Springs and struts are prone to a few suspension issues, especially in the harsher northern climates. The front strut bearings can start creaking and then bind up, and we’ve seen more than a few front and rear coil springs break due to corrosion. So, let’s discuss what you can look for when one of these vehicles comes into your shop.
Most of the time the customer complaint will be, “I hear a rattle in the front over bumps.” We’ve all heard those complaints and usually we’ll find loose sway bar links or worn ball joints or tie rod ends.
On Saabs, for example, take a close look at the springs, both front and back. Sometimes it’s not easy to see the broken spring because it’s just the bottom
coil that has broken off.
Other times, especially in the case of this 2004 9-3, it’s easy to see the broken spring. The 9-3 is based on GM’s Epsilon platform and shares the same suspension design, with a few tweaks from Saab. Certainly the process will be slightly different for various makes and models, but this procedure is fairly straight forward.
We can see the broken spring (see Photo 1), as well as the three colored dots that help us identify which spring we’ll need for the job.
1. When doing this job, take a look at the sticker on the inside of the driver’s door jam. You’ll need the suspension code to be sure you get the correct springs. The first two digits on the bottom row are the front spring code and the next two are the rear spring code.
2. Remove the upper retaining bolt for the sway bar link (see Photo 2). There is no need to remove the complete link, unless it’s worn and you’re replacing the link.
3. Remove the one bolt that holds the strut bracket to the strut, and then remove the brake hose from the strut (see Photos 3 and 4). There are only two bolts that hold the strut to the steering knuckle (see Photo 5). Note: There is no camber adjustment in the front of this car, so we won’t necessarily need to recheck the alignment. However, any time suspension work is done on any car, it’s a good opportunity to recommend one.
4. Lower the car and remove the three bolts that hold the upper strut mount (see Photos 6 and 7). Any decent spring compressor will work, so compress the spring and remove the upper bolt (see Photos 8 and 9). The strut is ready to come out, so you can now swap the springs.
5. Pay attention to how the strut comes apart so you can put it back together correctly (see Photo 10). The order is spring, boot, insulator, bearing and top mount. At this point, you’ll want to thoroughly check the condition of the strut or mount to see if they need to be replaced.
6. Put the boot in the new spring, put on the insulator and then insert the new bearing (see Photo 11).
7. You’re now ready to put the strut back together and install it (see Photo 12).
8. Broken rear springs are usually easier to spot (see Photo 13), and much easier to replace. Support the rear control arm and remove the one retaining bolt that holds it to the rear knuckle (see Photo 14).
9. A small pry bar is all that’s needed to pull the control arm down far enough to remove the spring (see Photo 15).
10. Remove the rubber insulators from the old spring and push them into the new spring (see Photo 16).
11. Set the new spring into position and, using a screw jack, push the control arm back into position so you can reinstall the retaining bolt (see Photo 17). Remember that any time you tighten a suspension bolt that goes through a bushing, it should be done with the vehicle at ride height.
You can see that spring replacement on these vehicles is relatively simple and it’s easy to see when the rear springs are broken. Since it’s sometimes not as easy to see the broken front springs, be sure to take a closer look during your inspection.
The perception may be that Saab cars are hard to work on or parts are hard to get, but that is not the case. There is a good supply of aftermarket parts available from both independent parts stores and car dealers.
More importantly, this should give you enough guidance to confidently tackle other spring complaints, regardless of the marque.