Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 23:27:00 -0600 From: "Mike Wright" <mwright4nopsamspring.com> Subject: Re: 900 drifts right
>>I spoke with a Saab regional rep regarding the same problem on my 96 900S who shared that the tendency for these 900 models to not track straight (follow the grade in the road) is known and is part of what was fixed in the 9-3. The lower profile tires, the worse. Make sure the 4-wheel alignment is PERFECT. There IS a difference in different alignment equipment-- try an Audi dealer as they probably have the most sophisticated equipment. However, Michelin tires are also somewhat known for radial pull, so be sure to try moving the tires around.<< Very interesting. First of all, neither SAAB dealer that we took the car to had their own alignment equipment. Both the dealer in Michigan (where we purchased the car) and the dealer here in Arizona sent the car out for alignment. The dealer in Michigan told us on the first trip in that they adjusted the toe-in. On the second trip they sent it out to an alignment shop. The dealer here in AZ just told us that the low profile tires were the cause and that the roads here are more crown-topped so the car may drift more. I assured the service rep that we had just as many crown-topped roads back in Michigan. So after some prodding, they took the car back in for a day and supposedly sent it out to an alignment shop. They then told us that the alignment shop said that nothing needed to be done, that it was perfect. OK, but it still wants to go right when you let go of the wheel. This car has Falken tires on it. I don't believe SAAB has ever used this brand as an OEM tire. The dealer put them on. When I owned a 95 coupe I had the exact same wheel but with Michelin tires, and it never used to drift. So, maybe the fault lies in Falken tires. I did try swapping the tires last weekend from front to rear, and my wife claims it is slightly better. However, it still drifted when I drove the car. Otherwise, the car is solid. It doesn't shake, or vibrate or anything. It is smooth as can be at all speeds. Maybe we will try another alignment shop (although I'm somewhat afraid of somebody screwing it up even more) or eventually we may bite the bullet and but a set of 15 inch wheels and tires. We are told by everyone in this area (Phoenix) that cars here go through batteries and tires real fast due to the heat in the summer.
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