Date: Thu, 7 May 1998 20:39:09 -0600 From: "Ronald M Friesen" <RFRIESENnopsamigy.net> Subject: Re: suspension rattle in 80's 900
patrick timlin wrote in message <6it9ra$f8$5nopsamdac.neu.edu>... >a-aulicknopsam.edu wrote: >: My friend's 900 ('86? '89? Hi, Steph) with 220K miles on it, >: has a muted, but solid-sounding rattle in the front left wheel, >: that sounds like something solid, under load, moving just a >: little bit. It will rattle constantly when cruising over road > >My best guess is most likely either a shock bushing (rubber grommet type >piece) or one of the ball joints (there is an upper and lower one). > >Inspect the shock bushing to see if it looks ok. One way to check the >ball joint is have a friend jump up and down on your front bumber while >you look under the car and see if you see the ball part moving loosly in >the joint. > >Patrick Timlin http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/4742/ >ptimlinnopsamities.com The official service manual (not shop manual) says to accurately check the ball joints to: 1.Insert 3/4" spacer between upper control arm and the body. 2.Jack front of car and support securely 3.Check to see if ball joint rubber boots are cracked - replace if cracked. 4.Use water pump pliers to check up & down play of both upper and lower ball joints. Photo shows pliers squeezing ball joint and control arm. Maximum play - 2 mm (.078 inch) 5.Use pry bar - check side to side play of upper & lower joints. Gently pry joint back & forth. Maximum side to side play 1mm (.040 inch) My 87 900S has a kind of clunking sound when on rough roads. My independent Saab techs inspected every thing a couple weeks ago and couldn't find any cause. I have 145K on and running with the original shocks (I think) so they suggested I might replace. NAPA has shocks specifically for Saab for $40 each. Has anybody used aftermarket shocks like these or must replacement be with OE Saab shocks. what has worked? Ron Friesen