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I don't know of any permanent solution. On could regularly replace the rear suspension parts such as springs, dampers, bushings, and subframe as needed, but that is very costly. My analysis suggests the problem lies in some combination of underdesigned subframe and spring/dampers. Your usage sounds reasonable and typical, but it is my opinion that the 9-5 cannot handle even such normal usage. I’ve been going back and forth with Saab on this issue for quite some time. I’m still working with NHTSA and several lawyers to explore options. No outside, objective person I’ve spoken to considers the suspension situation acceptable, but it is not easy to fight the manufacturers on these sorts of defects. NHTSA has a very limited purview but welcomes all complaints, even if they cannot act at the moment.
The shims have adjusted the camber on your car to be more neutral but have not corrected the ride height as you can plainly see on your car. This is due to sagging/deformation in one or more components of the rear suspension, most likely the rear subframe. Over time, the sagging/deformation will continue to worsen and eventually the car will not be alignable without using excessive amounts of shims (which may be dangerous). There have been reports of just this situation. Improper ride height also has unknown effects on the safety and handling of the car, particularly under load, when the ride height is even further strained. This is a tire safety issue when under load with several reports of sudden tire failures. I’d suggest keeping your tires a little harder, say 42-44 psi, when using the car loaded as a precaution.
At your mileage try new dampers. They may help a little, but I don’t think much if you have already needed shims. The next step would be a new springs (could do that with the dampers), which also won’t help much, and then the subframe and bushings. With a new subframe your car may have a camber that is too neutral due to the shims, but you won’t know for certain until you try and take alignment readings.
Keep us posted on what you try.
posted by 69.112.185...
, Wed, 4 Feb 2009 20:42:53
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