Question: I recently purchased a used 2006 Saab 9-7X, and so far I have to say the vehicle has been great. Once in a while at a stop, it seems to jump. There’s also a clunking noise. What could this be?
Answer: Saab TSB 07-04-17-001C might be what you’re looking for. I pulled it up on the ALLDATA Information System (www.alldata.com). This TSB describes a “bump or thump noise heard from the rear suspension or felt in the floor,” typically while making a rapid stop at a traffic light. The actual cause of the condition is a combination of the rear electronic suspension (if equipped) trying to level the vehicle, and the driveline becoming unbound. We’re not talking about a normal all-wheel driveline clunk when letting off or tipping into the throttle; this one occurs only during abrupt stops. The fix is to replace both the transmission output shaft (transfer case output shaft if it’s 4WD) and the driveshaft yoke with modified parts, and to add special grease to finish off the installation. I don’t know how successful the replacement parts have been in silencing the noise, but that’s the designated repair at this point. It also applies to several model years of GMC Envoy, Oldsmobile Bravada, and Buick Rainier, which are all on the same platform. If there’s no warranty to cover the fix, it may get expensive. My book is showing warranty labor time (customer pay is more) of 2.5 hours with 4WD, and a big 8.0-hour job on the 2WD transmission.
How To Reach Alex
If you have a technical question regarding your pickup, SUV, or van, feel free to contact Alex, a master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Send a letter to him in care of Truck Trend Garage, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, or e-mail us at trucktrend@sourceinterlink.com. Please include the VIN with your question. Due to the volume of questions received every month, we cannot guarantee that everyone’s question will be personally answered or will appear in the magazine.