Broken front spring on 2006 9-3SC 2.0T

[MI-Roger]

I took my wife's car to our local Dealer this morning for their advertised free tire rotation and 27 point vehicle safety inspection. When I dropped it off I asked them to take a special look at the front springs, particularly the right side, as we have had a strange occasional metallic rattle for the past couple months that sounded as if it might be suspension related but might also be caused by too much stuff in the glove box. (That glove box is sooo deep we actually carry a fire extinguisher in the glove box!)

Verdict was a broken spring on the passenger side and no parts available. No parts can be ordered due to the bankruptcy, no parts in stock anywhere, any Dealer who may have the part is keeping it for their own customers and/or only willing to sell it at an inflated price, no aftermarket parts available, etc. Options offered were:

1) Park the car there and accept GM's offer of a free loaner until parts are available. A wait that might extend to two months (per the Service Dept Rep).

2) Continue to drive the car as is, knowing the broken spring may shift and puncture the tire. My wife only drives 6K miles or less each year, most at under 45mph, and will still be on Holiday Break from her school job until Jan 9th.

I decided to be a proactive gambler. I drove the car home, scoured my EPC and vehicle legend plates for the correct spring number, and immediately started checking for new parts. First in the US, then globally.

I found two sources for aftermarket springs, TheSaabSite in the US and PFS in the UK. The parts from PFS are made by Lesjofors in Sweden who is claimed to be the manufacturer of the OEM springs, the others had no manufacturer identified but may be the same.

I ordered the Lesjofors springs, which were the least expensive after shipping to south-east Michigan was added, and I should have them waiting on my porch within 5 to 9 working days. I scheduled an installation appointment with the slightly surprised Service Dept Rep for a couple weeks out.

I plan to request compensation from GM for the lesser of my delivered cost of these springs, or their cost for OEM replacement springs. This only seems fair as I am not looking to make any statement or money, I just want the car fixed as soon as possible.

So don't give up when you are told "No Parts Available due to Bankruptcy", there are always options to explore.