Page 491
Power Steering
644-5
4. Slacken the pump bracket nut and bolt. Fully loosen the
bracket adjusting screw. See Fig. 12. Remove the
pump V-belt.
Fig. 13. Pump bracket lower mounting bolt (1) and inlet hose (2)
as viewed from below car.
Fig. 12. Pump bracket nut (1), bracket bolt (2), adjusting screw
(3), and outlet pipe (4),
5. Disconnect the fluid outlet pipe at the union shown in
the above figure.
6. Working from below the car, remove the bracket's lower mounting bolt. Disconnect the inlet hose. See Fig. 13.
NOTE
Note the order of the rubber bushings, spacers, and washers
for the lower mounting bolt.
7, Working from the engine compartment, remove the
pump bracket top nut and bolt. Swivel the pump toward
the wheel arch and remove it from the car. See Fig. 14.
Installation is the reverse of removal. Tighten the hose
fittings to the specified torque. Adjust the belt tension as
described in 1 LUBRICATION AND MAINTENANCE. Fill
and bleed the system as described above under the steering
rack installation procedure,
Fig. 14. Power steering pump being removed,
Tightening torque
• power steering pump
hose fittings., . , .... , , 20 to 34 Nm (15 to 25 ft-Ib)
POWER STEERING SYSTEM
Page 492
Suspension-General
700-1
700 Suspension-General
Front Suspension
700-1
Rear Suspension
700-1
Suspension Troubleshooting
700-2
FRONT SUSPENSION
The Saab 900 is equipped with an independent front
suspension. See Fig. 1. The upper and lower control arms
are pivot-mounted to the body. A double-acting shock
absorber and coil spring controls suspension travel, which is
limited by a rubber buffer. The steering swivel member is
mounted to the control arms through ball joints.
4
~~~~2
1'mJ.'~-:::-+-~1--1
/
i
87694-S&287 .
1. Locking nut (always
replace)
2. Washer
3. Wheel bearing hub
4. Outer drive axle with
integral CV joint
5. Wheel bearing
6. Brake disc
7. Inner drive axle
Fig. 2. Steering swivel member.
87851-56325
1.
2.
3.
4.
Upper control arm
Spring seat
Coil spring
Bump stop
5.
6.
7.
8.
Shock absorber
Lower ball joint
Lower control arm
Upper ball joint
Fig. 1. Front suspension.
The front wheel bearing is pressed into the steering
member and the wheel bearing hub is in turn pressed into the
wheel bearing. See Fig. 2.
The splined drive axle with integral constant velocity (CV)
joint passes through the wheel bearing and is firmly bolted to
the splined wheel bearing hub. The brake caliper is bolted to
the steering swivel member and the brake disc is mounted to
the wheel bearing hub. The steering rack is connected to the
steering swivel member through the tie rod ends.
REAR SUSPENSION
The rear axle is a lightweight tube located by five links
designed to keep the rear wheels parallel and stable. See
Fig. 3. The pan hard rod absorbs the lateral cornering forces.
The spring links and torque arms prevent the axle from
rotating during braking and accelerating. On some models, a
rear stabilizer bar further controls body sway or roll during
cornering. Upward and downward movement of the axle is
limited by the double acting shock absorbers and suspension
coil springs.
REAR SUSPENSION
I
Page 493
700-2
Suspension-General
, _ _ Panhard
rod
Shock absorber
87852-86330
Fig. 3.
Rear suspension.
SUSPENSION TROUBLESHOOTING
Stable handling and ride comfort depends on the integrity
of the suspension components that gradually become worn
with time and mileage. In addition to worn suspension parts,
troubleshooting must consider the condition of the wheels,
tires, and their alignment. General suspension and wheel
alignment troubleshooting information can be found in 600
Steering and Wheel Alignment-General.
SUSPENSION TROUBLESHOOTING
Page 494
Front Suspension
731-1
731 Front Suspension
General
731-1
Shock Absorbers
731-1
731-1
731-2
Anti-Roll Bar
731-3
731-3
731-4
a. Front Coil Spring Specifications
To remove front shock absorbers
To install front shock absorbers
Suspension Coil Springs
To remove coil springs
Checking Coil Springs
GENERAL
This section covers replacement of the front shock
absorbers, coil springs, and anti-roll bar only. For information
on replacing the ball joints and the control arms, see 631 Ball
Joints and 632 Control Arms.
