Page 501
732-2
Rear Suspension
Locknuts
._~--Washer
r:-"---Bushing (upper)
Bushing
(lower) -----Ir-;:';:....
Fig. 4. Shock absorber upper mounting nuts being removed.
2. Raise the spring link slightly until the lower mounting
hole in the link is aligned with the shock mounting hole.
Install and tighten the bolt using a new self-locking nut.
Remove the jack.
WARNING
Do not reuse self-locking nuts. These parts are designed to be
used only once and should be replaced once loosened or removed.
3. Install the wheel and lower the car.
87862
Tightening torques
Rg. 2. Rear shock and mounting hardware.
• wheel lug bolts
• wheel lug nuts
105 to 125 Nm (78 to 92 ft-Ib)
_. 90 to 110 Nm (66 to 81 ft-Ib)
COIL SPRINGS
Fig. 5 shows the suspension coil spring. The 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.
To remove coil spring
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.
Fig. 3. Shock absorber lower mounting bolt being removed.
WARNING
Always check that the car is stable on the jack stands before
starting any worl<.
COIL SPRINGS
Page 502
Rear Suspension
732-3
Rear
axle
~
"
:>'0"-",,,.
Fig. 7. ABS wheel speed sensor mounting bolt being removed
from rear axle housing.
NOTE
The jack should be positioned under the rear of the spring link.
87968
Fig. 5. Exploded view of coil spring and related suspension components.
2. On 1988 and later models, remove the handbrake cable hold down clamp from the spring link. See Fig. 6
5. Remove the bolt and nut from the spring link rear
mounting. See Fig. 8.
WARNING
Do not remove the front spring link mounting bolts while the
spring is installed. Serious personal injury could result.
Fig. 6. Handbrake cable hold down being removed from spring
link.
3. On cars with ASS, remove the wheel speed sensor
from the rear axle housing. See Fig. 7. Release the
sensor harness from the clips on the spring link.
4. Using a jack, slightly raise the spring link. Then remove
the shock absorber lower mounting bolt. See Fig. 3
shown earlier.
Fig. 8. Spring link rear mounting bolt being removed.
COIL SPRINGS
Page 503
732-4
Rear Suspension
6. On cars equipped with a rear an anti-roll bar, jack up
the spring link on the opposite side of the car and remove the mounting bolt from the rear of the other
spring link.
7. Loosen, but do not remove, the anti-roll bar front
mounting bolts and swivel the anti-roll bar down and
out of the way. See Fig. 9.
Fig. 10. Coil spring being removed from car after lowering spring
link.
Rg.9. Anti-roll bar (arrow) shown lowered from spring link.
8. Support the rear axle from below using a set of jack
stands. Slowly lower the spring link by means of the
jack. Remove the coil spring. If necessary, repeat the
procedure for the other spring. See Fig. 10.
CAUTION
The rear axle must be supported to avoid damaging the flexible brake lines.
Installation is the reverse of removal. Be sure to replace all
self-locking nuts. Where applicable, install the parking brake
bracket and the ABS wheel speed sensor. Inspect all rubber
parts for wear or deterioration and replace any faulty parts
found. Check the spring by measuring its free length as
described below. The coil springs are treated with an anticorrosion agent. If the coating has been damaged it should
be touched up before the spring is installed.
WARNING
Do not reuse self-locking nuts. These parts are designed to be
used only once and should be replaced whenever loosened or
removed.
NOTE
If the bolt mounting hole in the spring link does not align with
the bolt mounting hole in the rear axle, use a large water pump
pliers and a screwdriver to align the holes. See Fig. 11.
COIL SPRINGS
Fig. 11. Rear axle being aligned with spring link using large water-pump pliers and screwdriver.
Tightening torques
• wheel lug bolts
• wheel lug nuts
• all other fasteners
M5 bolt
M6 bolt
M8 bolt
M 10 bolt
105 to 125 Nm (78 to 92 ft-Ib)
90 to 110 Nm (66 to 81 ft-Ib)
5 Nm (44 in-Ib)
10 Nm (89 in-Ib)
20 Nm (15 ft-Ib)
40 Nm (30 ft-Ib)
Page 504
Rear Suspension
732-5
Checking 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 their free length.
NOTE
For chassis ride height specifications see 601 Wheel Alignment.
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.
Fig. 12. Spring link front mounting nut being removed.
Table a. Rear Coil Spring Specifications
Spring color codes
Standard chassis
black or white (left spring)
green or light green (right
spring)
Sport chassis
silver or bronze
Spring free length
311 mm (12.24 in.)
308 mm (12.12 in.)
293 mm (11.5 in.)
To remove rear coil spring link
1. Remove the coil spring as described above.
2. On cars equipped with an anti-roll bar, remove the
spring link front mounting nuts on both sides of the car.
Then remove the anti-roll bar from the spring links. See
Fig. 12.
Fig. 13. Spring link front mount bolt being removed.
Tightening torques
NOTE
If the spring link front mounting bolt was installed with the bolt
head on the anti-roll bar side of the link, the bolt will have to
be removed to remove the anti-roll bar.
3. Remove the two bolts that hold the spring link front
mount to the body. See Fig. 13. Remove the spring link
from the car.
Installation is the reverse of removal. Inspect the front and
rear spring link rubber bushings and replace any parts that
are worn or deteriorated. Be sure to install the spring link front
mounting through-bolt so that the bolt head is towards the
outside of the car.
• spring link front mount to
body
70 to 90 Nm (52 to 66 ft-Ib)
• all other fasteners
M5 bolt
5 Nm (44 in-Ib)
10 Nm (89 in-Ib)
M6 bolt
M8 bolt
20 Nm (15 ft-Ib)
40 Nm (30 ft-Ib)
M10 bolt
Replacing Spring Link Bushings
Replacing the spring link bushings requires special press
tools.
To replace the spring link front bushing, the spring will need
to be removed from the car as described above. Wrth the link
removed, Use a press and an appropriate press sleeve to
remove and install the bushing. See Fig. 14. Lubricate the
bushing with petroleum jelly prior to installation.
COIL SPRINGS
Page 505
732-6
Rear Suspension
ANTI-ROLL BAR
Some models are equipped with an anti-roll bar to reduce
body roll while cornering. The anti-roll bar is rigidly mounted
to both spring links.
To remove rear anti-roll bar
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.
WARNING
Always check that the car is stable on the jack stands before
continuing any work.
Fig. 14. Front spring link bushing being pressed out
of front mount,
2, Raise the rear of the spring links slightly using a jack.
Then remove the spring link rear mounting bolts on
both sides of the car. See Fig. 16,
NOTE
To replace the rear spring link bushing, the coil spring and
spring link do not need to be removed, but the rear of the
spring link will need to be lowered to access the bushing in
the axle housing. Support the rear axle, then raise the rear of
the spring link slightly using a jack. Remove the shock lower
mounting bolt and the spring link rear mounting bolt. Lower
the spring link (using the jack) until the bushing can be easily
worked on. Then using the special press tools shown in Fig,
15, remove and install the bushing. Lubricate the bushing
with petroleum jelly prior to installation.
Fig. 15. Spring link rear mount bushing (in rear axle) being
pressed out using speciaJ press tools (Saab tool no, 89
96274 shown), Same tool is used to install bushing,
ANTI-ROLL BAR
After the anti-roll bar has been removed, reinstall the nuts for
the rear mounting bolts,
Fig. 16. Spring link rear mounting bolt being removed, Jack
(arrow) shown under spring link,
3. Remove the nuts from the spring link front mounting
bolts. Do not remove the bolts.
Page 506
Rear Suspension
CAUTION
If the spring link front mounting bolt was installed with the bolt
head on the anti-roll bar side of the link, the spring link will
have to be removed as described above. Do not remove the
front spring link mounting bolt without first removing the suspension coil spring.
732-7
2. Unbolt the pan hard rod from the rear axle. See Fig. 18.
Tie the rod up out of the way.
4. Remove the anti-roll bar by prying it off the front mounting bolt. See Fig. 17.
Fig. 18. Panhard rod mounting bolt being removed from rear
axle.
3. Pinch off the brake line with a special hose clamp plier.
As an alternative, drain the brake system as described
in 520 Brake Fluid and Brake Bleeding. Then separate the flexible brake hoses from the brake line unions
on the rear axle. See Fig. 19.
Fig. 17. Anti-roll bar being removed front mounting bolt.
