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Just did the rotors and pads on my '01 Viggen, following Dean's instructions and the Genuine Saab service library. I found everything easy and straightforward, with two exceptions:
1. The rotor was seriously rusted to the hub. I would say if you live in any sort of cold, wet climate, don't go into this job without a fresh can of Liquid Wrench. Spray it liberally around the lug nut holes, around the circumference of the center hole on the old rotor, and importantly, on the back side of the rotor, where it slips over the hub. I then used a pry bar tucked under the narrow lip of steel between the two holes for the caliper mounting bolts, and with the car in neutral, turned the rotor bit by bit, applying moderate pressure with the pry bar on the back side of the rotor, while striking the front of the old rotor with a hammer to maintain vibration to break the rust (neighbors will love you for the racket).
Be careful not to put pressure on the actual caliper mounting points, which stick out further and might be bent out of alignment if used as a wedge point. Also, be careful to protect the rotor from the hammer if you are planning to re-use it. Finally, I was concerned the hub itself might be damaged with too much force. In the end, I used medium pressure and moderate blows with the hammer, and the rotor eventually came loose.
Live through this once, and you won't forget Dean's advice to properly protect the mating surfaces prior to assembly. I used white lithium grease.
2. Replacing the caliper spring/clip is a complete pain in the neck. If it goes on easily, you probably have it mounted wrong. If you finish the job and your brake pedal is spongy but becomes firm after pumping it a few times, suspect the caliper spring. Importantly, the top and bottom ends of the spring need to go outside the little posts on the caliper that secure them ("outside" being the side closer to center of the wheel). The easy way to do it right is to check the old wheel before starting in on the second side, as Dean suggests, which I forgot to do.
In terms of mounting, I used a pair of channel lock pliers. It is pretty easy to get both tips of the spring in the proper holes, and either the top or bottom end of the clip on the outside of the vertical post. Then I clamped one pair of pliers around the caliper and the spring to hold the second tip of the spring correctly in the hole, while pulling the second extremity up and over the second vertical post with the second pair of pliers. Maybe others with more experience have other suggestions.
Hope this is helpful.
Ben S.
'01 Viggen coupe
posted by 206.169.242...
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