Page 461
541-2
Brake Vacuum Booster
3. Working at the brake pedal assembly, remove the padded insulating material then remove the defroster hose
from the heater box.
NOTE
Note the orientation of the push rod pin and locking clip so they
can be reinstalled correctly.
4. Remove the locking clip and the pushrod pin for the
vacuum booster pushrod. See Fig. 3.
NOTE
5. Working in the engine compartment, disconnect the
vacuum supply hose from the brake booster. See Fig.
2 above.
• 1985 models use a split (cotter) pin rather than a locking clip.
• Inspect the push rod pin for wear and replace if necessary.
6. Remove the master cylinder as described in 521 Brake
Master Cylinder.
7. Working in the passenger compartment, remove the
four nuts holding the vacuum booster to the bulkhead.
Remove the vacuum booster from the engine compartment.
Installation is the reverse of removal. Inspect the seal between the vacuum booster and the master cylinder and replace as necessary. Replace any self-locking nuts with new
ones. Bleed the master cylinder as described in 521 Brake
Master Cylinder. Test all braking functions.
Fig. 3.
Locking clip (arrow) for pushrod pin on master cylinder.
REPLACING VACUUM BOOSTER
Page 462
Parking Brake
551-1
551 Parking Brake
General
Parking Brake Assembly
To remove parking brake cables
(1985-1987 models)
To install parking brake cables
(1985-1987 models)
To adjust parking brake
(1985-1987 models)
551-1
551-1
551-1
551-2
To remove parking brake cables
(1988 and later models)
To install parking brake cables
(1988 and later models)
To adjust parking brake
(1988-1990 models)
To adjust parking brake
(1991 and later models)
551-3
551-6
551-6
551-7
551-3
GENERAL
The parking brake system, working through cables, moves
a lever at the calipers to force the brake pads against the
brake disc. On 1985 through 1987 models, the parking brake
mechanism operates through the front calipers. On 1988 and
later models, the parking brake mechanism operates through
the rear calipers. The parking brake system is self-adjusting,
so that as the pads wear the play between the pads and the
brake disc is taken up automatically and the clearance is kept
constant. The system should be periodically checked for
proper operation.
PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY
The parking brake mechanically actuates the brake calipers
and is independent of the hydraulic brake system. The ratcheting parking brake lever operates two separate, replaceable
cables that connect to the calipers. If the parking brake mechanism at the caliper is damaged or seized, the caliper must be
replaced.
NOTE
For additional information on checking the parKing brake lever
on the caliper, see 517 Brake Pads. Information on replacing
the calipers can be found in 523 Brake Calipers.
To remove parking brake cables (1985-1987
models)
Fig. 1 shows the front parking brake system.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
ParKing (hand) brake lever
Release button
Release link
Cable adjusting nul(l of 2)
Pin
Circlip
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Cable clip
Wheel housing grommet
Cable
Caliper lever
Pivot pin
1. Raise the car and support it with jackstands.
Fig. 1. Parking brake system used on 1985 through 1987 models.
WARNING
Make sure the car is well supported on the jackstands. Never
use just a jack to support a car.
2. Release the parking brake.
PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBL Y
Page 463
551-2
Parking Brake
3. Remove the driver's seat and sill plates, then pull back
the front carpeting to expose the heating duct. See 851
Interior Trim and Upholstery.
4. Remove the center console beneath the handbrake lever as described in 432 Manual Transmission Controls. Where applicable, remove the center storage
console as described in 853 Dashboard and Consoles.
5. Remove the center heating duct.
6. Remove the adjusting nuts from the cable ends at the
parking brake lever. See Fig. 2.
Fig. 3. Parking brake cable (arrow) being disconnected at caliper lever,
NOTE
Note how the cable runs through the engine compartment so
the new cable can be installed in the same location.
To install parking brake cables (1985-1987
models)
1. Working below the engine, inspect the rubber grommet
in the bulkhead and replace it if necessary.
Fig. 2. Parking brake cable adjusting nuts (arrow), Center console removed,
2. Install the cables through the bulkhead grommet into
the passenger compartment.
NOTE
NOTE
Individual cables are available as replacement parts.
It may help to spray the rubber grommet and cable jacket with
silicone spray as an aid to installation.
7. Remove the cable hold-down clip that anchors the cables to the floor. See Fig. 1 above.
NOTE
3. Working in the passenger compartment, install the cable ends into the pivot pin in the handbrake lever and
thread the adjusting nuts on to the cable. See Fig. 2
above.
