Saab 9-3 Tid front end noise?

Phat Momma Hoe · 26 Nov 2017 at 17:12

I've had my 2007 Saab 9-3 Tid since August and it's suffered with a weird mechanical 'whiring' sound in all that time.

It almost sounds like a worn baring, I contemplated it being the clutch but having done 4k miles there appears to be no other clutch related issues.

The mystery noise only happens when in gear (moving, not stationary), however dipping the clutch, rolling in neutral or when applying the brakes the noise vanishes (hence my original guess at clutch or flywheel).

I'd rather not get a garage to diagnose without a rough idea of the area of interest to keep cost down.

There is no loss of power
No overheating
Fuel efficiency isn't affected
No obvious adverse effects
No clutch slip

It's been driving me bloody crazy as you can hear (and feel it) all the time. Did wonder about the cambelt but no idea how a worn one manifests symptoms

Help!

Big Spender · 26 Nov 2017 at 22:06

120 or 150 bhp engine?

Phat Momma Hoe · 26 Nov 2017 at 22:08

Dangerous Dave · 26 Nov 2017 at 22:22

If the Sabbs use the M32 gearbox probably the 5/6th bearings are worn. Does it make the noise in every gear ?

Phat Momma Hoe · 26 Nov 2017 at 22:25

Yeah every gear, I just wish I had a better way to describe the noise but it reminds me of a worn bearing casing with grit in the bearings (such as on a skateboard for instance)
It's that kind of noise and feel.

Big Spender · 26 Nov 2017 at 22:31

Dangerous Dave said:
If the Sabbs use the M32 gearbox probably the 5/6th bearings are worn. Does it make the noise in every gear ?

It'll most likely be the F40 which doesnt suffer the same fate but there is a chance it could be the M32.

See here for the symptoms of M32 failures http://www.wgmotorworks.co.uk/repairs/transmission/m32-gearbox/

Phat Momma Hoe · 26 Nov 2017 at 22:39

It is an f40 btw

mrgubby · 27 Nov 2017 at 09:15

Could be a front wheel bearing.I had one that only I could hear and it went through two MOTs until it actually had some detectable play in it !

Phat Momma Hoe · 27 Nov 2017 at 09:38

Can't see it being a wheel bearing as it would be constant rather than only audible when being driven in gear

blueboy2001 · 27 Nov 2017 at 16:55

Could be the dual mass flywheel failing, especially if there is some vibration present with it.

Is the noise proportional to road speed or engine speed, or it is more constant?

Phat Momma Hoe · 27 Nov 2017 at 17:21

It's a constant, as in doesn't 'rotate' quicker as I accelerate or really change based on road speed.
Driving me mad, wondering if it could be belt related (bearing in a pulley or something).
I do get some engine vibration at about 1800 to 1900 if I mash my foot down, but that's about it. Although I hear that's quite common with these

wedrum · 27 Nov 2017 at 17:23

dual mass failure or release bearing

Phat Momma Hoe · 27 Nov 2017 at 17:25

Can't imagine it's the release bearing as there are no other effects, no clutch slippage, selection issues etc. Gear box/change feels no different than when I got the car months ago.

bremen1874 · 27 Nov 2017 at 17:33

Not saying it is the release bearing, but a noisy release bearing wouldn't cause any other issues.

Vita · 27 Nov 2017 at 18:09

Possible main bearing in box. Sounds similar to what I had in my accord. I'm sure release bearing occurs when clutch is dipped.