Front strut replacement

[100%Saab]

Can front struts be replaced by themselves in the 2009 9-3 XWD or do they need additional parts? Self leveling rear shock absorbers were replaced at 58,136 miles. 9-3 at 74,747 miles today with minor noise over rough roads similar to sounds prior to replacement of rear shocks. The 9-3 has been in Texas and Florida. Roads in Florida have been rough since about 25,000 miles. It has had Maptun front strut brace also for past 5 years. The car has no rust.

[Digger]

Yes you can replace the struts and only the struts and roll the dice on needing new strut bearings, bellows bumper and what not before the new struts wear out. Best to replace all the important parts with the struts and get one alignment and not do the job again anytime soon.

[100%Saab]

Agree, ordered the other parts. Increased the price of parts by tripling the cost. Did not order new springs.

[100%Saab]

New struts and mounts have arrived. Due to my schedule I made an appointment at Swede Central, Orlando in 2 weeks to have the struts replaced. However, for the last day and one half I now have a single oil drip on the garage floor by the left front strut in the morning and afternoon when the 9-3 is parked in the garage, for a sum total of three drips.
The question is how soon do I need to replace the struts and mounts? Can I wait 2 weeks or do they need to be replaced sooner? My main concern is safety.

[Thienan5811]

New struts and mounts have arrived. Due to my schedule I made an appointment at Swede Central, Orlando in 2 weeks to have the struts replaced. However, for the last day and one half I now have a single oil drip on the garage floor by the left front strut in the morning and afternoon when the 9-3 is parked in the garage, for a sum total of three drips. The question is how soon do I need to replace the struts and mounts? Can I wait 2 weeks or do they need to be replaced sooner? My main concern is safety.

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[Digger]

Can't answer your safety question from here. A leaking strut needs to be replaced and a drip underneath the car is a sign of a leak. All I can say is a couple drips a day while sitting doesn't tell you how much you have lost, or loose while driving, or if waiting a couple of weeks will be hazardous to your health.

[100%Saab]

Saab Service Center says replacing struts in two weeks should be fine. Strut was not leaking 2 weeks ago when checked for noise over rough roads in Daytona Beach. Strut noise was not noted in Orlando at that time. Will observe strut performance until replaced in 2 weeks.

[100%Saab]

Spam ads are not helpful.

[nordwulf]

Spam ads are not helpful.

The occasional spammer gets through but it's gone now.

[100%Saab]

Front struts replaced. Leak was coming from left transmission mount, which was replaced with also the right inner axle boot. Still some noise over very rough roads from left front area. Any other thoughts? 9-3 rides better after struts replaced and 4 wheel alignment done. Right front door handle retainer also needs to be replaced and has been ordered.