[Enxu]

Just bought a 2003 9-5 Aero sedan w/ about 116k on the odo. Really nice car with a few issues, but the price was right.

I took it to a Saab specialist shop before the sale to get it checked out, and they quoted me some prices that seem kind of crazy, but then again, I don't know the ins and outs of the suspension, so I call upon you fine folks for some advice. I'm somewhat of a DIY'er, but these issues are beyone my capabilities, I believe.

First, the alignment. This is what they wrote up "alignment is off, front and rear cambers are out of spec. est to repair $580"

The manager mentioned something about the camber not being adjustable like other cars, but that they had updated parts that would solve this? Does that sound right? The tires have a ton of life left, so I don't want to chew them up prematurely or cause other issues, but it just seems like a crazy price for an alignment

Here are the measurements:

FL Camber: -1°04'
FR Camber: -1°44'
RL Camber: -1°53'
RR Camber: -2°11'

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The other thing that stuck out was "subframe bushings bad est to replace $318"

Do you need a lift to get these done? Besides creaks and a rougher ride, whats the harm in not doing them right away?
----
Taking care of the front brakes (they want $530!) and DI cassette($638) myself ;ol;

 

[j006]

First, the alignment. This is what they wrote up "alignment is off, front and rear cambers are out of spec. est to repair $580"

The manager mentioned something about the camber not being adjustable like other cars, but that they had updated parts that would solve this? Does that sound right?

Often times the rear bushings - mainly the cross-stay bushings will wear causing bad camber, but the springs have been known to sag as well. My car is lowered which placed the rear out of spec without regards to the bushings. Camber shims were the fix: http://www.genuinesaab.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=439 How to is here: http://www.twinsaabs.com/9-5_repair/suspension/rear/step5.asp?nsteps=6

That doesn't negate the fact that you still may need to refresh your cross-stay bushings, and possibly the rear trailing arm bushings as well. I would recommend poly for the latter: http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/39990/Trailing-Arm-Bushing-Kit-Rear-Polyurethane-65340104PU/

The other thing that stuck out was "subframe bushings bad est to replace $318"

Do you need a lift to get these done? Besides creaks and a rougher ride, whats the harm in not doing them right away?

I would GLADLY pay $318 for a subframe bushing refresh! It's somewhat of a bear of a job; Some have also done poly here as well.

----
Taking care of the front brakes (they want $530!) and DI cassette($638) myself ;ol;

Front brakes are fairly easy IF you have a long breaker bar to get the caliper carrier bolt off - it's a reverse torx head size 20 if I can remember correctly but don't quote me on that. ORDER THE SOCKET because you can't remove the bolt without it.

New DI cassettes are pricey but DAMN! $300 labor I guess for 4 little bolts and an electrical harness

 

[Enxu]

Thanks j006 ;ol;

 

[Dielectricgrease]

Wow!- them there prices seem high to me. OEM Wells DI cassette can be had for less than $200 and takes ten minutes to put in. Really, anyone could do this job.

Front camber is easiliy adjustable with a cammed "camber bolt". Any good alignment shop will have these. $15 extra, part and additional labor.

Assuming your bushings are in decent shape, search this forum for "rear camber" and you will find threads on spring spacers and shims. Any good shop could do either of these jobs- they would not have to be "Saab specialists" which evidently gives said mechanic the blessing to charge a $200/hr. shop rate.......

There are aftermarket adjustable upper rear control arms but that doesn't excuse the quoted alignment price- at least as of a few months ago, they were not for use on the Aero because of the auto-leveling headlights.

 

[05Aero21]

Just bought a 2003 9-5 Aero sedan w/ about 116k on the odo. Really nice car with a few issues, but the price was right.

I took it to a Saab specialist shop before the sale to get it checked out, and they quoted me some prices that seem kind of crazy, but then again, I don't know the ins and outs of the suspension, so I call upon you fine folks for some advice. I'm somewhat of a DIY'er, but these issues are beyone my capabilities, I believe.

First, the alignment. This is what they wrote up "alignment is off, front and rear cambers are out of spec. est to repair $580"

The manager mentioned something about the camber not being adjustable like other cars, but that they had updated parts that would solve this? Does that sound right? The tires have a ton of life left, so I don't want to chew them up prematurely or cause other issues, but it just seems like a crazy price for an alignment

Here are the measurements:

FL Camber: -1°04'
FR Camber: -1°44'
RL Camber: -1°53'
RR Camber: -2°11'

----

The other thing that stuck out was "subframe bushings bad est to replace $318"

Do you need a lift to get these done? Besides creaks and a rougher ride, whats the harm in not doing them right away?
----
Taking care of the front brakes (they want $530!) and DI cassette($638) myself

You can do most of suspension stuff yourself if your confident enough through the tutorials online.

I've replaced my front endlinks, ball joints, shocks/struts, and the front (2) rear subframe bushings. Motor mounts need to be considered too. The sub bushings were done by a Saab Indy. Too involving for me there.....240.00 was well spent. Parts cost is very reasonable as well.

When you feel a banging on your pass side floorboard going over tracks or uneven roads, your sub bushes are due. Those prices you were quoted are outrageous.