Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 10:10:28 -0800 From: Justin VanAbrahams <jvanabranopsamel.net> Subject: Re: 88T transmission problem / first post.
Alex Niedzwiecki wrote: > > 1) Don't fix it. According to the dealer, it will probably never leave > me stranded, slowly grow worse, and eventually get so loose that it will > start popping out of gear under load. But, it could go another 40K > miles as is. This is really a solid recommendation. Tearing down a tranny before you're sure that's the problem could be big money being thrown away on something that doesn't need to be done. If it turns out to be something simple like the driver bearing or wheel bearing, you'd be feeling pretty bad about putting tons of work into a tranny that doesn't need it. If it gets worse and you can pinpoint the problem later on, that could save you time and money. The dealer is probably right - it will likely never leave you stranded, as whatever it is will get worse before it breaks. > I am currently leaning toward removing the engine / transmission myself > (I normally do all the work on the car myself, I have a small garage, > airtools, and can get a hoist), disassembling the engine/trans and > bringing the transmission to the dealer for repair. After which I would > reinstall tranmission to engine, and remount. Removing the engine and transmission on a Saab 900 is a piece of cake. It takes me about four hours and I don't have any 'real' tools. The pride of my collection is a $200 engine hoist I bought at Pep Boys... :) Since the engine/tranny come out as a unit, you only have to disconnect the wiring harness, the cooling lines to the radiator and heater core, fuel lines, and clear the CVs before lifting the assembly out. It really isn't hard... If you have a lift, there is a tool you can buy which drapes across the wheel wheels (at the shock towers) and secures the engine so you can remove the lower engine subframe and pull the tranny out from below without removing the engine. I've never done it this way, but I have seen it done several times and it looks easy enough. > I am looking for advice, suggestions from folks who've "been there" or > who can help steer me in the right direction. Before going to the trouble of either paying someone to do something or investing the weekend to do it yourself, I'd be sure it's not driver noise or wheel bearing noise. Both will cause a noise. Jack the car up and try to shift the CV or drivers up and down and see if they move. Try to move the wheel around. This may help you narrow down the location of the dying bearing... -Justin
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