1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
>> 1) I need new tires. It comes with 205/50/16's, but these seem to be
>> quite a bit more than say 205/55/16 or 225/50/16 - would it be best to >> stick to stock size, or is it OK to move to a sightly different size?
You can go to 55-series, but I'd stay away from the 225/50's. The latter may work fine, but that's stretching the envelope for 9K fender clearance and you may experience some rubbing. The 205-55's are plenty big, is the stock size for 9K Aeros, and gives you a much better selection of tires. Your speedo will indicate ~1% slower, but it may be fast to begin with, giving an improvement. My '91 was right on the money stock, then indicated a bit slow after the tire swap.
If you don't drive in snow, consider the Firestone SZ-50EP, which is the best tire I've ever used by far; extraordinary performance, especially in the wet.
>> 2) I have the dreaded heater core leak...Bar's into it next time....
>> How likely is this to fix the problem?
Most assuredly. Put one 5.5-oz. bottle of the regular stuff (silver bottle) and replenish every year, regardless of whether you have leaks or not. It not only will stop most leaks, but will condition the system and lube the water-pump seal. It has been and will always be a part of the standard maintenance ritual for me.
>> 3) Motor mounts.
I can't think of anything that might need to be changed, except maybe the shifter link, which will go bad sooner or later and cause shifting problems. If it hasn't been changed yet, I'd go ahead and do it. It's cheap and relatively easy.
>> 4) Alarm. The alarm system doesn't arm, and the LED doesn't flash.
Check the fuse. Then check your manual to re-arm it, as it may be switched off. It is armed, unarmed, and adjusted for sensitivity by using the key in the driver-side door. Check your manual for procedures.
>> 5) Exhaust. Both the center and rear mufflers need to be replaced.
Yes, aftermarket systems are available, but most that are designed specifically for that car (Abbott, etc.) are expensive. Midas or Meineke should have stock replacements available at a cost much lower than Saab's stock item. On my '91 I replaced the rear muffler with a straight-through glass pack, which sounded superb. On this Aero, I replaced the middle muffler with a straight pipe ($50 from Midas), and it sounds wonderful (not too loud), even though some resonance is now evident. If I had to do it over again, I'd leave the middle muffler intact and change the rear with something more throaty. For me, the 9K is just too quiet in stock form and needs a shot of character with an exhaust change.
>> 6) Interior lights
Don't know about this one, but I recall that someone has changed the bulbs in these units without replacing the entire assembly. If you must replace, consider a used part from a good dealer that will at least give you a DOA guarantee. If you're resourceful and not timid working on DC electrical systems, try disassembing the switches--then go to Radio Shack and try to find a replacement bulb. You may get lucky.
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
