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After doing my research on the board, I decided it was time to change the gear box oil. My 98 900 SE Talladega takes the Synthetic oil part #8748733 or for Canadians its CA:305677840 This indeed was confirmed with the hex type fill plug.
At the local dealer: Paid $65 Canadian inc. tax for 2 Liters of Saab Synthetic Oil. (I know I could have bought from on line but with shipping/currency/customs delay/duty, it would have worked out to be nearly the same.)
When I asked about buying extra fill, level, and drain plugs, they said they did not stock them because they have never had a problem taking them off or stripping them. Infact there is no fill plug in stock in Canada. They could order the level and drain plug incase I need them.
The Fill Plug
I first removed the clamp that hold the steering pump fluid for a bit more room to get at the plug with extensions. I then used 24mm socket with 2 extensions and a 12" long breaker bar. The plug broke free the first time. Easy! I then weaved my hand in from the driver side front corner of the engine to reach the plug and remove.
The Level Plug
I jacked up the driver side. Removed the wheel. I used an allen key type socket and 2 small extensions so I could fit the breaker bar in without having the brakes in the way. The plug broke free after a good attempt. (wear gloves to protect your hand from brake parts, I did not, ouch)
The Drain Plug
I had an allan key that fits in plug with out interfering with the frame. It is too short for good leverage, so I clamped on a vise grip on to make it longer. Had whale on it and the plug broke free. Easy.
Draining oil.
I put the pan under the plug. I then used the allan key to un screw the plug. The oil will hit the frame on the way out at first so it's messy. but the pan caught it all.
The old oil.
It was dark and was filled with what seemed microscopic metal flakes. Only about a dozen larger size metal flakes. The magnet in the drain plug had extremely fine metal bits on it. I cleaned the plug.
The New Oil.
I re-fit the drain plug and tightened well. I then lowered the jack until the car was level. I had pre bought a funnel($2) with a small tip and 2 feet of clear 1/2" outer diameter condensate hose( $1). I attached the hose to the funnel. Then I easily placed the hose into to the gear box thru the fill hole. This made it easy and clean to get the oil in that ever tight place. The owners manual states 1.8 Liters for the gear box. So I started to fill with oil. At about 1.9L the oil started to come out the level plug, so I knew that was ok. I then put the level plug in snug. Jacked the car up again and fully tightened the level plug. I decided to add in the last 0.1 Liter of oil to make it a full 2L. (You will see why below) I then put back the fill plug and tightened. Put wheel back on. Torque the bolts.
My findings.
I did not need new plugs as I did not strip any. It seems my oil leak as what I first thought was engine oil was in fact gear box oil. But since it was no longer red/peach color like the new oil, it was hard to tell. My very slow leak is coming from the driver side axle at the transmission. It's wet around there. I can confirm this by measuring the amount of old oil, which turned out to be 1.3 Liters!!!! Ouch. So over the course of 6 years I lost 1/2 a liter of oil. So that is why I added a little bit more oil, because I will loose some slowly.
After a few days of driving. The transmission seems to be quieter and selecting gears is a bit smoother. I think I will change the oil every year from now on.
Hope this helps someone.
Gabor
1998 900 SE Talladega
Mobil 1
3" Flared Tube Airbox
K&N Air Filter
Dawes MBC+A
Viggen Bypass Valve
Smoothed inlet on TBTC
Short Belt
MP Performance Steering Rack Clamp & Brace
posted by 216.75.18...
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