1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
It is hard to check the shocks. They are needing to be replaced at 95000 miles. The top strut mount could be failing as well and can be replaced for zero cost labor while the shocks are being done. Some of the control arm rubber bushings could be pooped out too. You can get KYB two upper mounts c/w bearings from http://www.tirerack.com for around $110 + shipping. This is much less that the Saab parts. If it does not show up on their web site, phone them, they do have the mounts for your model/year.
If when you make a lane change, if the steering seems to be erratic, the weak shocks may be allowing body roll that creates uncomfortable steering artifacts. New shocks will help with that. Your springs have not changed, but the body roll dynamics that you don't like are from the weak shocks allowing a rate of roll that is the problem. With better shocks, the amount of roll will be the same, but it will take up that amount of roll in a controlled fashion. As the body rolls, the steering geometry of both the front and rear axles changes. The rapid changes with weak shocks make the steering feel uncontrolled.
Replacing the shocks and upper mounts should have no effect on the alignment. If after the work is done, the steering wheel is off-set, then the probable cause is the lower end of the spring not seated in its steel pocket. This raises on corner of the vehicle around 1/4 to 3/8 inches. This can be corrected without removing the strut if it happens. If the dealer starts adjusting the tie rod ends to make the steering 'straight' then the you will have two problems.
Do the shocks and upper mounts. If the problem is control arm bushings, that will be separate work and the two jobs are substantially independant of each other, so there will be no losses in redundant labor costs.
You can also get a $125 stiffer sway bar from SAS that will make your Saab corner with very little body roll. It is a cost effective mod and very easy to install.
Koni adjustable shocks are the best performing shocks and oddly enough provide the best ride at the same time. But at $570 for all four corners this my be out of range. There are many other standard aftermarket shocks to choose from. The Saab replacement shocks are reported to be very expensive. This makes the konis 'justified' for some. The labor to install is not trivial. There is a fair amount of work to install the front shocks/mounts. The rear shocks are a simple install.
95SET 140000 miles
posted by 207.43.19...
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