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Date: 21 Nov 2002 16:34:39 GMT
From: davehinznopsamcop.net
Subject: Re: Steering/Suspension noises - 1999 9-3


Someone who looks an awful lot like Gozer <gozernopsamon4.com> wrote: > Has anyone had problems with what sounds like worn-out ball joints in the > front, but can't find one that's bad? Disclaimer: I've never owned or worked on specifically a 9-3. However... it's the only generation of Saab that I haven't owned... > I also have a problem with a very > loud and similar sound during low speed when I'm turning the steering wheel > against the pavement such as pulling out of a parking spot. I've been able > to sit in one place and rock the steering wheel back and forth making the > sound. If they've checked the outer tie rod ends (to the wheel assembly), yet you can create this sound at will by moving the steering wheel, the only things I can think of are that the inner tie rod ends (in the rack) are loose, *or* the steering rack itself is loose. The mounting for the steering rack on the 9-3 is a bit unusual, in that it's basically a c-clamp hlding it to the fierwall. I wonder if the "everything" tha they've checked includes your inner tie rod ends, and the rack mounting itself. > This sound does not get better when the dealer loosens and tightens > everything. However, I'm wondering if the two are related and are in the > steering rack? That's what it sounds like from here, but my PC's speakers aren't real good at this distance ;) > Another point of interest is that the wheel alignment causes > the center alignment to be off. In other words, the wheels are aligned, but > the "sweet spot" of the steering wheel is off. This causes the car to steer > to the left rather drastically when I let go of the wheel. I've rotated the > wheels and I've checked the pressure with no change. There's a little > wobble in the steering wheel, but only when I'm accelerating somewhat hard. Ah, yes, that really, really sounds like your steering rack isn't staying put. > Any thoughts would be helpful because the dealer hasn't been. I'm a pretty > good shade-tree mechanic and have done a great deal of work on my '86 900t > from timing chain and clutch to axles and rebuilt rack. To isolate the rack from the tie-rod ends (inner or outer), jack up the front of the car, see if you can "steer" each wheel by pulling on the tire - see if you can get the clunk to go on. If you can, it's the tie rod ends. If you can't, I bet it's the rack mounts. Interesting problem...let us know what you find next if you would. Dave Hinz

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