1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
If it is a jarring bang or impact, the struts are worn out and you are hitting the bump stops. In that case you need new struts and upper mounts. When you get violent impacts from the bump stops, that is hard on the thrust bearings and the rubber of the upper mounts. Upper mounts do wear out get get tears in the rubber element. This also allows the top of the strut to squirm around in reaction to cornering forces etc, which does not make the steering any better. These problems are form wear and there does not have to be any loss of oil from the shocks.
These vehicles have very little vertical travel in the front struts, so the bump stops do get a beating when the shocks cannot control things. Lower springs make it all the worse. With good shocks, one can cut off part of the bump stops and get better ride control. That can be done with stock or lowered springs. Worked great for me and recommended to me by someone with vast Saab experience. Not many folks have done this.
It is really impossible to judge the shocks by bouncing the suspension by pushing on the bumpers etc. One other thing that shows up is nasty steering artifacts during rapid lane changes at speed. The shocks allow for rapid body role transients which create role steer effects that may make your stomach squirm. It just feels bad and unstable. I has that and suspected that. I put on a stiff rear sway bar and that went away. That convinced me that the shocks were the problem. Soon after I replace the struts. These role steer problems during lane changes will show up before the shocks allow for harsh bump stop impacts. So thats your early warning.
When doing things DIY. Watch for signs that work needs to be done and get at the jobs in the Fall to avoid the discomfort, or impossibility, of working in the winter cold or summer heat.
But hard to tell when folks do not think that it is important to post their miles.
posted by 69.149.14...
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