The cables cross over each other just ahead of the cable clip.
NOTE
8. Working at the wheel housing, remove the rubber
grommet that holds the cable to the body. Unhook the
cable end from the caliper lever. Remove the small circlip the holds the cable to the caliper and slide the cable out of the caliper. See Fig. 3.
Check that the cables cross over each other just inside the
passenger compartment.
9. Working below the engine compartment, cut any cable
ties from the parking brake cable. Then pull the cables
through the bulkhead grommet and out of the passenger compartment. Pull the other end of the cable
through the opening in the wheel housing.
5. Working under the car, feed the other end of the cable
through the opening in the wheel housing and connect
the cable end to the caliper lever. See Fig. 3 above.
PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBL Y
4. Install the cable hold-down clip over the cables.
Page 464
Parking Brake
The rest of the installation is the reverse of removai. Replace any cable ties as necessary. Apply the parking brake lever several times to stretch the cables then adjust the cables
as described below. Check that the parking brake warning
lamp operates correctly.
551-3
NOTE
While a helper pulls up and then releases the handbrake lever
in the passenger compartment, check that the caliper lever
fully releases. If not, the lever is sticking in the caliper or the
lever retum spring is damaged. If the lever cannot be made to
move freely, the caliper should be replaced. See 523 Brake
Calipers.
NOTE
Adjust the parking brake as described below before reinstalling the center console. The adjusting nuts cannot be reached
as easily after the console has been fitted.
To adjust parking brake (1985-1987 models)
1. With the parking brake fully released, back off the adjusting nuts at the hand brake lever until no tension is
on the actuating lever at the caliper. Then insert a 0.5
mm feeler gauge between the caliper lever and yoke as
shown in Fig. 4.
Check that the parking brake is fully applied when the hand
brake lever is pulled up 9 to 10 notches (clicks). Check that the
parking brake warning lamp works correctly.
To remove parking brake cables (1988 and
later models)
Fig. 5 is an exploded view of the parking brake system used
on 1988 and later models.
1. Remove the center console beneath the hand brake lever as described in 432 Manual Transmission Controls. Release the parking brake after removing the
center console.
2. Remove the rear seat cushion and rear sill plates as
described in 851 Interior Trim and Upholstery. Pull
back the rear carpeting.
3. On 1991 and later models, remove the sound absorbing padding and the metal cover over the handbrake
cables. See Fig. 6.
Fig. 4.
Parking brake lever gap being measured at caliper. Cable
must be connected to lever.
parking brake lever
to yoke clearance ........•... O.5±O.1 mm (O.019±O.003 in.)
2. Then working at the hand brake lever, adjust the parking brake cable adjusting nut(s) in the passenger compartment just until the feeler gauge falls out of the
caliper. Recheck the gap with the feeler gauge.
Fig. 6.
Handbrake cable metal cover mounting screws being removed on 1991 and later models. Cover is mounted with
3 screws.
4. Remove the adjusting nut from the end of the cable.
See Fig. 7.
5. Remove the cable locking plate and slide the cable out
of the parking brake console. See Fig. 8.
PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY
Page 465
551-4
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Parking Brake
Parking (hand) brake lever
Release button
Adjusting nut (1 of 2)
Locking plate
Pivot pin
Clamp
Cable bracket
Cable guide on spring link
Lever at rear caliper
9
2
87992-551459
Fig. 5. Parking brake mechanism on 1988 and later models.
Rg.7. Cable adjusting nut (A) being removed while cable (8) is
held stationary.
PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY
Fig. 8. Cable locking plate (arrow) being removed.
Page 466
Parking Brake
6. Remove the cable hold-down clamp under the carpeting in the center of the floor. See Fig. 9.
551-5
9. Remove the cable end from the brake caliper lever.
See Fig. 11.
NOTE
On models with ASS, cut the tie wraps holding the wheel
speed sensor to the parking brake cable.
Fig. 11. Cable end being removed from caliper lever.
10. Working inside the passenger compartment, remove
the cables. See Fig. 12.
Fig. 9.
Cable hold-down clamp being removed. Clamp is on center of floor.
7. Raise the rear of the car and support it with jackstands.
Remove the rear wheels.
WARNING
Make sure the car is well supported on the jackstands. Never
use just a jack to support a car.
8. Remove the cable guide from the rear suspension
spring link. See Fig. 10.
Fig. 12. Cables being removed. Rubber grommet (arrow) seals
body opening.
