!). The low rumble, rising to a low-pitched whine with revving sounds like a bearing, but I want to be sure it's not something bigger, like cam chains or balancing shafts!!!!!! I've lost no engine performance, btw.

Living in a small town at the south end of NZ, the 10 or so SAAB owners in Dunedin have no SAAB dealership nor mechanics, and the nearest are 350km away. So you think YOU'VE got problems?

9000CD 2.3 1993 120k km
Many thanks

 

[Paul D]

PVA,
The belt idler pulley is a known problem on cars 80k+ miles. Easy to check - just lossen belt tensioner and spin pulley. It makes a rough sound if bearing gone. If not changed, the pulley can seize up and the plastic wheel split.

 

[Skiddins]

When i first went to see my car at the dealer there was a slight whining that rose and fell away with the revs. I thought it might be the alterantor or something but it turned out to be one of the pulleys as mentioned.
They fixed it before i took delivery so i never got to find out exactly which one or how much it cost.

Skiddins

 

[pva]

Thanks for the feedback; I've taken the liberty of handing the info to the mechanic. The car's due to have the pulley replaced on 28 Jan, and I'll let you know the outcome.

 

[pva]

Well the pulley bearing's replaced, but the noise persists, and the mechanics now think the noise originates in the power steering unit. I'm becoming somewhat sceptical, as nowhere in these pages have I ever seen an allusion to power steering failure in a car only 8 years old. The power steering seems to function perfectly, but the bearing is being blamed for the noise. Comments welcomed, please.

 

[AYM]

pva

the powersteering pump bearings have been known to fail have the belt removed and check for any lift or excessive movement in the pump pully, also check to see if bearings are noisey when the pully is rotated

 

[pva]

Thanks AYM
Indeed, the pump bearings were at fault and the pump is to be replaced on Monday. New unit NZ$1900 from Sweden, secondhand for NZ$180. Just hope the bearings last somewhat longer this time. Miss being in my 9k; wife's Toyota Picnic doesn't do it for me.

Gee, do I envy your proximity to fellow enthusiasts, specialist dealers, breakers yards etc.

 

[zeppelin]

pva,if you need any parts,why don,t you post it here.i am sure we will do our best to get parts for you.you would have to find out carriage cost,to see if it was feasable,but all being well, we would try to help.

 

[pva]

zeppelin
I really appreciate your kind offer, and will keep same in mind when the next problem arises. The information and interaction on these pages has already been a tremendous help, and heaps of fun too.

 

[pva]

To provide closure to this thread: the power-steering pump is in, two bearings in the alternator replaced (just in case), she sounds like the rocket I know, and I'm smiling again.

Should be looking for an HPT now ...........