1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
[Main 95 Bulletin Board | BBFAQ |
Prev by Date | Next by Date | Post Followup ]
Member Login / Signup - Members see fewer ads. - Latest Member Gallery Photos
Re: Suspension Posted by bobc [Email] (#473) [Profile/Gallery] (more from bobc) on Wed, 19 Dec 2018 11:32:20 In Reply to: Suspension, Peter Nichols, Wed, 19 Dec 2018 09:55:20 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
There are a lot of variables in how a car feels.
I too came to the 9-5 from the 900 world. I'd say that, all things being equal, (if that is possible) I have found that the 900 "feels" tighter at first. But as you drive both, and spend more time in the drivers seat of the 9-5 you will find that the 9-5 is more planted, stiffer and quieter.
in regards to a 23 yr old 9-5 with 118k miles: you are surely due for a suspension refresh, though some components will not be worn out ... just yet.
components to consider replacing:
- front and rear struts.
- front and rear control arm bushings
- ball joints,
- tie rod ends
- sway bar bushings
- sway bar links
- subframe bushings
- motor and transmission mounts (oops that's not suspension but you need them too)
- (others can chime in with what I'm missing here)
Also: don't replace the springs, even if your rear end is sagging. But do set the ride height properly using spacers under the spring.
I've just completed collecting all of the components for a full suspension refresh of my '08 SC. I'm afraid that all of this runs into a lot of money if you DIY. And if you outsource the work to a mechanic it will run into a "hell of a lot".
But this work will absolutely transform your car.
Another big factor is tire choice. I have 235-45-17 on my '01 Aero and 225-55-17 on my '00 aero. They have identical suspension components with identical mileage and age. The two cars feel completely different on the road, the '01 feels very sporty (as expected), the '00 feels downright luxurious.
_______________________________________ '08 9⁵ 2.3T SportCombi, Polar White '01 9⁵ Aero Midnight Blue (benched) '00 9⁵ Aero Midnight Blue (rescued) '99 9⁵ Base model, Cosmic blue '00 9⁵ Aero Silver (RIP - transmission )
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.