Rear shock absorbers and springs

[nordwulf]

Springs and shocks installed last weekend. With many parts on the 9-5, they are surprisingly easy to replace. Tutorial can be found here:
http://saabworld.net/f29/shock-absor...tutorial-2172/

Garage mod: http://saabworld.net/garage-mod-321/

With these new shocks/springs, I can feel the rear not slamming so much when going over large bumps. Definitely an improvement and worth the investment. The Bilstein shocks are a good match for the Aero. Firm enough and not too hard. My original rear shocks weren't leaking and actually appeared in pretty good shape.



Mission completed

[toxicavenger]

Wulf, I think I am about to do the same thing to my 06' Sportcombi. My problem isn't rear sag but when carrying anything in the back of the car and I go over bumps in the road while doing highway speeds I tend to get some tire rub.

So do you think it would fix this issue? I don't want to lower the car so I will stay with the stock springs unless I can find some heavy duty springs.

Thanks ahead of time!

[nordwulf]

Tire rub sounds unusual but my best guess is the rear springs are going soft. Do you get tire rub in the front or back or both?

[toxicavenger]

Just on the back Frank when I am cruising at highway speeds and I have some people in the back seat.

Right now I thinking of trying some spacers and maybe some new shocks all the way around.

[rlague]

Ride height is the key here. Shocks will not raise ride height. on the Aero it is supposed to be 610mm at the rear. Saab spring sag with age. New spring sag too.

Shimming with spacer is the best way to go. genuine saab has some for Bilsteins there are some good ones on eBay.

When the suspension is lower the camber and Toe-in increase. Camber is ok to a point. Toe-in cause tire cupping wear.

[900Aero]

Ride height is the key here. Shocks will not raise ride height. on the Aero it is supposed to be 610mm at the rear. Saab spring sag with age. New spring sag too.

Shimming with spacer is the best way to go. genuine saab has some for Bilsteins there are some good ones on eBay.

When the suspension is lower the camber and Toe-in increase. Camber is ok to a point. Toe-in cause tire cupping wear.

Does that 610mm rear ride hgt apply to both Aero wagon and sedan? And that's measured from the fender to ground? TIA

[rlague]

Yes it is the same for the Sedan and wagon. This for the Aero with 17" wheels. Non Aeros with 17" wheels is 620mm.

Here is the Data from the WIS. Measurement is from the top of the wheel well opening to the lower edge of the aluminum wheel where it meets the tire. See Illustration below.

I will be happy to answer any more questions.

[900Aero]

Wow thanks, I would have been in for a big surprise when I measured to the ground, as I assumed. Good info.

[rlague]

Wow thanks, I would have been in for a big surprise when I measured to the ground, as I assumed. Good info.

If you can read the diagram you can see where to measure. ride height is critical before you start measuring and adjusting things,
Spacers work find and are recommended. I have them on both of my 2001 Aeros. I hear lots of people replacing springs, bu in my opinion that is temporary until the new springs sag!
There are spacer kits on eBay.

Get the ride height where it should be before doing anything else.

[Finding41]

If you can read the diagram you can see where to measure. ride height is critical before you start measuring and adjusting things,
Spacers work find and are recommended. I have them on both of my 2001 Aeros. I hear lots of people replacing springs, bu in my opinion that is temporary until the new springs sag!
There are spacer kits on eBay.

Get the ride height where it should be before doing anything else.

What about having different size spacers on each side? Would that be ok?