What's that clanking noise at the back?

[Steve McF]

Well I noticed a sort of clanking noise at the back of the car when going over an aggressive speed ramp in the work car park, but I thought it was maybe something rolling round in the boot.

But today I drove over said spead ramp and there was a big metal on metal clank, and it continued over smaller bumps and potholes.

So I pulled over expecting to hear my exhaust blowing, but it wasn't, and all seemed secure. I drove home carefully, and when I parked up, tried bouncing and rocking the back end of the car, but could not get any noise!!!

Luckily my mechanic was available, so I took the car over to get it on the ramp. Exhaust was ok, rear springs were ok. But....the right hand rear shock had collapsed and was not in the top mount!!!

So I need two rear shocks and two top mounts. Having a look on PFS, shocks are 50 quid each, and the top mounts are 25 quid each from Saabits. But if I go onto the GSF website, Monroe shocks are only about 30 quid each.

So which should I go for, and do the Aeros have different spec dampers to everything else?

[sgould]

I have used Monroe in the past (not on a Saab) and they were fine.  They are a long established and well-known make. 

Also bear in mind that any new shock absorber will be many times stiffer than a worn one of any make, and feel fantastic...

[Steve McF]

These are the ones coming up:

https://www.gsfcarparts.com/parts/steering-suspension/shocks-components/shock-absorber?filter_by=58236

[sgould]

They look OK to me.

[Steve McF]

It says "with standard suspension". So as long as it means "standard Aero suspension" then I might go for these Monroes 😉

[sgould]

Can you double check with the Monroe site?

https://www.monroe.com/products.html

[aerojon]

i'm running monroe reflex on my aero all round..Monroe Saloon shock code for the sports suspension(REARS) is E1330..

It says "with standard suspension". So as long as it means "standard Aero suspension" 😉

No,it means a car without sports suspension..

[Steve McF]

i'm running monroe reflex on my aero all round..Monroe Saloon shock code for the sports suspension(REARS) is E1330..

It says "with standard suspension". So as long as it means "standard Aero suspension" 😉

No,it means a car without sports suspension..

That"s what I wasn't sure about as I had put in my reg number on the website to identify my car/derivative.

These are the OEM ones (Sachs) that Neo Brothers sell:
https://www.neobrothers.co.uk/car-parts/suspension-steering/shock-absorber/sachs-rear-shock-absorber-12776253

Although the same shock absorber appears to be much more expensive at EuroCarParts:
https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/sachs-shock-absorber-635880390

PFS 'aftermarket' part is similar to the Neo price:
https://www.partsforsaabs.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_25_597&products_id=5806&osCsid=94b9e93021843bd345e21cf3d8cc3ad5

[Steve McF]

Can you double check with the Monroe site?

https://www.monroe.com/products.html

Hi Will, the Monroe website only seems to quote one type of shock absorber for the rear of the 9-3ss, and it didn't ask me whether the car had sport suspension or not:
https://www.drivparts.com/part-details.html?brand_code=BCZC&part_number=5618&part_name=Shock%20Absorber%20-%20OESpectrum

[carrera]

Dampers / springs operate as a system, they are matched in terms of design, which is why there are references to sports suspension vs standard. The ride height difference of 10mm isn't material as the damper serves no function in setting ide height, unless self levelling.

With different spring / damper rates, there might be a small difference in handling / comfort, but it isn't going to be material, and may not be noticeable at all, as indicated above, new will be invariably better than well used

That said, I would always try to go for the correct rating, unless availability was a problem or there's a severe shortage of beer tokens

[sgould]

What's the suspension code on your car.? On the label on the door sill.

[Steve McF]

So these came up on Ebay suggesting they were correct for my car, so I emailed them with the reg number etc and they have confirmed these are correct for the car.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265673247344?mkevt=1&mkpid=0&emsid=e11051.m43.l1123&mkcid=26&ch=osgood&euid=99a32551929c49d092924dc15b1e25ea&bu=43130477726&osub=-1%7E1&crd=20240217044152&segname=11051

No mention of sports suspension though?

[carrera]

I just did a compatability check on the listed part numbers.... they are standard. They'll physically fit, oh & I saw them for £64.89 / pair

If you can do what Will says & get the suspension code, then the matching will be much easier

[Steve McF]

Here's the label off the B post of my car.....

[carrera]

OK, so if I understand correctly, the rear dampers are code 26, sports chassis, "blue" spec, OE part number was 12762939.

That part number has been superceded by 12776253