Date: Wed, 09 May 2007 17:31:02 -0400 From: Fred W <malt_houndnospamo.com> Subject: Re: saab 9-5 timing belt/chain
John Bain wrote: > I have an eight year-old 9-5 which has now covered nearly 89000 miles. > Could somebody please let me know if any timing belts/tensioners are > due/overdue for replacement. > I've been told nothing is needed as the belt is a chain belt. The manual is > not clear. > However, I don't want the usual mess if something breaks. The car seems to > be running ok, but at idle there is a slight but audible noise - like a ping > pong ball rattling around inside a tin can is the only way I can best > describe it. > Thanks jb > > You do not say what engine you have, so I cannot be 100% certain. But if you do have a timing chain, rather than a timing belt, they generally will last more than 89,000 miles with proper maintenance. That said, your description of the sound does make me suspicious. You should probably have it inspected by a knowledgeable SAAB mechanic. You may have had a failure of the chain tensioner or one of the guides that could produce the floppy chain prior to the chain actually wearing out -- -Fred W