Saab
900-9000 S
9-2 9-3 9-5 9-7
Purpose
of this page is to present mechanical information
that is specific to Saab
When
shopping for a Saab repair facility, EXPERIENCE
is the one necessary ingredient. Any technician
working on a Saab for the first time will
overlook details that bear significant impact
upon the performance of the vehicle.
Clutch
& Transmission:
Most
Saab models average more than 100,000 miles
before needing a clutch replacement. Exceptions
to this rule include the 9-2X all-wheel drive.
Some post-2000 models are new configurations
so that it is as yet not possible to establish
an average.
More
than most vehicles, Saab clutch performance
is impacted by related mechanisms and parts
throughout the vehicle. When a Saab clutch
fails, it is extremely common to see additional
repairs required in order to restore proper
clutch operation.
Failing
motor/transmission mounts directly affect
clutch operation on all Saab models. On cable-operated
types, motor mounts that have just begun to
sag and are not yet broken, can cause the
clutch to fail to release properly, making
shifting difficult. Even on newer models,
loose, broken mounts can damage shifting couplers
and linkage. In these cases, linkage repairs
will be needed in order to restore ease of
shifting.
Saab clutches, particularly older models,
have a very soft clutch engagement. Soft engagement
indicates some slippage during normal shifts.
Poor engine performance immediately impacts
clutch wear by causing the driver to slip
the clutch even more than usual.
Some
models with hydraulically operated clutches
are designed with an internal slave cylinder
(mounted around the transmission input shaft,
inside the bellhousing). Replace internal
slave cylinders with every clutch replacement.
Clutch
Chatter (a vibration or repeated
'jumping' as the clutch is engaged):
Chatter
can be caused by a damaged pressure plate,
clutch disc, flywheel, pilot bearing, motor
mounts, transmission mount, universal joints,
or engine misfire. Diagnosis is required.
Simply replacing the clutch may NOT be the
answer.
This
is a very common failure pattern in Saabs.
A probable cause is broken or sagging motor
mounts. Excessive engine movement causes the
clutch to vibrate/chatter. Another possible
cause is an overheated flywheel. 'Hotspots'
begin to appear on the flywheel when its surface
temperature exceeds approximately 1500 degrees
Fahrenheit. The flywheel surface overheats
and the metal changes its physical properties.
Surface wear and friction coefficient become
uneven. This causes the clutch to engage unevenly
and vibrate. Always inspect flywheels carefully
prior to resurfacing. Once the surface
is ground by a diamond wheel, you will not
be able to see the surface irregularities.
You will end up installing a bad flywheel
and having to redo the entire job immediately.
Prior
to replacing your clutch, make sure that the
engine is running correctly. Many times a
misfire under load is misdiagnosed as a clutch
chatter problem.
To
cure clutch chatter, replace the entire clutch
kit (plate, disc, release bearing, and pilot
bearing), carefully inspect the flywheel and
replace if hotspots are present. Check motor
and transmission mounts for breakage and/or
sagging. Inspect universal joints.
Email
us for more Saab clutch information 
Questions?
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