The cost of the chain and sprockets isn't that big, and you will likely only have to do the job once unless you keep it really long like I have. The labor to re-install the new chain and sprocket shouldn't be that much with the cover off already. If you take it out, then you have the extra vibration. The extra vibration can cause more driver fatigue, wear on things like motor mounts, suspension, exhaust, and everything else on the car where two parts are joined together.

If cost is your biggest concern, don't put the new chain in and sell the car when you get it back from the mechanic. If the balance chain is worn, then you are at a point in the cars life that many other things will be wearing out soon. If you are going to keep the car long term and want to take care of it, put the chain in, new sprockets, replace the front main seal (o-ring), water pump seal, serpentine belt, and have your tensioner pulley checked for damage or wear. If the job is done right, the front of your engine will be quiet and dry for the next couple years and will run smooth as silk (as opposed to, well the vibration isn't really that bad).

Many of these jobs are costly, but when everything is disassembled to get the timing cover off, it is the best and least expensive time to do it.

Clearly this is just an opinion of a guy who has never driven a 9000 with the balance chain removed. I am just very meticulous with maintaining the car, probably why I can't seem to part with it after 9.5years...no matter how much I would like to drive new. I just cant match the stlye, perfomance, and comfort of my 9000 for what it costs me to keep my 9000 in good shape.

posted by 69.128....

• What else to do while balance shaft chain is removed?, NYSaab, Wed, 16 Jun 2004 13:39:40
  • Re: Balance shaft/no balance shaft, David Ingram, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 13:33:32
    • Took mine out...some regrets, John Rose, Fri, 18 Jun 2004 07:26:16
      • John, I've got an auto, NYSaab, Sat, 19 Jun 2004 19:11:55
    • Re: Balance shaft/no balance shaft, SWEDECAR , Thu, 17 Jun 2004 13:51:20
      • Re: Balance shaft/no balance shaft, David Ingram, Fri, 18 Jun 2004 10:51:28
  • I don't get why people dont put these back on, David, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 09:04:11 <-- Viewing This Message
    • Because the benefit of replacement appears minimal, NYSaab, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 11:03:48
      • I have to admit that the $500 estimate seemed really, David, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 17:33:30
        • David, parts alone are $350-400, NYSaab, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 18:03:43
        • Sport suspension, NYSaab, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 17:58:01
  • Yes remove, not replace balance shaft chain, NYSaab, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 08:02:17
  • Do You Mean REMOVED Or REPLACED?, Peter Ingram, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 07:05:59
    • Re: Do You Mean REMOVED Or REPLACED?, SWEDECAR , Thu, 17 Jun 2004 09:49:10
      • WOW! That Shaft Sprocket Is TRASHED!, Peter Ingram, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 10:43:11
        • Most leave the shafts in place, NYSaab, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 11:11:25
        • Re: WOW! That Shaft Sprocket Is TRASHED!, SWEDECAR , Thu, 17 Jun 2004 11:08:02
  • Re: What else to do while balance shaft chain is removed?, Simon, Wed, 16 Jun 2004 23:12:24
    • Some remove it to supposedly reduce maintenance items., Brady, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 05:24:02
  • Balance Shaft and Timing Parts..., Peter Ingram, Wed, 16 Jun 2004 16:39:24
    • Anyone tried triming the timing cover ?, Ram, Wed, 16 Jun 2004 18:43:51
      • Re: Anyone tried freezingthe timing cover ?, BobS, Wed, 16 Jun 2004 19:25:51
        • dropping it in the snow worked for my mechanic., David, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 08:30:35
      • Why not cut off the head gasket instead and use lots of, SWEDECAR , Wed, 16 Jun 2004 18:51:51
        • Yep, With You, Anders..., Peter Ingram, Wed, 16 Jun 2004 19:43:38
          • That's what I had to do..., JohnCC, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 01:27:18
            • Oh and..., JohnCC, Thu, 17 Jun 2004 01:29:01

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