SHOCK ABSORBERS
The function of a shock absorber, or damper, is to
moderate the action of the coil spring. The shock slows the
spring's bounce and allows it to return to its normal position
more quickly. See Fig. 1.
Shocks require no routine maintenance and cannot be
serviced. The shock absorbers are easily replaced using
ordinary hand tools and should always be replaced in pairs.
To remove front coil spring
seat and bushing
731-5
731-6
731-6
To remove front anti-roll bar
TABLES
731-5
wallowing, feel after bumps or in corners. Very worn shocks
may reach the limits of their travel by knocking when going
over bumps.
The most common-though not entirely accurate-test of
shock absorber function involves vigorously bouncing each
corner of the car and then releasing and observing how
quickly the bouncing stops. More than one bounce usually
suggests the shocks are not properly dampening and should
be replaced. As a final check, look for oil leaks on the outside
of the shock. If any signs of oil are present, the shocks shOUld
be replaced.
If a rattling or clunking noise is noticeable while traveling
over rough road surlaces, check the lower shock absorber
bushings. These bushing are available separately from an
authorized Saab dealer. In addition, replacement shock
absorbers come with new upper and lower bushing sets. See
Fig. 2.
WARNING
Gas shock absorbers are under high pressure (400 to 600 psi)
and can cause severe injury if handled improperly. Do not
heat, weld, cut or defonm the shock absorber in any way. Gas
shock absorbers should be disposed of properly. See an authorized Saab dealer for infonmation on gas shock disposal.
87840
Rg.1. Front shock absorber and pivoted suspension springs.
The best evidence of worn shock absorbers is their road
handling behavior in normal driving. Worn shocks will allow
skittishness over bumps and a less controlled, often
NOTE
The Saab 900 shock absorbers are of a unique design incorporating a special stop. Always replace them with Saab original equipment shock absorbers or damage to the suspension
may result.
To remove front shock absorbers
1. Working in the engine compartment, remove the shock
absorber upper mounting nuts. Loosen the top locknut
first while holding the lower nut stationary. See Fig. 3.
SHOCK ABSORBERS
Page 495
731-2
Front Suspension
BOdY/
(sheet metal)
~~--"liill'"'''''~~_'/---:>''Bushings
~~;:::;:;:;~"""~washer
'-'-1
i
j
Fig. 3. Shock absorber upper mounting nut being removed,
Open-end wrench is used to prevent lower nut from spinning when loosening top nut,
L __ ~
@
Lower
bushing
I
I
'I
I
,
:'-;:f.-;","" ;"';("1
87836·S6382
Fig. 2. Front shock absorber.
NOTE
• If the shock shaft turns while trying to loosen the nuts, cut
the plastic protective tube off the shock from below and then
use a locking pliers to hold the shaft stationary.
• When removing the driver's side shock, the mounting nuts
can be more easily accessed if the coolant expansion tank is
moved out of the way. Do not remove the hoses or cap. Remove only the fasteners holding the tank to the body.
2. Loosen the wheel lug bolts, then raise the front of the
car and support it securely on jack stands designed for
the purpose. Remove the front wheel.
WARNING
Always check that the car is stable on the jack stands before
starting any work.
3. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting nut and
washer. Remove the shock absorber. See Fig. 4. If necessary, pry the shock off its control arm mount.
SHOCK ABSORBERS
Fig. 4. Shock absorber being removed from lower control arm
mount.
, To install front shock absorbers
1. Lubricate the lower mount bushings with petroleum jelly. Install the shock absorber to the lower mount. Tighten the nut to the value given below.
Tightening torque
• front shock absorber to lower
control arm
90 to 100 Nm (66 to 74 ft-Ib)
2. Install the washer and bushing (lower) onto the top of
the shock. See Fig. 5.
3. Using a jack, raise the control arm slightly while guiding
the shock into its opening in the body. See Fig. 6. Working in the engine compartment, install the bushing (upper), the washer and nuts. Tighten the nuts.
