 |
|
|
1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Like you I also have a 1988 900SET; automatic; with 67,000 miles, bought it new in November of 1997. It is my second Saab. My first, a 1984 900T lasted me 242,000 miles before a 4x4 rear-ended me at 35 mph while I was stopped at an intersetion and totaled both our cars. Thanks to Saab, I suffered no injuries, though the other driver suffered head and chest injuries.
It sounds like most of the standard wear and failure items have been addressed. I wear out tires every 30K miles and have replaced the brake pads as well. I assume that the upper and lower idler pulleys were replaced when the serpentine belt was replaced, if not they need to be replaced to prevent them seizing and destroying the serpentine belt.
If the muffler was replaced with the "sport" exhaust (which is stainless steel) then it will last that life of the car. The stock shock absorbers and struts typically only last about 60K miles on any brand of car. Many people just don't notice as the shocks wear out slowly and gradually over time. I finally bought a spare DI cassette to carry in the trunk myself. You should be fine for awhile with your new DI.
Any new problems will probably be 'random' failures, items that typically don't fail but decide to on your car anyway. I am sure you keep track of odd noises or sensations in your car. It is always good to note these items and have the mechanic check them at the next oil change (if not sooner), then a repair can be scheduled if necessary.
I don't know if you are using the dealer or an independent mechanic. I have found that a good, Saab knowledgeable, independent mechanic is much less expensive than the dealer and can suggest a maintenance plan based on their experience as opposed to the dealer who often simply follows the scheduled service.
Here is the maintenance schedule that I follow. It is based on the Saab scheduled maintenance, but has been modified to include the experience of the Saabnet NG900 BB and my independent mechanics (Scanwest Autosport in Seattle). Note that some items are “over-maintained” as I believe in doing preventive maintenance and don’t mind spending a little extra on maintenance if it will prevent a future breakdown. I found that Saabs (and Alfas) resent being neglected and will make sure you pay for it if you do neglect them. :o)
This may give you an idea of future maintenance items.
Every two weeks:
>Check oil level.
>Check automatic transmission fluid level.
>Check power steering fluid level.
>Check brake fluid level.
>Check coolant level.
>Check tire pressure.
Every two months, in addition to the above:
>Check spare tire pressure.
>Check wiper blades and clean glass.
>Check exterior lights for operation.
>Test windshield washer system and top-up fluid.
Once a year, in addition to the above:
>Check engine cooling system, hoses, and cap.
>Clean battery case and check battery terminal connections.
>Check headlight, fog light aim.
>Lubricate door hinges, stops, and locks and check operation.
Every 5,000 miles, in addition to the above:
>Change engine oil and filter, using Mobil 1® 0W-40 Synthetic motor oil.
>Inspect rubber boots for inner and outer drive shaft joints.
>Rotate tires and inspect tires for uneven wear.
>Check tire tread depth.
>Add one bottle Redline Fuel System Cleaner® or Chevron Techron® to fuel tank.
Every 15,000 miles, in addition to the above:
>Replace spark plugs.
>Replace air cleaner element and clean airbox.
>Replace cabin ventilation air filter.
>Check serpentine belt tensioner, pulleys, and belt condition.
>Inspect brake calipers and brake pads, noting pad thickness, while tires are off.
>Lubricate brake calipers as needed, and inspect brake hoses and brake lines.
>Inspect exhaust system.
>Check ball joint clearance, outer and inner steering joints, and their rubber boots.
>Check fuel system including tank for leaks and damage.
>Check SRS warning lamp, visual inspection
>Check safety belts for operation, visual inspection for tears and fraying.
>Road test. Check performance of drive train, steering, and brakes, and verify tire balance. Check function of instruments and controls, including horn, windshield wipers, cruise control, and climate system. Note any noises or problems for correction.
Every 30,000 miles, in addition to the above:
>Change automatic transmission fluid.
>Inspect/Replace serpentine belt, drive belt tensioner, and pulleys.
>Change/flush brake system with new brake fluid, and bleed air from brake system.
>Check front wheel alignment, toe-in only. If out of specification, perform front-end alignment.
>Inspect shock absorbers and bushings for tightness and condition.
Every 60,000 miles, in addition to the above:
>Change/flush power steering fluid using Pentosin® CHF 11S synthetic hydraulic fluid.
>Flush the cooling system and refill with 50/50 mix of anti-freeze/coolant.
>Replace the cooling system thermostat (optional).
>Replace fuel filter.
Every 120,000 miles, in addition to the above:
>Replace oxygen sensor.
REM in Seattle
1998 Saab 900SET; 5-door; Automatic; 67,000 miles
1991 Alfa Romeo Spider; 5-speed; 95,000 miles
1984 Saab 900T; 3-door; 5-speed; 242,000 miles (RIP)
posted by 24.16.197...
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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
