1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Dear Brotherhood of the Steering Rack Restoration:
I appreciate all of your replies on the MAVAL rack. Here are several thoughts that I've compliled after scouring SAABnet.
FIRST: It seems imparative to do your homework before embarking on this restoration. There are at least three must-read information sources that one is advised to read before starting work:
(1) The Bentley manual.
(2) Dave-New's web pages on steering rack replacement (http://www.dave-new.com)
(3) The entire dialog on SAABNET of VITAS saga of replacing his power steering rack. Do a search on "VITAS" on the 900BB. Also, read Vitas' summary that was written after he completed is restoration job. The dialog provided by Vitas is well written, polite, and invaluable. There are many solutions to problems that you will encounter that are not discussed in source (1) and (2).
SECOND: There are many success stories with MAVAL rack replacment... it seems to me that if you need to replace your rack, MAVAL is your only choice, unless you want to purchase a new part directly from SAAB.
THIRD: JJ has put a shopping list together for SAABnetters wanting to begin a power steering (PS) restoration. JJ lists:
a new rack
tie rod ends
low pressure hose (probably a good idea if it's original)
high pressure hose (optional?)
idler pulley (is yours making noise?)
new PS belt
After reviewing many PS sagas, it is worth thinking about the hoses: there seems to be many a problem on SAABnet that was resolved by replacing leaky hoses.
FOURTH: In deciding to replace a rack, I've learned from SAABnet that fixing PS is more than a matter of replacing 1 part. PS is a "symphony" of parts that work together. You might need more parts than listed above. One of these might be a hair drier to heat up a sticky PS-joint, for example.
FIFTH: Before starting your work, thoroughly clean your engine and steering rack with a pressure washer.
SIXTH AND MOST IMPORTANT: During your PS restoration project, it is likely that you will have your SAAB on jack stands and up quite high to help you to get easy access to your work. Please think about safety and take all measures to insure your SAAB is not sitting high and wobbling arround. Your health and safety is more important than saving time and money on your SAAB.
I hope this helps!
Best regards and good luck,
Phil Smith
Duluth, GA
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