To install parking brake cables (1988 and later
models)
1. On 1991 and later cars, unscrew the adjusting sleeve
locknut until the cable bottoms out in the adjusting
sleeve. See Fig. 13. Then screw the locknut clockwise
until it contacts the sleeve, plus an additional three
turns. This will preset the cable length.
2. Insert the new cable through the hole under the rear
seat and into the parking brake console. Install the cable adjusting nut(s) hand tight and then install the locking plate. See Fig. 8 above.
Rg. 10. Cable guide on rear suspension link.
PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY
Page 467
551-6
Parking Brake
1. Remove the center console as described in 432 Manual Transmission Controls. Release the parking
brake after removing the center console.
2. Working at the caliper, remove the plug covering the
piston adjusting screw then loosen the adjusting screw
using a 4 mm internal-hex head wrench until the piston
moves out against its stop.
c
NOTE
88004
More information on locating the piston adjusting screw can
be found in 517 Brake Pads,
Fig. 13. Cable locknut (A) and adjusting sleeve (8), Loosen locknut
then bottom out cable (C) in sleeve,
3. Install the cable hold-down clamp as shown in Fig. 9
above.
4. On 1991 and later cars, install the metal cover and
sound absorbing padding.
5. Feed the cable through the body opening towards the
caliper. Install the rubber grommet to the body.
3. Turn the piston adjusting screw all the way in then back
the screw out 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Check that the brake disc
rotates free Iy.
4. Install the plug for the adjusting screw then reconnect
the parking brake cable.
5. Insert a feeler gauge between the parking brake caliper
lever and its stop. See Fig. 14. Adjust the cable through
the adjusting nut(s) at the console (see Fig. 7 given
earlier) until the feeler gauge falls out.
NOTE
On cars with ASS, install a new wire tie to hold the wheel
speed sensor hamess to the parking brake cable,
6. Slide the cable guide onto the cable then install it to the
rear suspension spring link. See Fig. 10 above.
7. Connect the cable end to the rear caliper lever.
Apply and release the parking brake lever several times to
stretch the new cables then adjust the parking brake as described below. The rest of the installation is the reverse of removal. Leave the center console off until the parking brake
has been adjusted. Check for correct operation of the parking
brake warning light.
To adjust parking brake (1988-1990 models)
Fig. 14. Parking brake lever gap being measured with feeler gauge
(arrow), Cable must be connected to lever,
Two versions of parking brake cables are used on the cars
covered by this manual, depending on model year. Adjusting
procedures vary depending on cable installed.
parking brake lever
to caliper clearance
On 1988 through 1990, the cables are adjusted at the parking brake console. On 1991 and later models the cables are
adjusted at the adjusting sleeves under the rear seat cushion.
NOTE
On 1988 and later convertible models and on all 1991 and later models, the right hand cable is slightly longer than the left
hand cable,
PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBL Y
, 1.0±O.5 mm (O.04±O.02 in.)
The rest of installation is the reverse of removal.
To adjust parking brake (1991 and later
models)
1. Remove the rear seat cushion as described in 851 Interior Trim and Upholstery. Release the parking
brake before making adjustments to the parking brake.
Page 468
Parking Brake
2. Working at the caliper, remove the plug covering the
piston adjusting screw, then loosen the adjusting screw
using a 4 mm internal-hex head wrench until the piston
moves out against its stop.
551-7
l
NOTE
More information on locating the piston adjusting screw can
be found in 517 Brake Pads.
3. Turn the piston adjusting screw all the way in, then
back the screw out 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Check that the brake
disc rotates freely.
4. Install the plug for the adjusting screw then reconnect
the parking brake cable.
5. Working at the caliper, insert a feeler gauge (between
the parking brake caliper lever and its stop. See Fig. 14
above.
parking brake lever
to caliper clearance
0.5 to 2.0 mm (0.02 to 0.08 in.)
I
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _---=8.::..:80:..::.09=--·$.::..:5:::...-/44:....:..:.-7_
Fig. 15. Locknut being pried away from adjusting sleeve to remove
slack in cable.
NOTE
• Apply and release the parking brake several times and check
the adjustment again. Make sure the lever moves freely.
6. Locate the cable adjusting sleeve under the rear seat,
then carefully pry the sleeve away from the sleeve's
locknut to remove the slack in the cable. See Fig. 15.
Then screw in the locknut (approximately 3 turns) until
the feeler gauge falls out.
