I just noticed that the offside outer CV boot has grease all over it as has the bottom of the strut. I could not immediately see that the boot is split, but assume this is so.

I see from the Haynes manual that the Hub nut has a prety hefty torque - has anyone done this job ? Is it a reasonable diy, and if so any pitfalls ?

Any advice appreciated

Chrisn

With such a witty title you really deserved a response from someone sooner! ;-)

I need the OSF CV gaiter replacing on my 900. Derek Blackie posted this message today on the "TSP FORUM" ( http://www.saabs.org/forum/ for info on how to join

This is Derek's reply for the 900 with reference to the hefty torque for the 9000 at the end:

"On the 900 start by removing the brake calliper and hang it up out if
the way. Then release the track rod end, you'll need a ball joint
splitter, preferably the screw up sort that don't damage the rubber
boot. Next remove the bolts securing the top and bottom ball joints to
the upper and lower wishbones and after undoing the clip on the inner
driveshaft gaiter the whole driveshaft/hub assembly can be withdrawn.
At this point you have two choices. The book method is to remove the
clip on the CV gaiter and pull it back. Poke about in all the horrible
messy black grease and find the circlip which you have to squeeze with a
pair of circlip pliers while at the same time pulling the driveshaft to
seperate it from the CV joint. Sometimes the shaft is very reluctant to
come out and the whole process is very messy and frustrating.
My prefered method is to undo the clip securing the inner boot to the
shaft and remove the circlip holding the inner spider on the shaft. The
inner boot complete with the spider and the grease inside it can then be
pulled straight off. After undoing the clips the old outer CV gaiter can
be pulled off up the shaft and a new one slid on. Reassemble with fresh
grease and new clips or tie wraps.

On the 9000 the CV joint/drive shaft assembly can be removed after
undoing the drive shaft nut but it needs retightening to a mammoth 220 lbft"

HTH

/john

Cheers John

Glad to bring a smile to at least one SAAB soul ...

Thanks for the info-it seems to be one of those life facts that someone who has done the job finds a better way than the guy who wrote the manual...

The stumbling block is that hub nut. I spoke to my local specialist (Malbrad) today and even they find this tricky - sometimes the threads strip apparently.

I just knew that the car had been behaving too well for too long !

Still, I think I`ll chicken out of this one.....

Chrisn
All the reports that I have heard about Malbrad have been very positive ;-)

/john

John

Steve at Malbrad has done top and bottom engine mounts, timing chains, several services and supplied me with various other components and advice. He`s OK and I would recommend...

Looks like Malbrad could be getting two hub nuts to do. The inner driver on my Carlsson is badly worn so I think I'll get Malbrad to do it. Yes, Malbrad provides a top service. I drive all the way from the Preston area to get work done there!

Mine will be there thursday !

The stumbling block is that hub nut. I spoke to my local specialist (Malbrad) today and even they find this tricky - sometimes the threads strip apparently.

That's the main reason I prefer to remove the driveshaft complete with the hub assembly, having once removed a hub nut on a 900 and have the threads come with it.

Derek
(replying to the Bulletin Board this time)

Who and where Malbrad?

Think the chaps name is Steve and company is Malbrad. He is in Huddersfield and he has always been excellent with me. Do 90% of my own work so its been parts and one lot of welding plus fitting the S pack suspension to my T8v (which I removed from a T16S) which he has done. Also got the poly bushes for the lower front shock and leading rear arms (watts links) from him (great improvement) oh and new steering rack. Address is:
7 Colne Road
Huddersfield
01484 544556.
Basically a Saap specialist with a huge stock of second hand spares.

Saab Specialist - excellent chap there called Steve.
7 Colne Road
Huddersfield
01484 544556

Got poly bushes from him (well worth it)