Saab 9-5 susp noise, oil light & judder

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Fri 18 Feb 2005 11:39
Saab 9-5 susp noise, oil light & judder - Pipkin
Bought a 99 v plate saab 9-5 with 72k on clock. Has a very limited warranty (3mnths or 3k, which I will do in about 6 weeks).

I want to make sure I get all the niggles sorted now. Obviously I didn't want to sound like a complete fool when I suggest what needs to be looked at so hope someone can help:

1) Front suspension makes a clunking noise when going over speed bumps, and I am going suitably slow. It doesn't do it when I go over bumps with just left side or right side, only when whole front goes over. Feels like under the engine may be catching the hump. Is this shocks, suspension or something else? Is there another simple check I can do to narrow it down?

2) Oil light has flicked on an off a couple of times after a longish journey. It doesn't come one in conjunction with the triangular warning light in the middle of the dash. I guess this just means top the oil up.

3) Can feel juddery vibration when driving above 70, below this drive is very smooth. My limited knowledge leads me to guess it is just wheel balancing. Again, is this a symptom of something more sinister and what other basic check should I do?

Help on any or all these much appreciated.
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Fri 18 Feb 2005 12:55
Saab 9-5 susp noise, oil light & judder - Aprilia
Your biggest concern should be the oil pressure light. It could indicate a seriously worn engine. I have seen these SAAB engines expire below 100k miles. When the oil is hot it is thinner, and therefore engine wear problems become more apparent.

I would strongly suggest getting it round to a local small garage and asking them to connect up an oil pressure gauge and take readings - esp. hot idle pressure. Make sure you give the car a good run before driving into the garage so that the oil is good and hot. Obviously do basic checks first (i.e. it oil level above min. mark?).
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Fri 18 Feb 2005 13:33
Saab 9-5 susp noise, oil light & judder - Pugugly {P}
Might be worth giving the previous owner a tinkle.
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