So my buddy and I tore apart the entire rear end........again........and found that the sunroof drains were plugged - ok fixed that - and that the repair on the tail lights were successful - ok ruled that out - BUT........found that in addition to one of the strut towers rotting away, there is water leaking in from the gas-cap area . So, here are my new questions:
1. Has anyone had the leak around the gas-cap? Just a seal maybe? Is there a drain there that's clogged? Just caulk the hell out of it?
2. Since the strut tower thing is such a common problem on this chassis, does Saab make a pre-formed piece that can be "cut & welded" right in place (like the old VW floorboards?)
I truly love this car and was HEARTBROKEN to find all of the rust. It would take years before it became a real problem (as in a safety issue) but I can't drive it knowing there's a problem like that eating-away my car everyday. This is something I have to take somewhere because I just don't have the resources or the knowledge - any input would be extremely appreciated.
If the sunroof drains exit the body(and they surely must), why can't they easily be accessed from underneath ?? I have tried to find mine - no success...and I'm not looking until spring:cheesy:
On the rear "shock" mount; this was a production problem, the hole was never well sealed..
My '60 Saab was similar, but the shock was mounted on a bracket which rotted off at year 17....and I had to drive her back home - over 100 miles, an interesting adventure....
safety... the most overblown, overused thing in this age...
If you could find a true body shop, they should be able to weld in some metal which should last 5 years or so...
The gas cap area has been known to leak. There's a "sealing collar", as Saab calls it, around the fuel filler neck that probably needs to be replaced if yours is leaking. It's part number 5195201, and lists for a fairly reasonable $14.30.
Thanks for the info - I'm ordering the seal right now, Jeremy.
Is the rust a relatively easy fix for a body shop? Am I just paying for the labor of removing the one-side suspension, cutting, welding, undercoating......etc? Is the cost outragious?
AND...............is the gas-cap-seal-filler something I can do myself? I can't seem to figure out how to remove any parts around the neck at the top .
Hey Jeremy (or anyone) - everyone's telling me the part # is incorrect - is there a different # by chance? AND - is this something I can fix myself? I can't figure out how to remove anything at the top of the neck ;oops: .
The neck seems to be without a part number....in my quickie-parts-book. It seems to float in space, I see no support.
Drain the tank(somehow); doconnect the hoses, then try to move the tank neck around a little - this may expose the thing holding the neck in place.
Assure that this area is leaking :: I'd treat this area to a water/rain test, this spring, and see what happens...
My hatch leaks as well - probably at a tail-light....The hatch door seal seems to be effective....
Sorry for the late reply but thank you for the information.
BTW, Earthworm, I'm POSITIVE the leak is coming from the gas neck. We fixed both tail lights (both were leaking), replaced a grommet under the spare tire (wide-open, gaping hole), cleaned out both sunroof drain plug holes (both were clogged), checked the antenna (no,leak), checked the hatch seal (no leak), checked shock towers (both leaking - driver's side is horribly rusted) AND...... finally by elimination, the gas cap has a nice, slow, steady leak. WOW - what a pain in my moist, Swedish, rear!
Anyway, can I just caulk around the filler with some clear or black silicone or would it be best to install the "sealing collar?" Has anyone done this?
I would use a sealant specifically designed for plastic parts.
You'll have to remove the seal ring to see how it looks. Is not this whole affair external ??, so it cannot possibly leak into the trunk...its too cold for me to check....ice cannot leak into the warm, toasty cabin anyway...
I do hope you have a nice roomy ,heated car-space:cheesy: ..
I do indeed have a nice garage (heating optional ) - I thought it would only be external as well, but all I know is when my friend opened the gas flap and put a hose right up to the neck, the water seeped in with no hesitation - and based on the previous track marks and water trails on the inside of the hatch wall, we knew that was a major culprit.
I'll probably order the seal, replace it, and then silicone it anyway.
Boxman gave me the same part # that Jeremy gave me - I'll check and see if perhaps the part # you gave me checks out. Thanks for the input.
I'm in the same boat. I'm trying to track down a water leak. I'm getting close. I sealed off my gas filler neck with a hella lot of silicone. Strut towers are next to check on my list.
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