Date: Sun, 21 May 2000 23:54:38 -0400 From: YesMe <jmikernopsamsouth.net> Subject: Re: Advice on 1986 Saab 900S
I bought my '86 900S 5-spd in 89 with 80k miles on it. Probably the single best purchase I've ever made. Has about 248k on it now. My brakes have never chattered but the wheel hub will pop when I'm backing into my driveway. Supposedly the massive wheel bearing cocks over just enough when changing direction to make it pop. Chattering is almost always the condition of the linings and rotor or, more importantly, the alignment of the caliper and other hardware. Make sure nothing's bent (or worse, loose) and the slides are lubed. I have had to put a couple of calipers on each side, but I *was* using used components, so.... The trans uses 30W or 10-30 engine oil instead of 80-90W so when you step on the clutch the trans gears keep spinning longer than you might think. Once a trans gets some age on the synchronizers they can allow things to grind more. I always bump against 3rd or 4th to stop the shafts before I shift into 1st or reverse (*especially* reverse). And it didn't get it's first clutch until 211k. I've seen dashboard covers advertised but never investigated thoroughly. Actually, if you can get a decent one at a salvage yard they're not too difficult to replace. Put in one from a newly wrecked '87 last year. In general I could not be more satisfied with the car, even considering it's current age. No rattles, squeaks or wind noises. 28 to 30 mpg highway, absolutely no oil consumption. You get the occasional electrical issues common to all European cars. Overall the car is very tight and still *very* fun to drive. Other than things that simply wear out (muffler, a wheel bearing, fuel pump, window motor, antenna mast, water valve) there's absolutely nothing wrong with the car that I haven't caused. Would feel totally confident putting my best friend in it and sending him cross country. If it's had reasonable maintenance, that generation and model is very solid. If it's a 3-door you could even carry a refrigerator in it. Literally. Good luck. Four Weis <mweinopsamcom> wrote: >Last year of the inexpensive headlights. I have a set of Cibie Sealed Beam >lights that use the H4 bulb. I also have the Saab factory manuals for this >car. I really like the way this car handles, but mine is dying from cancer. Too >many miles of fun in the snow and road salt took it toll. > >simonj wrote: > >> The calliper problem is very common on the 900, I have owned several, >> they all did it. >> >> With the clutch, I would check that their is no air in system. >> >> Eganb <eganbnopsamcom> wrote in message >> news:20000520173846.11776.00000658nopsamb1.aol.com... >> > Hello everyone. >> > >> > I'm considering purchasing a 1986 Saab 900S 5-speed with 186,000 miles. >> Seems >> > to run well, and has been maintained. >> > >> > Two items I have questions about. One, when you back up one of the brake >> > calipers (right front?) chatters badly when you apply the brakes. Any >> > comments? >> > >> > Also the owner usually puts the car into second before shifting into first >> or >> > reverse, otherwise the gears will grind slightly. He thinks it is par for >> the >> > course for this year, and says it is in part due to the master clutch >> cylinder >> > system in this car. Again, any thoughts? >> > >> > And can you buy dashboard replacement covers for this car? >> > >> > Finally, any comments in general about this year/model of SAAB? >> > >> > All replies really appreciated. >> > >> > >> > Thanks! >> > >> > >> > Bruce >> >
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