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Yes, this seems to be a fairly common failure with the early '03 9-3SS. Had a client last month with the same symptoms as you describe. By smell and color (the steering fluid is suppose to be clear and it was very black) confirmed it was motor oil in the steering system. I confirmed this problem with Anders that he has seen this before as well. (Thanks!)
Replace the power steering pump. It is only held on with two 13mm bolts to the side of the cylinder head. When installing, you may need to rotate the new pump for the pump to time with the camshaft. You will also need to remove the banjo bolt high pressure line, and the hose clamp for the low pressure return line. I too had fears of the engine oil ruining the rack seals and such, but so far so good.
You will need three bottles of PS fluid if you want to flush the system of the oil fluid. On the new pump once installed, connect the high pressure line. The reservoir will have a cap on where the low pressure line attaches. Leave this on. Next, move the return line down under the vehicle and into a drain pan. Then take a small funnel and use it to help pour and keep the tank filled while having a friend start the car and turn the wheel side to side with a little speed. This will move the rack in all positions and get all the old fluid out. I was still getting old fluid out after the first bottle and it was almost clean after the second. I ran half of the third though and used the remaining to top off the system after everything was reconnected.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
JustinHiFi
Strictly Saab
Melbourne, FL
posted by 70.119.47...
, Wed, 4 Feb 2009 19:41:02
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