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First real serious problem I've had with this car ('99 base, 62,500 miles, had it since 42,000)...here goes:
I've had a rattling sound coming from the driver's side of the transmission anytime the clutch is engaged (even in neutral) and rpms below 2500. A related symptom is that the transmission fluid is leaking. Dealer (CR Saab) diagnosed it as a worn driver's side inner driver, $800 to replace.
I took it to an indy for an opinion. Turns out he's what I call a classic Saab snob, meaning anything post '93 isn't worth his time, so I won't bother you with what he said about the problem.
Took it to another indy, Mecca Motors in Allston, MA. He said it's definitely a worn bushing in the transmission that supports the inner driver. Most likely, the inner driver is also worn out and needs to be replaced. $900 to replace the bushing and the driver. However, he estimates that there may be damage in the transmission itself, and he recommends replacing the entire transmission with a factory rebuilt unit, $2500 installed.
My transmission shifts very smoothly, especially for a Saab transmission, so I see no reason to replace it while it's still running so well (except for the noise). However, I'm sure that the loose driver is wearing the differential.
Does $900 sound fair from an indy? If I wanted just the differential rebuilt, who would I take it to if an indy doesn't want to do the rebuild himself?
I have some concerns about Mecca, as well. I had him flush the brake system and coolant while it was there (last remaining items from the 60,000 mile service). He charged $180 for those fluids plus the diagnostic work. Should it have been that high? The coolant level is now low...I assume he either didn't top it off after running the car or topped it off with the engine hot...seems like sloppy work to me. Also, he topped off my MTF0063 transmission fluid with 10w30 motor oil. I questioned him on that, and he said that since the fluid was leaking so fast, it wouldn't matter. I'm pretty sure I don't agree with that.
What would be your next step, if you were in my place?
Thanks for any opinions,
Matt
'99 base
posted by 65.106.18...
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