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Last week I was happy to buy my first running Saab in a couple of years - a 1996 900SET 5-door, 5-speed, 130k. I still have my old 1976 99GL that sits in the yard acting as a chipmunk housing project. I love this new car and have had it checked by two mechanics with good grades, however, I could not have forseen this power steering problem.
It's purging power steering fluid from somewhere near the end of the steering rack on the passenger side of the car. It's a bad leak, with fluid spraying out from that point. I had to refill the reservoir three times in 9 miles just to get it home yesterday. I had to drive it dry (with no power assist) for about 10 miles so I hope I didn't hurt the pump. My questions are:
-Does it sound like I need to replace the power steering rack? It works fine when I fill the reservoir, but the pump sometimes makes a groaning sound. Baar's Stop-Leak did nothing.
-How do I know if the power steering pump is damaged? I don't want to replace it if I don't have to.
-I haven't purchased the Haines manual yet and can't find one in town to get for the weekend. Is this a difficult project? I can't afford the 4.5 hours of labor my mechanic quoted me for the project. I have intermediate mechanical skills.
-Can anyone fax or scan/e-mail the instructions from the Haines manual? I will buy one, just can't get it in time for the project. I didn't think I'd need it so soon after buying the car :-(
-Any tips or hints for the project? Looks like the engine fuse box is in the way, should that be loosened and moved? Do I need any special Saab tools? My 99 requires numerous Saab tools.
-Do I need to do a wheel alignment after replacing the rack?
I love this car and it has reminded me how special and great Saabs are, but this problem has really bad timing.
Thanks for the help.
David
1996 900SET 5-door, 5-speed, 130k
1976 99GL, 4-speed, 175k (needs a new motor)
posted by 204.144.133...
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