96 9000CS - Whining sound from Automatic Trans.

Hi Kirk,

If you've not already done so, replace the transmission oil filter and change the transmission oil (aka automatic transmission fluid or Dexron). Without special equipment you can only get around 4 of the 8 litres out at any one time so if the fluid that comes out looks dirty or dark (should be pinkish-red) run the car for a few miles and change some more (with every change you are diluting the old oil).

With the last change add some "Lubegard Red" to the oil - that's the only (as far as I know) additive that Saab ever endorsed for this transmission. It was prescribed for a particular whine in the transmission. If you go to

you can find a copy of the Saab bulletin.

Two other more time consuming but fairly inexpensive fixes are failing governor seals (can be replaced without removing the trans) and a broken accumulator spring in the valve body (again this can be replaced in situ).

Beyond those, I'm not sure, other than taking the car to a specialist who knows ZF transmissions. Where are you in the world, Canada?

Hope this helps.

Piers

Hi Piers, I am located in London, Ontario, Canada. I did take the car to the local SAAB dealer, they immediately told me to replace the transmission. ($6000.00 - 7000.00) (Dealer did not inspect, just listened to the noise.) As I mentioned in the first post, the transmission does function as it should.

I'm going to try your suggestions, starting with the ATF and filter change. If it turns out to need replacing I may just have it rebuilt. I have also been on the lookout for a used tranny, but seem to be hard to find.

Thanks for the response,

Kirk,

Hi Kirk,

Since you're on that side of "the pond" you could call Eriksson Industries in Connecticut (US) as they are ZF experts who can supply parts - even a rebuilt transmission - and advice (if it comes to more than an oil and filter change). Their website is

I live in the UK and bought a spring kit from them as their prices are good and they ship internationally. I believe Eriksson's supply with their rebuilt transmissions and so it's worth comparing both places for a fully delivered price if you end up going that route. You can probably get Lubegard locally or mail order from in the US. But yes, first have a look at the state of the oil, then replace the filter and change the oil (if it looked OK add some Lubegard now, if it was very dirty do a couple more oil changes first). Check to see if the old filter is clogged. There's a magnet down there in the cover that you remove to access the filter that will probably have some fine magnetic sludge on it, which is fairly normal - chunks of anything in that area is a potential cause for concern. Certainly use a new filter and o-rings and don't be tempted to try to reuse the old one - it's just not worth it!

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Piers

UPDATE I took the car to a transmission shop that had some experience with ZF transmissions. They found metal filings in the fluid. They also put a listening device on the trans. itself and were able to determine the sound was coming the area closest to the driver's side front wheel.

Thanks for the update Kirk.

At this point I'd drop in a small bottle of Lubegard Red and see what happens to the noise. The metal filings could indicate a bigger problem but it would depend on how many they found and how big they were.

The Lubegard will either work or it won't (you'll know within a few minutes) and can't do any harm. If it cures the whine then flush as much fluid out as possible (do a few changes or get a shop to flush it through) to get rid of the remaining filings and replace the filter (you'll lose the "test" Lubegard you put in so be ready to buy another bottle!)

And if you can, let us know the result.

Piers