(731-2726) Front spring failure
MODIFICATION INSTRUCTION
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Bulletin Nbr:
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731-2726
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Date:
...........
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January 2010
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Market:
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US/CA
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This special coverage covers the condition described below for a period
of 10 years or 120,000 miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the
date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.
The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer.
Cars are to be rectified only after customer complaint.
Saab 9-3 (9440) M03-06 4d, 5d and CV located in Canada, Connecticut,
Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,
Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, Washington D.C., Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
On certain 2003-2006 model year Saab 9-3 vehicles, particles of gravel
or stones may collect between the coil spring and the lower spring seat causing
the spring to corrode. This corrosion may weaken the spring and in some
cases, may cause the spring to break when subjected to high stresses at the
corroded area.
12 794 486 Zinc plate, 2 per car
Front spring, 2 per car (see EPC for the part number)
This procedure pertains to both sides.
Checking method
2.
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Is the front spring fractured?
See picture for the
location of the fracture area.
Both sides must be checked.
No:
This car is not concerned by special coverage 159 17.
Lower the car.
Yes:
This car is concerned by special coverage
159 17.
Go to the procedure for replacement of the springs.
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Replacement of springs
1.
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Remove the MacPherson strut according to Tis2Web - Saab 9-3 -
Suspension, wheels - Front suspension - Repair instruction - MacPherson strut.
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2.
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Place the MacPherson strut in a vice.
IMPORTANT: Do not overtighten
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3.
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Compress the spring with a 88 18 791 Spring compressor (A).
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4.
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Remove the protective cover from the top side of the MacPherson
strut. Hold the piston rod and remove the nut with 89 96 613 Sleeve, MacPherson
strut (A).
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5.
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Remove the support bearing (A), thrust bearing (B), water shield
(C) (certain cars), dust excluder (D), spring (E), bump stop (F) and protective
hose (G).
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6.
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Compress the new spring with a 88 18 791 Spring compressor.
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7.
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Clean the lower spring seat. Fit the zinc plate (H), bump stop
(F), spring (E), dust excluder (D), water shield (C) (certain cars), thrust
bearing (B) and support bearing (A).
Make sure that the lower end of the spring abuts against the stop in
the lower spring seat.
Note
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Protective hose must not be fitted.
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8.
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Fit the nut.
Tightening torque 105 Nm (77 lbf ft)
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9.
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Fit the protective cover.
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10.
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Release the spring compressor.
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11.
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Fit the MacPherson strut according to Tis2Web - Saab 9-3 - Suspension,
wheels - Front suspension - Repair instruction - MacPherson strut.
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Warranty/time Information
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Replace front springs and add zinc plate
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Inspection of front springs only
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Object code
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15917
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Object code
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15917
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Reason code
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32
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Reason code
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40
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Location code
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01
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Location code
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01
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Remedy code
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01
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Remedy code
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08
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Warranty type
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32
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Warranty type
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32
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Labor operation
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1591701
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Labour operation
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1591702
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Labor time
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1.5 h
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Labor time
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0.2 h
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Customer Notification Proposal
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Dear Saab owner,
As the owner of a 2003-2006 model year Saab 9-3, your satisfaction with
our product is very important to us.
It has been established that the front springs for 2003-2006 model year
Saab 9-3 may have a durability issue in regards to corrosion, most noticeable
in areas where rust is most common, such as areas where salt is used to control
snow and ice. Particles of gravel or stones may be caught between the spring
and the lower spring seat. High forces will destroy the paint layer starting
corrosion pitting on the raw metal that will accelerate in a corrosive environment.
This corrosion may weaken a spring and in some cases may cause the component
to break under high stress at the exposed location. When the spring initially
fractures, the ride height of the vehicle lowers 0.4 - 2 inches (10-50 mm).
This is accompanied with changes to vehicle steering and handling characteristics
and most likely cause front end suspension noises.
Take your vehicle to your Saab dealer if you believe that your vehicle
may have a fractured spring.
What We Have Done:
Saab Automobile AB is providing
you with this special coverage for replacement of a fractured front springs.
If this condition occurs on your 2003-2006 model year Saab 9-3 within 10 years
of the date that your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000
miles (193,000 km), whichever occurs first, your vehicle will be repaired
for you at no charge.
What You Should Do:
If you believe that your
vehicle may have a fractured spring, take your vehicle to your Saab dealer
and they will inspect, and if necessary, replace the front springs for you
at no charge.
If you have any questions or need any assistance, just contact your
dealer or the Saab Customer Assistance Center between the hours of 8:00 AM
and 8:00 PM, EST, Monday through Friday. They can be reached at 1-800-955-9007.
Saab Automobile AB appreciates your cooperation and understanding regarding
this action and we will do our best, along with your dealer, to minimize the
inconvenience. We have, however, taken this action in the interest of your
continued satisfaction with our products