Date: Sat, 12 May 2007 19:08:49 +0100 From: Andrew Sinclair <news11nospamlycat.org> Subject: Re: saab 9-5 timing belt/chain
In message <Nlj1i.14173$d9.1846nospamfe6-gui.ntli.net>, john <jsmith1456nospamo.com> writes > >"John Bain" <john.bain4nospamorld.com> wrote in message >news:gqn0i.6635$eY1.560nospamfe2-win.ntli.net... >>I have an eight year-old 9-5 which has now covered nearly 89000 miles. >> Could somebody please let me know if any timing belts/tensioners are >> due/overdue for replacement. >> I've been told nothing is needed as the belt is a chain belt. The manual >> is not clear. >> However, I don't want the usual mess if something breaks. The car seems to >> be running ok, but at idle there is a slight but audible noise - like a >> ping pong ball rattling around inside a tin can is the only way I can best >> describe it. >> Thanks jb >> > >your description does sound like chain rattle however it could just be valve >train noise which isn't serious. Try an oil change and if the > >the noise goes away when warm it's probably OK. > >90K is very low mileage for a timing chain replacement on these cars but >depends how the car has been treated/serviced. > > Use a long screwdriver to touch the top of the engine and put the side of your head on the handle of the screwdriver (well away from any moving parts), if the noise comes through clearly then it could be something inside the engine like the chain but at 89k miles I'd be surprised if it was. My money is on either one of the two idler pulleys on the serpentine/accessory* belt or the water pump. These both have a habit of failing and could make the noise you are hearing At 89k miles you should have had a new belt at the last or last but one service but often the pulleys are not changed, if you have no record of the belt being changed then it may be prudent to have it replaced whilst having the pulleys checked. Andy * serpentine/accessory belt is the 'fan belt' on the side of the engine that drives all the auxiliaries like alternator, power steering pump, water pump etc. If that snapped on you then you would be in trouble. -- Andrew Sinclair http://www.smellycat.org
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