Installation is the reverse of removal. Leave the spring link
front mounting nuts loosely installed until the rear bolts have
been installed and tightened.
WARNING
The flexible brake hoses must only be pinched off using special hose clamping pliers. Do not use any other type of clamping device or locking pliers, as the hose may become
damaged and intemally weakened.
REAR AXLE
Read the entire procedure before beginning any work.
Extra jacks are required to support the axle during removal.
CAUTION
Do not place a jack under the rear axle to jack up the car. The
axle may be damaged.
To remove rear axle
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.
WARNING
Always check that the car is stable on the jack stands before
starting any work.
Fig. 19. Brake hoses being disconnected from brake line fitting on
rear axle. Special brake hose clamping pliers shown on
hose.
RE4RAXLE
Page 507
732-8
Rear Suspension
4. On cars with ABS, remove the wheel speed sensors
from each side of the rear axle housing. See Fig. 20.
Release the sensor harness from the clips on the
spring link.
8. Lower the spring links slightly. Raise the axle up just
enough to remove it from the spring link mountings and
remove the axle from the car.
Installation is the reverse of removal. Replace all selflocking fasteners. Bleed the brakes as described in 520
Brake Fluid and Brake Bleeding. Check all braking
functions including the handbrake.
CAUTION
When installing the panhard rod to the axle, be certain that the
bolt head is toward the fuel tank. Damage to the fuel tank may
result if the bolt is installed incorrectly, Tighten the wheels to
the torque values given below.
Fig. 20. ASS wheel speed sensor mounting bolt being removed
from rear axle housing,
5. On 1988 and later models, disconnect the handbrake
cables from the brake caliper levers. See Fig. 21. Remove the handbrake cable hold-down bracket from the
axle (see Fig. 6 shown earlier).
Tightening torques
• wheel lug bolts
• wheel lug nuts. ,
• all other fasteners
M5 bolt
M6 bolt
M8 bolt
M10 bolt
105 to 125 Nm (78 to 92 ft-Ib)
90 to 110 Nm (66 to 81 ft-Ib)
5 Nm (44 in-Ib)
10 Nm (89 in-Ib)
20 Nm (15 ft-Ib)
40 Nm (30ft-lb)
TORQUE ARM AND PANHARD ROD
The torque arm and pan hard rod are shown in Fig, 22. The
rubber bushings in the torque arms and the panhard rod can
wear out, often causing a groaning or squeaking sound. The
bushings are pressed into place and require special press
tools to remove and install them.
Fig. 21. Handbrake cable (A) disconnected from brake lever
(B).
6. Place a jack beneath the rear of each spring link.
Slightly raise the spring links and remove the rear
mounting bolts. See Fig. 16 shown earlier.
7. Place a jack under the center of the axle. Then unbolt
the torque arms from both sides of the axle.
87880-S6330
Fig. 22. View of passenger side rear suspension, Arrow points toward
front of car,
TORQUE ARM AND PANHARD ROO
Page 508
Rear Suspension
732-9
To remove torque arm
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.
WARNING
Always check that the car is stable on the jack stands before
starting any work.
'"co
2. Remove the front and rear torque arm mounting bolts.
See Fig. 23. Remove the torque arm.
r-
(f)
N
co
co
r-
m
Fig. 24. Torque arm bushing being pressed out.
Tightening torques
• wheel lug bolts
105 to 125 Nm (78 to 92 ft-Ib)
• wheel lug nuts
90 to 110 Nm (66 to 81 ft-Ib)
• torque arm mounting bolts
lubricated bushings
21 to 35 Nm (16 to 26 ft-Ib)
dry bushings
40 to 70 Nm (30 to 52 ft-Ib)
To remove pan hard rod
1. Raise the car.
NOTE
The rear wheels do not have to be removed.
Fig. 23. Torque arm front mounting bolt being removed.
3. Press out the torque arm front bushing using a 24 mm
sleeve or equivalent. See Fig. 24. Press out the rear
bushing using a slightly smaller sleeve.
4. Lubricate the new bushings with petroleum jelly and
press them into the torque arm.
5. Install the torque arm in its mountings and loosely hand
tighten the nuts.
6. Put the wheels back on the car, tighten the wheel lug
bolts or nuts. Lower the car to the ground and tighten
the torque arm mounting bolts.
