Your Saab’s suspension is a complex series of components that is central to your vehicle’s functioning, so any noises coming from the system can be quite alarming. Popping noises in particular may cause concern for the average driver, as they are unexpected and can often be rather loud. However, if your vehicle’s suspension is making unusual popping noises, don’t panic. Instead, check the following components for signs of wear and tear, as doing so will both alleviate your anxiety and help you get your Saab’s suspension back in working order.
Tie Rods, Ball Joints, and CV Joints
Out of all of the components in your Saab’s suspension, the tie rods, ball joints, and CV joints tend to be put under the most pressure. This, in turn, makes them more susceptible to wear and tear, which means that they are likely to be the source of any unusual sounds. So if you hear popping noises coming from your vehicle’s suspension, the joints and tie rods are the first components you should examine.
Because these components all consist of balls encased in metal bases, a primary problem to look for is a lack of lubrication. Over time, the casings surrounding these components may crack and break, allowing the lubricant enclosed within to leak out. When this happens, the balls may scrape against their casings, creating grinding or popping noises.
Struts, Shocks, and Sway Bars
Much like your Saab’s joints and tie rods, its struts, shocks, and sway bars are also frequently subjected to pressure. For example, the struts and shocks are meant to minimize vehicle motion when driving over bumpy roads, which means that if you regularly travel over rough terrain, they may start to wear down. Eventually, this may cause the struts and shocks to leak or even come loose from their connections. This can create popping and rattling noises. If you’ve recently gone off-roading and your Saab’s suspension has started making popping noises, the problem may lie with the struts and shocks.
Similarly, the sway bars serve to keep your Saab from tilting when it turns, so they are put under pressure every time you drive your vehicle around a corner. If you regularly take corners at high speeds, your vehicle’s sway bars will be put under enormous pressure and may come loose. When this happens, the bars may bang against their frames, creating a rattling or popping noise. Fortunately, this can usually be fixed by tightening the connections between the bars and their mounts.
Body Bushings and Control Arm Bushings
Finally, problems with your Saab’s bushings may also cause your vehicle’s suspension to make popping or rattling noises. For example, the body bushings are designed to both connect your vehicle’s frame to its body, but over time they may come loose. If this occurs, your vehicle’s frame will pull away from its body every time you turn your vehicle, creating a popping noise that is difficult to miss.
The control arm bushings serve a similar purpose to the body bushings in that they connect part of your vehicle’s suspension to its frame. However, whereas body bushings connect your vehicle’s body to its frame, control arm bushings connect the suspension arms to the frame mounts. Because these arms are designed to twist and pivot, they often scrape against the bushings, causing them to wear down. Over time, this can create space for the suspension arms to rattle within the bushings, which may produce a popping noise.
No Matter the Problem, We’re Here to Help
Regardless of whether your Saab’s sway bars are worn down or its control arm bushings are cracked, chances are you won’t be able to fix the problem on your own. Not only are suspension issues notoriously complicated, but trying to address them without the proper tools or knowledge can make the situation much worse.
Instead of risking this, contact the professionals at Dell’s Service Center. For over 20 years, our talented mechanics have provided top-notch service to customers in Green Bay, Manitowoc, and Sturgeon Bay, WI. We are the best at what we do, so if your Saab’s suspension is acting up, give us a call today to find out how we can help you set things right.