[Jimmycarter]

So I ordered drilled/slotted rotors for the 2005 9-3 aero, but I recieved front and rear vented rotors when only the front should be vented. I believe the 06 aero has both front and rear vented rotors. So my question would be has anyone heard of putting the newer caliper on the older model? It's going to cost me a couple hundred for new rotors anyway so I figure it is worth a shot.

 

[AVguy]

Sounds like you got one of those odd combinations of brakes. You are 100% positive that you don't have vented rotors in the rear? It is possible to change them to vented but you will need the calipers and the caliper mounts. Won't be too hard to change them over. Did you measure the fronts to make sure you got the correct diameter rotors?

 

[Jimmycarter]

Sounds like you got one of those odd combinations of brakes. You are 100% positive that you don't have vented rotors in the rear? It is possible to change them to vented but you will need the calipers and the caliper mounts. Won't be too hard to change them over. Did you measure the fronts to make sure you got the correct diameter rotors?

Yes the fronts were a good match but the rear is sadly not vented. I figured it should be a easy swap but I couldn't find anyone/any post with info on it. I am currently searching for a junked 06/07 but having no luck.

 

[AVguy]

Yes the fronts were a good match but the rear is sadly not vented. I figured it should be a easy swap but I couldn't find anyone/any post with info on it. I am currently searching for a junked 06/07 but having no luck.

There are only two stock rear brake setups so you can easily expand your search to other models/years. All convertibles have the vented rears (at least they are supposed too) so that would be from 04-11. And most Aero's from 03-11 will. You were the unlucky recipient of one of Saabs quirky screw ups.

Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[AVguy]

Just a quick note: With non-vented rear rotors you need to take off the caliper brackets (or at least loosen the caliper bracket bolts) to get the rotors off. Easiest way is to heat the area where the bolts attach with a propane torch to melt the Loctite that makes the bolts very difficult to remove. This is Loctite's instructions for Red Loctite. Once you have the vented calipers and brackets the vented rotors can be removed/replaced without that hassle. Just exercise the usual common sense when using a torch near a car etc. etc..

 

[2K6-93AERO]

check the rotor sizes

I have a 2006 9-3 Aero and just replaced the whole rear suspension assembly due to a collision.

the new suspension and brake parts came from a 9-3 2.0T donor and noticed it had non vented brake rotors and smaller caliper.

So when I installed my stock aero caliper and vented rotor, I noticed that the vented rotor was rubbing against the dust shield from the 2.0T assembly.

So I took out my stock vented rotor and compared to the rotor that came off the donor car and noticed the vented rotor was larger in diameter (not by much).

luckily I was able to use the dust shield that came with my car but I had to go through the hassle of disassembling the spindle/hub just to replace the dust shield.

So something to look for in your case..

 

[AVguy]

You will also need the dust shields from a vented setup as stated above by 2K6-93AERO. I forgot about those.;oops:

 

[Jimmycarter]

Haha you guys are making me look forward to this so much! But thanks for the info! This makes me want to get either this 350 or focus ST that I just can't decide on.:roll: