1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup
1994 V6 900s RHD manual, 5 door 106,000 miles. The current problems:
The car had developed a fairly acute power steering fluid leak, so I took it to the local SAAB dealer – Brisbane SAAB, Australia (first mistake). They identified a leak in the PS rack itself and that this was likely caused by a stress crack in the firewall/bulkhead (yikes!). Searching the BB, it seems as though this has been a problem with some NG900s in the UK and Australia. If this is a RHD-specific problem as it seems, why?
I spoke to an independent SAABs mechanic to get a second quote for repairs – they said that SAAB Australia had been doing the cracked firewall on NG900 and early 9-3s for free up until about one month ago even though the cars were long out of warranty. When I spoke to the SAAB Australia customer service about this he basically laughed and said no way. Has anyone out there in BB-land heard anything along these lines in any country?
Perhaps more alarmingly, the original SAAB dealer said they also detected a “belt noise” behind the timing cover but wanted $150 just to have a look (and a probable $990 for the full belt, tensioner, pulley etc. kit installation). I know that the early V6 timing systems were ticking time-bombs, but on this car the belt was replaced along with bearings and adjuster at 90,000 miles six years ago (I have receipts from the previous owner).
The second question is: are there tell-tale signs that something is wrong with the timing belt and there may be impending engine doom other than a “ belt noise”? Would you expect mis-timing of the engine?
I can (and have had to) deal with common problems on the NG900s/V6s like sludge in the coolant from cracked oil cooler (and the subsequent failure of coolant system hoses), numerous motor oil leaks, re-gassing the A/C pretty regularly, sagging headliner, gear knob self-destructing, A/C control dials breaking, windscreen washer motor failure etc., but I am not sure I am up for spending more than the car is worth to have the firewall and PS rack repaired/replaced only for it to happen again if there is a problem with the RHD configuration.
Lots of problems at once, but I don’t want to just walk away the car. I like the way the car drives and the fact that it’s a hatchback, but does it perform that much better than something more reliable (and cheaper to repair) than, say, a boring Toyota Camry of the same vintage?? (rhetorical question – I already know the answer)
BTW, this BB has saved me on many occasions for the two SAABs we have (and do like very much)!
Any help/advice would be much appreciated!
TIA
David P,
Brisbane
1994 V6 900s manual 5 door (106,000 miles)
1989 900i n/a manual 5 door (144,000 miles)
posted by 130.102.115...
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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