• While a helper pulls up and then releases the handbrake lever in the passenger compartment, check that the caliper lever fully releases. If not, the lever is sticking in the caliper or
the lever retum spring is damaged. If the lever cannot be
made to move freely, the caliper should be replaced. See 523
Brake Calipers.
PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY
Page 469
Steering and Wheel Alignment-General
600-1
600 Steering and Wheel Alignment-General
General
Steering
Wheel Alignment.
600-1
600-1
600-1
Troubleshooting
600-2
TABLES
a. Steering and Wheel Alignment
Troubleshooting
600-3
are equipped with an SRS airbag system. The airbag itself is
located in the steering wheel pad. Tie rods with replaceable
ends connect the steering rack to the steering swivel
member.
GENERAL
Steering
All of the cars covered by this manual have power steering.
The steering rack is located at the rear of the engine
compartment. The belt-driven power steering pump is
mounted on a bracket at the back of the engine, on the
passenger side. Fig. 1 shows the power steering system.
WARNING
On cars equipped with an SRS airbag system, do not attempt
to service the wiring in the steering wheel, steering column assembly, or airbag control unit without first disarming the SRS
system. The airbag may ignite causing injury. See an authorized Saab dealer for any repairs necessary to the SRS wiring
or components.
NOTE
For drive axle repair information, see 774 Wheel Bearings
and Drive Axles.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is the precise adjustment of the steering
and suspension components to ensure that all wheels are
orientated correctly, compared to the other wheels, the
chassis and the direction of travel. Small changes can have
a big effect on the how the car drives. Proper alignment
provides the best compromise between responsiveness,
stability, and tire wear.
Wheel alignment is adjustable only on the front wheels.
Toe-in, Caster, and Camber are the three wheel alignment
adjustments that are made using special 'front-end alignment
equipment.
Toe-in is the difference between dimension A and
~:;~~~:r:~~~~:~OS~:~:i~~~:~~~~=~ ~:n~C~,~:~~Ot~~:i~!~:i
87806-86/255
1. Power steering fluid reservoir
2. Power steenng pump
3. Control valve
Fig. i.
4. Steering rack
5. Intermediate shaft
6. Steering column
Power-assisted steering system.
The steering column connects to the steering rack via an
intermediate shaft an a universal joint. The column is
collapsible in the event of a serious accident. Some models
must always be positive. In other words, dimension B must be
greater than dimension A. This small amount of toe-in helps
to offset the forces that tend to spread the tires outward as
the car is travelling forward at speed.
Camber refers to the angle formed between the wheel and
the vertical. See Fig. 3. If the wheel tilts outwards, the camber
angle is said to be positive; if it tilts inwards, the angle is said
to be negative. Proper wheel geometry on the Saab 900
requires positive camber. The camber angle influences
cornering and directional stability.
GENERAL
Page 470
600-2
Steering and Wheel Alignment-General
I......f - - - - - - -
A - - - - -........~I
1.......:....----4It---
B - - - - - . . . . : t. . .
87853-86/130
Fig. 2. Toe-in is the difference between dimension A and dimension
B,
Fig. 4. Caster as viewed from the side,
TROUBLESHOOTING
This troubleshooting section applies to problems affecting
steering and wheel alignment. Such problems are usually
caused by faults in the steering system, but a problem such
as consistently pulling to one side may also be caused by
faulty brakes or a damaged drive-axle joint.
The steering system must precisely position the wheels so
that the car is stable and controllable. Instability or imprecise
road feel may be caused by worn or damaged steering
components or incorrectly aligned wheels.
87854-84351
Fig. 3. Camber as viewed from front or rear,
Caster is the angle at which the swivel member (king pin)
deviates from the vertical when viewed from the side. See
Fig. 4. When the swivel member axis is inclined backwards,
the caster is said top be positive; when the axis is inclined
forward, the caster is said to be negative. The 900 is
designed with positive caster. Positive camber helps to
provide self-centering steering and directional stability.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Tire wear is good indicator of steering and wheel alignment
problems. Tire wear and incorrect inflation pressures can
dramatically affect handling. Subtle irregularities in wheel
alignment angles also affect stability. Mixing different types or
sizes of tires, particularly on the same end of the car, can
affect alignment and may unbalance a car's handling.
Steering and wheel alignment problems can usually be
isolated and at least partially diagnosed by careful
observation of the symptoms and inspection of the
components that are the most likely cause. Table a lists
symptoms of steering and wheel alignment problems and
their probable causes, and suggests corrective actions.