Page 496
Front Suspension
731-3
SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS
Fig. 7 shows the suspension coil spring. The coil springs do
not require any service or maintenance and are not normally
replaced unless damaged or fatigued. Coil springs should
always be replaced in sets. Removing the coil springs
requires special tools. Read the procedures through before
starting the job.
d:::G~----'---Support
"""':=:r:I~---- Spacer
87963-S5/302
Fig. 5. Shock absorber mounting bushings,
washers and nuts. Note the orientation
of the upper dished washer (concave
faces up) and the taper on the lower
bushing.
iiiiliiil----Coil spring
NOTE
Tighten the shock upper mounting nuts just until the upper
bushing is expanded to the outer edges of the washer.
Upper
control
arm
Spring seat
bushing
87962-F1445
Fig. 7.
Exploded view of front suspension coil spring and related
components.
WARNING
Do not attempt to service the coil springs without a spring
compressor designed specifically for this purpose. Attempting
this job without the proper tools can result in serious injury.
Fig. 6.
Raise lower control arm slightly using jack.
To remove coil springs
4. Lower the jack from under the control arm. Install and
tighten the wheel bolts or nuts. Lower the car. Install the
coolant reservoir if necessary.
Tightening torques
• wheel lug bolts
• wheel lug nuts
105 to 125 Nm (78 to 92 ft-Ib)
90 to 110 Nm (66 to 81 ft-Ib)
1. Loosen the wheel lug bolts, then raise the front of the
car and support it securely on jack stands designed for
the purpose. Remove the front wheel.
WARNING
Always check that the car is stable on the jack stands before
starting any work.
SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS
Page 497
731-4
Front Suspension
2. Remove the shock absorber lower mounting nut and
washer and remove the shock from its control arm
mount. If necessary, pry the shock from the mount.
3. Install the coil spring compressor to the spring. Slowly
compress the spring and remove it from car. See Fig. 8.
When installing the spring, position it so that the spring end
is fitled against the stop on the spring seat. See Fig. 9. Be
sure to install the spring's support and spacer on the top of
the spring. Install the shock absorber lower mount as
described above. Install the road wheel and lower the car.
WARNING
Work carefully as the spring is compressed. Check to make
sure that the spring compressor is always securely seated on
the spring.
NOTE
Mark the coil spring as an aid to installation. Used coil springs
should always be installed in their original position and orientation.
Fig. 9. Spring end (arrow) correctly positioned aguinst spring
stop on spring seat.
Tightening torques
• front shock absorber to lower
control arm
90 to 100 Nm (66 to 74 ft-Ib)
• wheel lug bolts
105 to 125 Nm (78 to 92 ft-Ib)
• wheel lug nuts
90 to 110 Nm (66 to 81 ft-Ib)
Checking Coil Springs
Fig. 8. Compressed coil spring being remol/ed
from car. Spring compressor shown is
Saab tool no. 8818791 and tool no. 88
18809.
Installation of the spring is the reverse of removal. Inspect
all rubber parts for wear or deterioration and replace any
faulty parts found. Check the spring free length as described
below. Inspect the protective coating on the spring. The
springs are treated with an anti-corrosion agent, which
should be touched up with paint or an equivalent sealer.
SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS
A function of the coil spring is to control the ride height of
the car. Therefore, a damaged or fatigued coil spring will
usually result in a noticeable difference in ride height. Table
a lists spring specifications. The spring must be removed
from the car to measure its free length.
Various springs are installed depending on model and
model year. The springs are color-coded with a paint dot. In
addition, the left and right springs on some models may be
different. In all cases, the new spring should match the old
spring being replaced.
Page 498
Front Suspension
731-5
NOTE
For chassis ride height specifications see 601 Wheel Alignment.
Table a. Front Coil Spring Specifications
Spring color codes
Spring free length
Standard chassis
green, light green, black, or
white
yellow or red
pink or brown
blue or light blue
373 mm (14.7 in.)
380 mm (15.0 in.)
388 mm (15.3 in.)
372 mm (14.6 in.)
Sport chassis
silver or bronze
301 mm (11,8 in.)
Fig. 11. Spring seat bushing being pressed in.
To remove front coil spring seat and bushing
WARNING
The front coil spring seat and bushing can be replaced after
the coil spring has been removed.
Do not reuse self-locking nuts. These parts are designed to be
used only once and must be replaced whenever loosened or
removed.
1. Remove the coil spring as described above. Remove
the bolt for the spring seat and remove the spring seat.
