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Front Strut Assembly Question - and observation Posted by MI-Roger [Email] ![]() ![]() |
I plan on discarding the entire front strut assemblies after removing them from my car, and install all new components. All diagrams I have been able to find regarding assembly of the front strut do not have much detail. Both the WIS and the SAAB instruction set for installation of the Road Holding Kit only have low detail sketches for assembly of all the parts. Strut - bump stop - bellows - spring - upper spring mount - strut bearing - strut seal - strut mount.
For example; the SKF strut bearing (OEM SAAB replacement) has a white side and a black side which differ very slightly in profile. It "appears" from trial fitting that the white side of the bearing sits inside the upper spring mount while the black side is a friction fit over a collar welded to the bottom of the strut mount. Is this right?
How does the Strut Seal attach? To what does it attach? Does the slight conical shape face upwards or downwards?
Same set of questions regarding the rubber bellows for the strut.
I might be able to determine these answers after removing the old parts and disassembling them. But since I have bought all new pieces, why fight with the old parts only to discover the old rubber has deteriorated to the point that nothing is properly attached anymore?
As to the observation part of this posting. I am seeing a lot of parts suppliers advertising clearance prices for front suspension parts for the 1998-2001 models. For example, I am getting KYB bump stops and strut bellow kits for only $12 per side! (The bump stop alone is normally $20 each!) Other owners of early year models may want to consider front suspension replacement now while prices are cheap. Maybe is is just that time of year - suppliers luring owners wanting to repair suspensions after winter pot-hole damage, but maybe these parts will become more rare in the future and available from fewer manufacturers due to the age of our cars.
posted by 198.208.15...
_______________________________________ Saabs owned: 2008 9-5 Aero Sedan, sold at 227K miles 2006 9-3SC 2.0T - Wife's daily driver 2000 Viggen Convertible - Sold May, 2022 1964 Quantum IV Formula Car - Retirement project 2000 9-5lpt Sedan, sold at 318K miles
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