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Re: Alternator Removal
Posted by David Prantl (more from David Prantl) on Thu, 18 Nov 1999 09:40:44
In Reply to: , Kok Chen, Sat, 17 Dec 1988 12:00:00 

I just read Dave Ream's detailed account of how to change a 900 water pump.  
Nice job !

I would like to add that one should always opt for the FACTORY replacement 
pump.  It's made in Norway, and has a cast impeller (part # 88 17 900).  
Best of all, dealer cost is just $49, so calling Camelback in Phoenix will 
get you one for $61.25 (800-876-5199).  Don't forget to ask for the '25% 
over-cost SAAB club discount', and FedEx 3-day drop-shipping direct from 
SAAB RDC for a flat fee of $5 per order.  Their latest ads in the NINES 
offer FREE shipping on first order.

The aftermarket pumps (eg. GMB) have a stamped-steel impeller and are much 
less heavy-duty.  You only save about $20 at most.  Not worth the 
uncertainty and likely shorter life span IMHO.

Finally, Dave mentioned the difficulty in removing the lower (main) 
alternator bolt.  It is inserted into the bracket from the firewall side of 
the engine, BEFORE the engine is fitted to the car at the assembly line.  
Dave's procedure for freeing it up is very good.  However, I prefer to put 
the bolt back in 'backwards', from the oil-filter-housing side upon 
reassembly.  Granted, the oil-filter-housing needs to be removed, but I find 
this MUCH easier than trying to secure the lower alternator bracket AFTER 
the alternator has been put back in.  The last 900 I worked on had 4 bolts 
securing the lower alternator bracket to the block.  The top bolt was 
sheared off, preventing the proper reattachment of the A/C bracket, and 
needed to be drilled out.

It is also worth mentioning the alternator-tension-arm-bushings (93 54 770 - 
2 required).  Almost every old 900 I have seen needs these replaced.  The 
tell-tale sign is that the alternator vibrates excessively when the car is 
idling.  I even dare say that Larry West's Viggen could use a new pair (as 
seen during the last John Moss tech session anyway) !

Hence, the reassembly goes:

remove filter housing
secure lower alt bracket with all 3 bolts
make sure lower alt bushings (75 41 451) are in good condition
change the chewed-up tension-arm bushings (r/r one single bolt from the 
firewall-side of the engine)
fit alternator to the car
insert lower alternator bolt from oil-filter side, and tighten with nut on 
firewall side
secure alternator on top
replace oil filter housing (may need new gasket 75 66 433)
(don't forget to reattach ground-wires to housing bolts on some models)
replace oil filter and reattach oil-idiot-light wire
refit heater hoses, coolant expansion tank, and anything else you moved 
earlier for better access.

Best regards,

David Prantl
david_prantlno39sdcx6spamx782hotmail.com
'84 900S, 210kMi, RIP
'86 9000T, 172kMi
'88 9000S, 135kMi
'89 900, 115kMi
'68 97 Sonett V4, 76kMi, #000467

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