2. Press out the spring seat bushing using a suitable
press (Saab tool no. 8996274 or equivalent). See Fig. 10.
Fig. 12. Spring stop (arrow) on spring seat faces out.
Fig. 10. Spring seat bushing being pressed out,
3. Lubricate the new bushing with petroleum jelly and install it using a press (Saab part no. 8996274 or equivalent). See Fig. 11.
4. Install the spring seat with the spring stop facing out.
See Fig. 12. Loosely tighten the spring seat bolt using
a new self-locking nut.
Install the coil spring as described above. Make sure the
end of the coil spring is against the stop on the spring seat as
shown earlier in Fig. 9. When the weight of the car is on the
wheels, tighten the spring seat mounting bolt.
Tightening torque
• coil spring seat to
control arm
55 to 110 Nm (40 to 81 ft-Ib)
SUSPENSION COIL SPRINGS
Page 499
Front Suspension
Anti-roll bar
Fig. 16. steering rack mounting bolts (arrows).
731-7
87883
Fig. 18. Correctly installed anti-roll bar bushing with split (arrow) facing forward.
Tightening torques
• anti-roll bar bracket to lower
40 to 55 Nm (30 to 40 ft-Ib)
control arm
• power steering
rack to body
60 to 80 Nm (44 to 59 ft-Ib)
• all other fasteners
M5 bolt
5 Nm (44 in-Ib)
M6 bolt
10 Nm (89 in-Ib)
M8 bolt
20 Nm (15 ft-Ib)
M10 bolt
40 Nm (30 ft-Ib)
Fig. 17. Anti-roll bar being removed.
ANTI-ROLL BAR
Page 500
Rear Suspension
732-1
732 Rear Suspension
Shock Absorbers
To remove rear shock absorbers
To install rear shock absorbers
732-1
732-1
732-1
Rear Axle
732-7
732-7
To remove rear axle
Torque Arm and Panhard Rod
Coil Springs
To remove coil spring
Checking Suspension Coil Springs
To remove rear coil spring link
Replacing Spring Link Bushings
Anti-Roll Bar
To remove rear anti-roll bar
732-2
732-2
732-5
732-5
732-5
732-6
732-6
732-8
732-9
732-9
732-10
To remove torque arm
To remove panhard rod
To replace rubber bump stop
TABLES
a. Rear Coil Spring Specifications
732-5
SHOCK ABSORBERS
Torque
arm
The function of a shock absorber, or damper, is to
moderate the action of the coil spring. See Fig. 1. The shock
slows the spring's bounce and allows it to return to its normal
position more quickly. For a quick check to assess the
general condition of the rear shocks, see 731 Front
Suspension.
WARNING
Gas shock absorbers are under high pressure (400 to 600 psi)
and can cause severe injury if handled improperly. Do not
heat, weld, cut or deform the shock absorber in any way. Gas
shock absorbers should be disposed of properly. See an authorized Saab dealer for information on gas shock disposal.
NOTE
The Saab 900 shock absorbers are of a unique design incorporating a special stop. Always replace them with Saab original equipment shock absorbers or damage to the suspension
may result.
To remove rear shock absorbers
Fig. 2 shows the shock absorber and it related mounting
hardware. The rubber bushings shoUld always be replaced
as part of shock replacement.
1. Loosen the rear wheel lug bolts or nuts, then raise the
rear of the car and support it securely on jack stands
designed for the purpose. Remove the rear wheels.
L
Coil spring
87861
------------------
Fig. 1. Rear shock absorber and related suspension components.
2. Using a jack, raise the spring link slightly to relieve the
suspension load on the shock. Remove the shock's
lower mounting nut and bolt. See Fig. 3.
3. Slowly lower the jack slightly, but do not remove it.
4. Working in the wheel well, remove the upper shock absorber mounting nuts, washers, and rubber bushings.
See Fig. 4. Remove the shock absorber from the body.
:
To install rear shock absorbers
1. Install the washer and lower bushing to the top of the
shock. Use Fig. 2 as a guide to bushing and washer orientation.Guide the shock into the opening in the body.
Install the upper bushing, washer and lock nuts. Tighten the nuts just until the upper bushing is expanded to
the outer edges of the washer.
WARNING
Always check that the car is stable on the jack stands before
starting any work.
SHOCK ABSORBERS
~:
<~
.