1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Today I had the vacuum brake booster replaced on out 1999 9-5SE 2.3 turbo. I had developed an internal vacuum leak, resulting in a very dangerous braking problem. When the brakes were applied "normally" they felt fine and the car stopped fine. BUT if you had to make an emergency stop where you suddenly had to jam on the pedal, the pedal would feel solid for a second or two but not apply any significant braking action!!! Then after this second or two the brakes would apply properly. Rather heartstopping in a true emergency! My wife experienced thia a week ago, but luckily didn't hit anybody.
This is a doubly dangerous failure because you likely may not know you have a leak till you have to make an energency stop! Because these cars are turbocharged they have a vacuum pump (located in front of the battery on my 2.3 4 cyl. turbo) to maintain a vacuum on the brake booster during periods of turbo boost. Apparently the leak was large enough that the pump couldn't keep up on a quick pedal application. The pump may warn you, however, if you have a leak in the brake booster and/or the vacuum lines going to it. At idle, in neutral, the pump should not be running. If it is (you can hear it running....it has a rapid thumping sound)it may mean you have a leak that needs to be looked into! Cost to replace the booster...$909!!
This is our 17th Saab since 1970. Got it used with 45000 miles two years ago(it now has 72000). It's the most troublesome one we've had (replacements include ECM, throttle body, turbo, SID display, front brake discs and pads, muffler, brake booster, and next the ??),the least rewarding to drive and possesses the least "Saabness". I hope Saab/GM has now got it's act together, as I really don't want this to be my last Saab.
posted by 152.163.25...
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