1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup
Sorry Saab lovers, but what a pain in the ass this Saab convertible is, no wonder the Japanese are kicking the world’s butt with reliable cars and Saab is living up to the reputation of painfully expensive parts and repair. To the point, I’ve completely replaced the entire hydraulic system in this 99 9.3 with a 2001 convertible salvage system only to have the same problem again, leaking so profusely that I have to put that expensive Saab hydraulic oil in every two weeks only to have it end up on the garage floor.
There are numerous posting here about leaking hydraulics but none that I could find that have gone as far as I have in replacing the whole system myself. I have documented this process with pictures and procedures should you choose the same path, but alas, you’ll just end up like me with the same problem if you keep the car… these are cheap hydraulics…
Saab uses one-time use, press-fit hydraulic rams that cannot be rebuilt as I understand it. Saab wants nearly $500 for each, and there are 5 of these little crooks aboard this messed-up GM product. The hydraulic fluid that they chose to use is EXPENSIVE, almost $80/L. Independent Saab shops will quote you 4-5 hours for this procedure at $95/hr (in Denver). That's $3 grand for "leaking hydraulics".
Most of the rest of the world use hydraulic rams that have a replaceable or rebuildable seal system because they do break down eventually, however, most of these last more than just the 4-5 years than these cheap Saab rams last. In the 90’s, I owned 1965 Pontiac convertible (a road-boat with chrome) and it’s hydraulics were still sealed after 30 years. To add insult to injury to Saab, the old GM products were rebuildable and used common inexpensive $5/qt. hydraulic fluid.
Enough ranting and raving about poorly made and expensive Saab parts, has anybody solved this problem out there? How about specialty rebuilds or replacements? Any solutions would be appreciated and might change my view of this money-pit.
posted by 67.190.47...
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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
