We have 2 240's, a 1984 and a 1991, each manual transmission.
When starting from a stop in 1st gear there is a "moaning" sound from the rear suspension. It quits about the time the clutch pedal is released. Is that a specific bushing that is bad? Is it that simple?
I already bought torque rod bushings and still need to install them

You say when releasing the brakes. Maybe calipers are slow to release? Contaminated / glazed brake pad surface / rotor surface?

Harmonic moan when brakes applied 200

https://www.brickboard.com/RWD/volvo/501907/220/240/260/280/harmonic_moan_brakes_applied.html

How is the brake fluid? Clean and clear page golden to light golden to a clear tan? Or Black as pitch? Use Motive Power Bleeder or like, do not use the brake pedal to pump.

Though if black, corroding rear brake calipers with release or siezing pistons may be already set.

Time to inspect the rear calipers.
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Thanks, I guess that is a possibility I had not thought of. I'll check into it

Welcome. Lettuce know how you make out in your inspection.

When you hear the moan, it is reminiscent of of braking sounds on a bus, like a school bus, sort of?

What Saab models do you own? How are things in owning and caring for your Saab(s) after what GM did? Do have new parts vendors, salvage yards, and forums you use to help the cause.

I'm bummed what happened to Saab. I like the 90 and older models, with manual transmission, or three pedals in Old Duke speak.
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I have been watching whether the brakes were used before starting out and it doesn't seem to matter. I raised the rear and I don't believe anything in dragging. I am starting to question axle bushings, the sound doesn't make me think of brakes at all.

As for Saab, haha, that's a very old moniker now. I had several good Saabs many years ago and tried a 2006 9-5 a few years ago. Should have been the pinnacle of that model but we never fell in love with it and had several disappointments. Sold it to a Saab fan/nut so I hope he is still happy with it.

Pretty much the Classic 900's and the 9000's are the only good Saabs I feel

Hi,

The moaning sound from the rear while in a low range gear, when there is the most strain on the drive train, can most likely be an exhaust pipe noise.
I take the notion, from you, that it happens during the peak RPM's of about to shift as the best clue. For me the 2,700 - 3,000 range in low or second gear was very repetitive.

Over the years it has been one of the below on different cars.

There could be a baffles struts inside one of the mufflers that has rusted apart from it internal supports.
In some case, I have gotten away with winding a lag screw in from the outside of the muffler to stabilize the internal section that is shaking.

Another thing you are looking into is shaking things around and observing if things could be rubbing the body someplace.
Look for a tiny freshly rubbed spot. Appearing on the body of the car from the exhaust pipe. There is an area near the lower seam of the wheel well. The axle pipes that go to the rear muffler gets very close along there.

Suspension noises are usually related to the cars body motions. Up or down or side ways caused by a lateral strain.

If this was more of a noise up front, I would say the heat shields are buzzing. Especially, if the bracket from the pipes to the transmission have lost its bolts. It's possible to develop a crack in the welded on pad of the exhaust pipe.

Hope this helps
Phil

Thanks, but it occurs from 0-10 mph or so, maybe 0-5, just as I let out the clutch and begin to accelerate and then it seems to go away. I am suspecting the brakes dragging a little bit but I also wonder if it is a bushing in the suspensions just as the weight transfer causes the body to move a little more than usual.

I doont know if you did the same thing,,but on my 940 I replaced the rear shocks 2 years ago & forgot that the sway bar was attached through bottom shock bolt!!I didnt take the time to slow down & attach it properly so it was loose & rubbing against the shock nut,,

Thanks, but I can rule that out