Date: Mon, 09 May 2005 23:28:34 GMT From: "Dexter J" <lamealameadingdongnospamlamelame.org> Subject: Re: 1994 900 SE Ball Joint Problem HELP NEEDED
Salutations: On 9 May 2005 13:59:50 -0700, saintzal <zphiroznospaml.com> wrote: > Dear All, > I had posted a message on this board previously in regards to loose > ball joints on my Saab (1994 Saab 900SE turbo coupe). > > The problem is simple... for the 1994 year, the ball joints and control > arm are all attached. After and prior to '94, Saab had a different > design. As such I cannot find any aftermarket or used ball joints > anywhere. > > My question is this: Does anyone ANYONE know of any aftermarket ball > joints/control arms, or used Saab parts. I am located just outside > Detroit Michigan, but would be willing to pay shipping for the part > from anywhere. Anywhere. > > Thank you Absolutely breath taking, isn't it? Here's the problem in a nutshell. Unless you can actually check the used a-arm (and I really don't think you have any choice about this in your model) you cannot *know* that you are getting a unit that has not already been damaged - or is not at least as worn as the one you are taking out - until after you pay for shipping and labour to remove and install. Guess what breaks first in a roll over and/or the several kinds of side-swipes? Guess what wears out first on most mid-northern states and provinces? I don't know exactly how it is around Detroit - but around here it looks like the roads have been shelled come spring. Sort of like all the 1st World War pix of No-Man's Land really. Anyway - your least worst option if you choose this path is to find a salvage yard you can reach from the local yellow pages (which may be a problem with a broken ball joint in your current ride). If you find one available for strip - you should then ascertain the condition of both the frame bushings and the ball joint manually and in person. Then, assuming nothing is clicking, remove the whole assembly including the upper strut bearing mounts. If you can get the whole strut/hub/a-arm assembly - you will have some other spares and it probably won't cost you all that much more. Besides, it is just as easy to pull everything as a unit than to try to part it out in the yard. Everything at my local haunt seems to cost about $75.00. $50.00, if I pull it off myself. You are looking for a machine that has seen a solid rear-ender and/or blown V6 and/or a serious transmission failure. You are *not* looking for something that has been rolled or kissed as above or one that has simply died of old age - because any or all of these conditions will likely have a compromised a-arm or attached bushing. In all cases - you still may well find that whatever you bolt back in there from the used pile is still worn out - or dinged in such a way that it will be useless in about 25 miles. Personally - and I know this really burns brother - I still really think you are better off going with dealer item on this one (not shop rates - but at least dealer matched part) if possible. What are you seeing for quotes for a new part so far? -- Radio Free Dexterdyne Top Tune o'be-do-da-day Lester Flatt Earl Scruggs - Corn http://www.dexterdyne.org/888/011.RAM all tunes - no cookies no subscription no weather no ads no news no phone in no sign up required - all the Time
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
