Broken motor mounts ?
 

Well, I just got my first Saab (Yay! I know!) and I think I may have run into a broken/damaged motor mount.

It's a 1999 9-3 Convertible. I notice it mainly when shifting gears above 1st, and the takeoff is pretty jerky, regardless how smooth I try to be. I also noticed the engine jerks alot while starting off, as a friend accelerated slightly with the hood open.

Also, when cruising and slightly getting on/off the clutch, I can sort of feel some creaking coming from the engine, and slightly under me. Not sure if it is related to a motor mount. Everything else besides that is fine. Acceleration, braking, sound, is all spot on, except for the jerking while shifting gears.

What would you guys suggest me to do ? Any good, reliable, and cheap Saab parts retailers online that you guys would recommend me to ?

Thanks guys ! :D

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

I highly recommend getting upgraded motor mounts...well worth it.

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Do you have a suggestion as to where to find them for the best price ?? I purchased the car today, and my wallet is a little flat.:)

Also, anything else that could cause this ? Transmission fluid, gearbox, ect...

Thanks again man !

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

A clunking noise is almost always a motor mount...it's easy to check though...pop the hood, put the car in park if it's an auto or in 1st if it's manual. Than grab the rad support and push and pull the car...you should see the engine move around and if it moves substantially and makes clunking noises than you found a problem. GenuineSaab.com sell polyurethane mounts which are just around $120 each...there's three mounts you are concerned with, the transmission mount, the side engine mount and the rear engine mount. All of them have a 90% chance to be bad around 90-130K miles. Also, you car being a convertible, check out they 6-point subframe brace...I hear it does wonders to convertibles ;)

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Thanks so much man !

I'm gonna go ahead and change out all my motor mounts. It's about time they were replaced. :p

As seeing this was a Grandma/Grandpa car, I'm also doing a full tune-up. Hopefully that will further smooth things out.

Thanks again for all you help ! I'll let you guys know hot it goes, and post up some pics when I'm done.

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Make sure you use factory spec NGK plugs and nothing else....these are very sensitive. And in case you dont know yet, eeuroparts.com is a good source for OE parts.

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Oh really ?

I was about to get some NGK Iridium IX's for it. Wouldn't those serve me better ?

And thanks for the link ! :D

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Don't bother, all they'll do is burn out faster. These cars rely on the spark plugs for knock detection...and that works best with originals.

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Wow, good to know man!;)

Saving me money already! hehe.

I was also thinking of purchasing a BOV in the near future. I wasn't going to change the recirculating valve though. Do you think that's a good idea ?

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

I will tell you htis much....a "whoosh" sound is not worth the $100 that could have been spent on other things... I have it and I seriously don't think it's all that worth it...

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Ahh, I was just waiting to see if I came across a good deal for one on eBay.

Either way there are many more things I'd be willing to upgrade before purchasing a bov.

Any suggestions are appreciated ! :D Thanks!

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Get a 6 point subframe brace and a thicker rear antiroll bar...makes a world of a difference handlign wise...and get GOOD tires. They are also important and are often overlooked.

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Once again, many thanks for all your help.

I just came back from getting the spark plugs, oil filter, and motor oil. Will change out the oil today, and then go look fro some motor mounts. :)

I'll try the dealership first, and then compare with online pricing, as neither autoparts store I went to carried them. I will definately look into the 6-point subframe brace and the anti-roll bar once I'm done swapping out the mounts, as well as the new tires. [8D]

Thank you so much ! I'll be sure to post up some pictures soon.

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

If you want upgraded mounts, genuinesaab is the place to get them. If you want stock - eeuroparts.com (usually very quick shipping too). Don't buy dealership parts right away - check these two sources first.

http://www.europartsdirect.com/is also another source for parts.

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Hehe, I think I'll be getting them from either one of those two site. :D

Dealership was running me about $750 for all 3 mounts. [:-]

So.. No to the dealership.

Thanks man !

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Remember, if a site doesn't have a part listed - call them. I've gotten hard to find parts this way easily...

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

Will do bro.

So far I've found everything I need from them.

Thanks again !

RE: Broken motor mounts ?
 

I must change my mounts myself, living on an island = no dealership or shop. I have the complete repair manuals but do not find specific motor mount change addressed... just another step in the engine removal section.
I will have to use a jack to lift the engine. Is this practical? Must all the disconnections in the SAAB manual be necessary? I was hoping to change the mounts just like my '78 Malibu: jack up engine, remove and replace mounts.

Any and all Tips, suggestions, warnings, etc. will be greatly appreciated!

1984 900T 4Door Manual AirCond

Thanks
-Spanky