NOTE
The torque arm mounting bolts are torqued after the suspension is loaded by the car's weight to prevent bushing distortion.
2. Remove the bolts for the panhard rod mountings. Note
the orientation of the pan hard rod.
3. Press out the rubber bushings using a suitable size
sleeve. Lubricate the new bushings with petroleum jelly
and press them into the rod.
4. Install the pan hard rod in its mountings and loosely
hand tighten the nuts.
CAUTION
Install the panhard rod-to-axle mounting bolt so that the bolt
head is toward the fuel tank. Damage to the fuel tank may result if the bolt is installed incorrectly.
5. Lower the car to the ground. Tighten the panhard rod
mounting bolts to the value given below.
TORQUE ARM AND PANHARD ROO
Page 509
732-10
Rear Suspension
NOTE
The panhard rod mounting bolts are torqued after the suspension is loaded by the car's weight to prevent bushing distortion.
Tightening torque
• pan hard rod
mounting bolts
40 to 70 Nm (30 to 52 ft-Ib)
To replace rubber bump stop
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.
WARNING
Fig. 25. Suspension bump stop being removed.
Installation is the reverse of removal. Torque the wheel lug
bolts or nuts.
Always check that the car is stable on the jack stands before
continuing any work.
Tightening torques
2. Remove the screw in the middle of the bump stop using
an internal 6mm hex-head socket. See Fig. 25. Remove the bump stop and spacer.
TORQUE ARM AND PANHARD ROO
• wheel lug bolts
• wheel lug nuts
105 to 125 Nm (78 to 92 ft-Ib)
90 to 110 Nm (66 to 81 ft-Ib)
Page 510
Wheel Bearings and Drive Axles
774-1
774 Wheel Bearings and Drive Axles
Drive Axles and Front
Wheel Bearings
774-1
To remove and install steering
swivel member
To remove drive axle
To replace outer CV joint and joint boot
To replace inner universal
joint and joint boot
774-1
774-4
774-5
To replace front wheel bearing
Replacing Front Wheel Studs
774-6
774-9
Rear Wheel Bearings and Hubs
To replace rear wheel bearing
To replace rear wheel studs
774-9
774-9
774-10
774-5
DRIVE AXLES AND FRONT WHEEL
BEARINGS
The drive axle assembly is shown in Fig. 1. Each end of the
axle is fitted with a swivel joint. The outer Constant Velocity
(CV) joint is splined to the wheel bearing hub to drive the front
wheel and the inner universal joint fits into the driver on the
side of the transmission. Both joints are lubricated with a
special grease and are protected from road dirt and other
hazards by rubber boots. The only maintenance required of
the drive axles and its joints is to periodically inspect the
protective boots for damage. For information on
troubleshooting a front end problem see 600 Steering and
Wheel Alignment-General.
The front wheel bearing is pressed into the steering swivel
member and retained by large circlips. The wheel hub is in
turn pressed into the bearing and retained by a large locking
nut on the end of the outer CV joint. See Fig. 2.
To remove and install steering swivel member
1. Disconnect the bat1ery negative (-) cable. Block the
rear wheels and put the car in neutral.
2. Remove the center wheel cover from the wheel. Using
a punch, tap the staked part of the drive axle nut up and
away from the groove in the axle.
CAUTION
Make sure the staked part of the nut does not interfere with
the threads on the CV joint. If the threads are damaged, the
CV joint will have to be replaced.
3. With the car on the ground, loosen, but do not remove
the center drive axle nut.
WARNING
CAUTION
Do not install the road wheel and lower the car to the ground
while the drive axle is removed, as the wheel hub is not supported. The weight of the car can damage the wheel bearing.
1
Loosen the center drive axle nut only while the car is on the
ground. The leverage required to do this could topple the car
from a lift or jackstand.
2
4
-:.:::-:.:::::::.-.:. '";::'"
:::::::::::::::.;/.:.:.- ....
7
1. Outer CV joint locking nut
(always replace)
2. Outer CV joint
3. Protective boot
4. Circlip
5.
6.
7.
8.
L
Drive shaft
Protective boot
Circlip
Inner universal joint
87898
_
Fig. 1. Exploded view of front drive axle.
DRIVE AXLES AND FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS