Saab 9000 CSE 96 Serpentine Belt change

The tensionor doesn't have any settings to allow release or adjustment. There is a Saab tool that fits into two notches to keep the tensionor in place with the tension off the belt after you have used a wrench to move the tensionor into that position. The "special" tool can easily be fabricated. I did it with a bracket I bought from the hardware store that had two holes in it that are 4.5" apart. I secured two bolts into the bracket and they fit into the notches. I got the specifications from the Haynes 9000 service manual. It is now available in the US through 3rd party sellers in the "used and new" section of Amazon.com:

the actual Saab manuals were much more expensive (and more detailed)than the Haynes manual, and I expect they would be very difficult to findafter this many years. Even though the Haynes manual has its shortcomings,it does a competent job of explaining belt removal and replacement. Remember, the bolt for the tensionor pulley is reverse threaded and that pulley has to be removed before the belt can be removed. I hope this helps.

Walt Kienzle

1991 9000T

Still the price USD 28.71 for the Haynes manual seems quite steep. UK price is GBP 14.99 at most. Actually USD 25.63 because the USD is low today.

I have a surplus Haynes 9000 service manual 1985-1998 that I'll sell for GBP 10+ postage (~3) in the UK.

Johannes

I remove the fender liner, pull the PS reservoir off its mount, then use a 19MM socket on 18" - 1/2" drive breaker bar. Put socket on the LH threaded bolt on the idler pulley. Pull VERY SLOWLY (I mean VERY SLOWLY or you can strip the nut - ask how I know...) toward the firewall. Once compressed, remove the belt with your other hand and slowly release the tensioner. Now remove the LH threaded bolt to remove the belt. If this is a 65kmi service, replace BOTH pulleys now so that one does not catastrophically fail in 10kmi. The pulleys are notoriously short lived. I had one making noise at 72kmi. I do not know how much longer it would've gone, but I did not want to test it.

KeithG

Grospitch wrote:

You are probably correct, but everything is too expensive these days and we have to live with it. Since this book isn't even available from Amazon.com directly or from any other US bookstore (unless you find it used), the only other source is to order it from the UK. The US offices of Haynes won't even acknowledge that this book exists. Add GBP 7 for overseas shipping, and the quoted price comes into parity. I used the US Amazon web site because that is where I live and it provided information about the book. Obviously people in other countries should use a web site based in their country, such as Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, or whichever bookstore they prefer. Before Amazon provided a listing for this book, one of the Saab parts specialists on the Internet was selling it for about $32, plus shipping. I ordered my copy from a UK bookseller (not Amazon.co.uk) several years ago and, IIRC, the total cost came to about $30. What you consider steep, is somewhat of a bargain for us in the US.

I find it humorous that you should claim that this price is steep. I went through the same thing when I was looking for a replacement receiver-drier/accumulator for the Air Conditioning. A UK parts supplier told me "you are being robbed if you pay more than $30 for that part." I found that aftermarket parts suppliers were asking about $60, and the Saab dealer was asking about $120. I was considering ordering it from the UK and paying the steep shipping and import fees. Saab is considered to be a premium, luxury brand in the US and everything associated with it is sold at a steep price here. I have since found

who sell parts at reasonable prices. The AC part is still over $30 (just barely), but they don't sell this book.

Walt Kienzle

1991 9000T

Uhh, and I believe this part is not even made by Saab.

The Amazon price quoted for the manual USD 28.71 was actually a second hand price, the new price quoted is in the range USD 33.64 - USD 39.57 !

My copy is also second hand, but hardly used since I discovered that content is identical (exactly) with previous manual (1985-1995 on the cover).

The Pound/Dollar rate 1.71 is at the highest I can remember at the moment.

Since you top posted, allow me to repeat my offer: 10 GBP + 3 GBP for posting in the UK.

Johannes

Once again, you are correct, but then again, the AC part I was talking about is not made, handled or branded by Saab either (except the $120 part from the Saab dealer). So what is your point? As I stated, the actual Saab part is more expensive (for both the book and the AC part) and I suggested the Haynes book as an alternative that would provide more information on the topic the original poster was asking about. My point was that everything Saab related (not necessarily made or sold by Saab) is expensive in the US.

You are very wrong on this. While it is in the "used" section, the description clearly states that it is "Brand New, Perfect Condition"

That would be helpful for the first person from the UK that contacts you for a copy of the book. Your detour on this thread would be much more helpful to others if you could suggest a less expensive source for us in the US instead of being negative about the source I provided for information on the book.

[...]

Apologies for not making this distinction. The section is split into

1) New and 2) Used, described as 'like new'.

I only have one copy in surplus, so I wasn't too concerned about my price. I have looked in Google for alternative sources for those in US, but not found less expensive sources. There is of course amazon.co.uk from GBP 12 (international delivery available); it may be possible for you to buy from the UK. I've often bought something or other from US dealers, works fine with credit card.

Johannes