Saab 9-3 steering problems ???
Discussion
I have a fabulous Saab 9-3 ( 2006 ) 1.9tdi Vector Sport - great in every way ... but ... i have big issues with the steering . I have had it checked by a Saab specialist - they say its fine - but when i drive the car at 60 or over on a motorway if feels like its on ice - no feel at all - super light steering . The tires are new - right pressures . Wheel balanced . Does anyone know what this vague steering could be ??? . Has anyone else found the Saab to be very light with steering on motorways ??
If it's been done then I'm out of ideas already. What cars are you comparing it to- is it so bad that you can be certain that it is unusual for that type of car?
Is there a corpse in the boot? Boot spoiler fitted?
The only other things which spring to mind; is there a 'city steering' button or something which has been left on? (I've only seen this feature on Fiats). Also I wonder if there is a power assisted fluid pressure regulating valve which has gone south allowing 'over-assistance'?
Does the car 'wander' at speed or does it behave itself, with the only symptom being very light steering?
Is there a corpse in the boot? Boot spoiler fitted?
The only other things which spring to mind; is there a 'city steering' button or something which has been left on? (I've only seen this feature on Fiats). Also I wonder if there is a power assisted fluid pressure regulating valve which has gone south allowing 'over-assistance'?
Does the car 'wander' at speed or does it behave itself, with the only symptom being very light steering?
Google Saab 9-3 bulkhead cracks.... I think the later cars were OK, but worth a check... I have seen a few of the early cars with cracks which are difficult to spot unless you know where to look.
VOSA issued a warning on this and quite a few cars get failed as the testers know where to look....
VOSA issued a warning on this and quite a few cars get failed as the testers know where to look....
I have had loads of cars . The Saab seems to almost have no steering at high speeds - it becomes stupidly light with no feel to the steering wheel . Go round a very light bend & you wonder if it will loose it - its like the front end lifts almot - which i know it doesnt . Stering is suposed to go more heavy the fater you go but on my saab it seems to go lighter ?? . Is there any electronic device that controls this ? . I have had the steering fluid etc checked - all fine .
1 last thing - when the car is still - the steering wheel does seem a tiny bit loose ... if you touch a steering wheel on a car when still ( engine on ) then it doesnt move unless you hold it - then wheels move with even a tiny steering wheel movement - on my saab you can move the wheel a bit but no wheels move ????
1 last thing - when the car is still - the steering wheel does seem a tiny bit loose ... if you touch a steering wheel on a car when still ( engine on ) then it doesnt move unless you hold it - then wheels move with even a tiny steering wheel movement - on my saab you can move the wheel a bit but no wheels move ????
ked.i had the steering rack checked - thats fine . i find that when im on a motorway the car feels like it has no steering - yet it doesnt wander or anything - it just feels stupidly light & when i go round bends then ??? - it has no feel to it ???? . does anyone know if there is anything like an ecu or anything that can do this ???
I would imagine it's just a hydraulic system with no electrickery involved.
If there is 'play' at the wheel, i.e. the wheel can be moved without the wheels actually steering, this indicates a mechanical problem with the column adjuster, the universal joints in the column, the rack itself or a track rod.
You could have two problems here as the above wouldn't necessarily explain overly 'light' steering unless the rack itself is goosed, as suggested above.
If there is 'play' at the wheel, i.e. the wheel can be moved without the wheels actually steering, this indicates a mechanical problem with the column adjuster, the universal joints in the column, the rack itself or a track rod.
You could have two problems here as the above wouldn't necessarily explain overly 'light' steering unless the rack itself is goosed, as suggested above.
Im new here so Hi all
Sorry to add to this on an old thread but it seems similar to my own issues.
My 03 93 Aero has just recently started to do the same thing.
I had it checked and I had a broken spring the break was in the bottom cup and the plastic coating was holding it together so I didn't see it.
I was told this is quite common. I had the spring changed as an emergancy repair along with worn track rod ends and drop links.
Yes I know about changing in pairs but I went to the garage for something else and asked why does my handling seem bad They had a spring so I got them to fit it but have since changed all 4 shocks and springs and fitted 4 new tyres.
Its still not right it is really vauge on corner entry and feels like its on ice at higher speeds. it feels like it is trying to drift when on a bend on the motorway at err 70.
There is some wear in the upper rear trailing arm bushes so i'm getting those done and I'm taking the car for 4 wheel alignment again after that.
Nomally these cars handle pretty good so the car like the OPs car has a problem.
The pre 2002 93 bulked issue is totally different I had one go on me after hitting a pothole in the road.
The feeling you get is like trying to steer a soapbox with a string the car is literally all over the road and feels dangerous above 40 or 50 mph.
I had the bulkhead welded and reinforced and fitted the rack brace and changed all the bushes for poly bushes it handled like it was om rails
I've still got it stored but i've got to either sell it or put it back on the road as I can't keep there anymore
Sorry to add to this on an old thread but it seems similar to my own issues.
My 03 93 Aero has just recently started to do the same thing.
I had it checked and I had a broken spring the break was in the bottom cup and the plastic coating was holding it together so I didn't see it.
I was told this is quite common. I had the spring changed as an emergancy repair along with worn track rod ends and drop links.
Yes I know about changing in pairs but I went to the garage for something else and asked why does my handling seem bad They had a spring so I got them to fit it but have since changed all 4 shocks and springs and fitted 4 new tyres.
Its still not right it is really vauge on corner entry and feels like its on ice at higher speeds. it feels like it is trying to drift when on a bend on the motorway at err 70.
There is some wear in the upper rear trailing arm bushes so i'm getting those done and I'm taking the car for 4 wheel alignment again after that.
Nomally these cars handle pretty good so the car like the OPs car has a problem.
The pre 2002 93 bulked issue is totally different I had one go on me after hitting a pothole in the road.
The feeling you get is like trying to steer a soapbox with a string the car is literally all over the road and feels dangerous above 40 or 50 mph.
I had the bulkhead welded and reinforced and fitted the rack brace and changed all the bushes for poly bushes it handled like it was om rails
I've still got it stored but i've got to either sell it or put it back on the road as I can't keep there anymore
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