Is a cam belt change a big job on a 9-3 diesel?

[tonto2k]

I want to change the cambelt on my 127k 9-3. I want it changing as I have no service history on the car. I am capable of most DIY tasks but from what I have read its quite a big job doing a cam belt change.

Should I just get a garage to do it or should I do it myself? How much roughly would a non-saab garage charge?

I am willing to do it myself I have just been put off a little by all the potential problems with keeping the pulleys fixed when changing.

Thanks

[ragtopcav]

I wish I could help, I've never even looked past the plastic covers on the TDi.

There is now a Haynes manual for the 9-3 [whoopee another book of feary tails ] looky here.

[MarsMan]

If you have in mind that belt, that usually drives camshafts, you can forget it. We have timing chain .

However, you can change the belt that drives alternator & stuff.

[ragtopcav]

Originally Posted by MarsMan

If you have in mind that belt, that usually drives camshafts, you can forget it. We have timing chain .

I'm pretty sure the 2.2 diesel has a timing belt.

[MarsMan]

2.2 l engine has timing chain. Belt is used on 3.0 TiD.

[tonto2k]

Sorry I probably never explained it right, Its the belt that powers the power steering etc, not the timing chain. I think its proper name is auxilary drive belt? ?

[earthworm]

Originally Posted by tonto2k

Sorry I probably never explained it right, Its the belt that powers the power steering etc, not the timing chain. I think its proper name is auxiliary drive belt? ?

Also known as a serpentine belt - sometimes the old term "fan belt" is used..
I wonder if its pulleys are any better than those used on the petrol engine ???
Probably this drive belt is good for 60K miles , but check with the dealer - no place for guessing..

[SuperFlyGuy]

Fan Belt...
I'm old skool!!

I bought my saab because it doesn't have a cambelt! - Hurrah. They're a pig to do and a haynes manual and a couple of spanners on your driveway just doesn't cut it. you have to have all sorts of cambelt locking tools and a breaker bar from hell.

I'd find a mate who is a mechanic and is willing to do some work cash in hand at their garage.

Not sure about the diesels, but if you're changing the fan belt, as you don't know the history, then I'd probably change the two plastic pulley's while you're at it...

if you have the belt off, give the plastic pulleys a spin, if they sound rattly or a bit grindy, buy some new ones, £35 + VAT off the saab dealer or about £20 + VAT from your local motor factors.

When I got my saab, I didn't have anything with it. Try sending an email to Saab asking for service history and any recalls done or outstanding. Saab UK were very helpful. They may also have the code for your radio...

I got a copy of the service records and recalls done on the car, handy for working out what has and hasn't been done or needs doing...

Hope it helps...