1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
So I got motivated to replace the drivers. Having gotten a prognosis at a local shop to replace the drivers for $900, I began research on Jeff & Royce's page to DIY. Stripped a couple of used drivers off a dead SAAB in a junkyard and, after a couple weeks, got around to taking on the project of replacing them. Began last night by getting a local gas station to loosen up the center lug and driving to a friend's (small) garage. Before the nasty cold weather returned to DC, I removed the wheel and caliper, pulling the caliper out of the way as directed. Then, I couldn't proceed since I stopped using steroids back in the '80's and have so little muscle left. Enlisting the help of a 6' 3", 250 lb. Afghani (a good friend of mine), we launched again this morning, breaking knuckles and removing the rest of the nuts holding the ball joints and spindle. FANTASTIC! I can see the driver now! Pulling out the axle revealed the problem. Two of the three rotors on the tripod were busted! The needles were all rattling around inside the virtually solid grease of the inner driver. Realising the folly of the situation, we removed the nuts for the driver for a closer inspection but could not take it from the selfish transmission. This afternoon we went back to the junkyard and found another axle with intact tripod bearing and CV joint for only $25. Now for the questions:
1) Most posted regarding the driver note grooves in the metal which result in the infamous wobble. They do not seem to be undue on my existing drivers. How pronounced are the grooves in the drivers before they cause the wobble? Mine appear to be only about 2-3 mm deep.
2) What is best method for removing the inner drivers? As mentioned before, I removed the bolts, but could not pull it out from the transmission. I worry about messing up the differential within the transmission as noted on J&R's page.
3) Is there a difference between the driver's and passenger's side axles? The used one I got from the yard has an "L" marked on it, possibly indicating the left/driver's side. Will this be an issue installing the axle and CV on the passenger's side?
4) If this IS an issue (see #3), what is the best way to rectify? I can probably remove the tripod bearing from the replacement and install it on the original.
5) Best method for checking the CV joint on the replacement: Obviously I don't know the history of this axle and I am wary of just throwing it on there simply because the tripod looks great. Are there indicators I can check for without removing the boot and opening it up that will verify the health of the CV?The mobility is great, but I'd rather limit this intensive work to once a year rather than once a month.
I thank you all for reading this long-winded post, but I hope it will help others that try the same thing.
Phil
'89 SAAB 900S 184K and counting.....
posted by 151.200.1...
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.
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |