1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
My site has a suspension parts catalog image.
All the diagnostics and fault tracing you suggest is possible only if GM will admit an issue exists and cooperate either internally or with NHTSA. It is like an alcoholic. You first must admit you are an alcoholic.
I don't know whether Saab screwed something up with the GM2900 platform or if the platform is to blame. I think it might be the platform in conjunction with Saab design choices. That is why other GM2900s have the problem but it is not as extreme. The 9-5 is the heaviest GM2900 vehicle.
Since a subframe should never fail under normal use, owners do not think the subframe is the issue. The subframe is essentially the vehicle frame and other than an accident should be good almost forever. Even those that have the problems generally point figures to tires, air pressure, rotation, alignment, dampers, springs, etc. Some go as far as to say they need shims which as I explained are only a band-aid. My car's service record that says that subframe deformed. The alignment returned to near perfect spec with the new subframe. However, the root cause of the subframe failure-a defective suspension design-still exists and I still have problems.
Whether or not all 9-5s have failed, all can fail, and all exhibit characteristics of a defective suspension design when loaded and once loaded, when unloaded. Maybe we'll all get new 9-5s for free. At least the dealers would do well on warranty for a while. I'm personally not sure I'd take another one because of the way GM has treated me in regard to this and other issues.
The problem is a function of load, time, and distance. So yes, many vehicles are not used enough and certainly not enough under warranty. A big part of the reason the issue isn't known is that the dealers just ignore the problems. I had to fight Saab and the dealer for almost 6 months just to get my subframe replaced the first time around.
If you look at Title 49, Chapter 301, you see NHTSA powers are somewhat limited. Manufacturers can screw the public short of suit/class-action and NHTSA sometimes cannot do anything. Subframe deformation and in my case a blowout related to the extreme negative camber might be enough for some relief.
"defect" includes any defect in performance, construction, a component, or material of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment.
"motor vehicle safety" means the performance of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle equipment in a way that protects the public against unreasonable risk of accidents occurring because of the design, construction, or performance of a motor vehicle, and against unreasonable risk of death or injury in an accident, and includes nonoperational safety of a motor vehicle.
posted by 69.112.185...
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/standards/chapt301.html" TARGET="_blank"> http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/standards/chapt301.html
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