Passenger side rumble?

Theta

Hi all.

I am trying to figure out what could be the possible cause for an odd rumble on the passenger side front wheel.

If im on a smooth flat road there is no noise but if the road is uneven there is a dull rumble off that side following the contour off the road (It has gotten louder but it could be now I am just listening for it) with no rumble in the steering. Also I noticed if I lock the wheels left (In a multistory lets say) When its locked all the way that side will give a couple (maybe 2 or 3) thuds like the tire is being pushed across the concrete when I start to turn the corner.

Popped the wheel off the other day. Couldn't see anything particularly loose or any perished seals. Although I didnt really have a list of suspects to look out for.

Any ideas? cv? tie rods? shocks?

Saab 9-3 if that helps.

Cheers,
Marc

mickdw

If it was just a bit of a rattle on uneven surface I would have said antiroll bar bushes or drop links if present. The fact that there is a problem on full lock might suggest cv joint trouble. This would usually be a loud knocking though and the cv boot would usually be split too.

Theta

Thanks for the tips I might pop the wheel off again and double check the CV boot.

Any other suggestions?

grudgebringer

Theta wrote: »

Hi all.

I am trying to figure out what could be the possible cause for an odd rumble on the passenger side front wheel.

If im on a smooth flat road there is no noise but if the road is uneven there is a dull rumble off that side following the contour off the road (It has gotten louder but it could be now I am just listening for it) with no rumble in the steering. Also I noticed if I lock the wheels left (In a multistory lets say) When its locked all the way that side will give a couple (maybe 2 or 3) thuds like the tire is being pushed across the concrete when I start to turn the corner.

Popped the wheel off the other day. Couldn't see anything particularly loose or any perished seals. Although I didnt really have a list of suspects to look out for.

Any ideas? cv? tie rods? shocks?

Saab 9-3 if that helps.

Cheers,
Marc

Hi, I also have a 9-3, common problem with them is this 'phantom' sounds from the suspension mostly on passanger side and generally ONLY when the car is cold/weather is cold. Once the car heats up then the noise usually goes away, from other Saab forums, it is a common problem but is generally nothing major just stiff bushes when the car is cold, once they are heated up it is fine. So if this is your issue, I guess it can be 'ignored':pac:

Theta

Yeah I assumed that at the start but the wheel lock thudding issue is what got me thinking something maybe wrong!

Which Saab Forums are these?

v300

These Saabs are notorious for a hard to trace rumble
that is eventually attributed to a lower arm bushing.

Make an appointment with a Saab independent specialist
who actually has the bushing replacement tool that can
push out the old bushing and squeeze in the new one
easily without removing the arm from the car.

Otherwise for a regular garage,
it's an arm out job and squeeze in the new bushings
on a bench pressand the labour costs will nearly triple...

grudgebringer

Theta wrote: »

Yeah I assumed that at the start but the wheel lock thudding issue is what got me thinking something maybe wrong!

Which Saab Forums are these?

Hi - I personally always go with the guys from SaabScene, I find them very useful and knowledgeable

Theta

v300 wrote: »

Saab independent specialist

I presume a main dealer would have this unless you know of a good indie saab specialist?

grudgebringer wrote: »

Hi - I personally always go with the guys from SaabScene, I find them very useful and knowledgeable

Cheers for that its always good to find a good spot to ask questions!!

v300

Theta wrote: »

I presume a main dealer would have this unless you know of a good indie saab specialist?!

Not necessary...... The dealers mostly want you to buy a new arm,
as it's easier for them and earns them more money too.

I personally can't recommend any Saab garages
as I'm not a Saab man, but someone will come along
soon with a recommendation, hopefully.

Theta

v300 wrote: »

Not necessary...... The dealers mostly want you to buy a new arm,
as it's easier for them and earns them more money too.

I personally can't recommend any Saab garages
as I'm not a Saab man.
soon with a recommendation, hopefully.

Yeah I had a feeling that would be it alright! Cheers for the help man!