Being subject to regular noise on your vehicle tends to be frustrating, a vehicle is so complex that it is constantly difficult to find its origin and even more so to find the part that generates it. If you have already experienced a clicking noise on your saab 9 3, we will most likely be able to help you. In fact, our editorial staff decided to compose this article in order to review the main causes of a clicking noise on saab 9 3. This is why, firstly, we will check out what are the origins of this type of noise coming from your engine block, then those of a noise coming from your direction and finally, the sources of clicking noise on saab 9 3 coming from your suspensions.clicking-noise-saab-9-3

I listen to a clicking noise on saab 9 3 from my engine

Examine your high engine

If you listen to a clicking noise on saab 9 3, and this sound is located at the top of the engine, it means that it comes from your cylinder head and its associated parts. Two elements can be the triggers of these ticking noises on saab 9 3. Either the hydraulic pushers , in most cases it is because of their faulty “hydraulic catch-up” system that we will notice these clicking noises, generally when cold and disappear when hot. Otherwise, it is the interplay of your rocker arms or their state of wear that is at issue. In this situation, remember to change them.

Examine your low engine

If you have founded the spot of origin of the saab 9 3 clikcing noises coming from your low engine, it may be that your rods or piston shafts are the triggers. In both cases, the risk in the long term is the breakage of the motor. These two repairs are very difficult and most mechanics will recommend you to change the engine of your saab 9 3.

Combustion problem

Finally, if you have the feeling that this clicking noise on saab 9 3 is in connection with the combustion of your engine, there are three possible reasons of it. Examine the state of your glow plugs which, if worn, can hinder the proper combustion of the fuel mixture. Then, it is possible that your timing belt is shifted and that it does not properly manage the timing of the various engine components to promote good combustion. And finally, the most classic trigger, comes from your injection, which is either blocked or one or more injectors are destroyed. In this circumstance, do not hesitate to check this article which deals in detail with the different injection sounds on saab 9 3.

I listen to a clicking noise on saab 9 3 in my direction

Examine the state of the gimbals

One of the most basic triggers of a clicking noises in the direction of your saab 9 3 is linked to the direction of the vehicle. Indeed, the cardans and their bellows are parts that are constantly stressed during your changes of direction or that you turn your wheels and a wear of one of them can create a ticking type of sound when you get closer to the stop zone of your steering. A bellows with holes will affect the cardan shaft very quickly and must be swapped rapidly, otherwise the entire cardan shaft will have to be swapped. Consider taking a look at it. If you would like more detailed information about gimbals noises on saab 9 3, do not hesitate to read this complete guide.

Examine the rest of your direction

Finally, when you detect a clicking noise on your saab 9 3, it is possible that it is the direction that is involved. Just like the gimbals, the steering part is mobilized when you turn your wheels. If this is the circumstance, the parts that may have been damaged due to normal wear and tear or impact (e. g. sidewalks) are steering rods, stabilizer bar silentblocks or steering triangles.

I listen to a clicking noise on saab 9 3 coming from my suspensions

Examine the suspension

If you encounter a clicking noise on your saab 9 3 each time you pass a speed bump, it is extremely possible that your suspension block is the reason of the sound. In fact, it may be the suspension cups, which, when they are outdated, have the rubber (silentbloc) that acts as a buffer and shock absorber for the upper part of the suspension that no longer fulfils its role and during small jolts that compress the suspensions. To check if this is the trouble that concerns you, take a dented road and, at low speed, focus on the sound coming from your front axle when ever you pass over holes. If these are the cups, consider changing them soon as this may affect other parts and require more expensive repairs.

Check spring and cylinder

If you detect a clicking noise on your saab 9 3 at the suspension level, it is widely possible that spring wear or shock cylinder deformation may be a cause. To check the shape of the spring, place the vehicle on a flat surface and measure that the heights from the ground to the bottom of the body are equivalent on each side (empty car for measurement). You can also check between the front and rear, if there is a gap too significant it suggests that that most likely your springs are worn, if you see a leak go a little further in the article to have the answer to this problem. For the cylinder the verification is visual, make sure that it seems to work in a straight axis. And that there is no angle that would alter its proper functioning. If one of them breaks in both situations, you should think about swapping it or them. If you have the feeling that this noise is more like a squeaking noise on saab 9 3 than a clicking noise, don’t hesitate to consult this article.