[Hambo]

Hi,

My 1986 Classic 900 T16 S is currently marooned at the local Saab main dealer; an inspection of the front brakes has regrettably revealed that both calipers are seized and the pads extinct (I had thought that braking was becoming a little marginal of late!). I have been advised that it is no longer possible to obtain replacement front calipers for use with ventilated discs from Saab for this particular model year in which the handbrake operates on the front left-hand caliper. I wonder whether anybody is aware of a UK supplier who might be able to supply suitably reconditioned calipers, or alternatively whether anyone has previously attempted to convert this model year to rear handbrake operation by fitting post '87 calipers all round.

 

[nutcase]

It would be a lot easier for you to change to the non-vented version of the front handbrake calipers. Rear handbrake conversion needs a LOT of work!

 

[Matthew]

I'm not sure that non-vented brake discs would be suitable for a T16.

Call Brake Engineering on 01978 667800 to get the name of one of their stockists in London. They supply a range of refurbed calipers for Saabs. Fred even managed to get a set from them for his 1964 96!

I know that APD deal with Brake Engineering, but according to the Yellow Pages they don't seem to have an outlet in London.

You could also call Two Stroke to Turbo on 01707 256100 as they recently supplied me with refurbed calipers for my front-handbraked 1986 900 carb (can't remember whether the discs are vented or not though :roll: ).

Also (just thought of this) - give Western Saab call on 0131 4475900/0141 4297222/0191 2661150/01738 630606 as they have stocks of new old-stock Saab parts which they're selling at discount prices. Looking at their advert in this month's SOC Driver mag, it looks though as a lot of the sought-after stuff has gone. Worth a try though.

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[Basre]

Strange.. unless your Calipers are one rusted solid Mass..
they should be rebuildable..by any comptent mech...often tis is far preffereable to buying some dubious quality 'rebuilt' units from Fred's house 'o brakes.
The OEM caliper seal kit from Saab is actually quite inexpensive.

 

[Matthew]

When refurbing calipers, you should replace the piston as well as the rubber seals.

While home DIY brake caliper rebuilds can be okay, buying professional refurbed calipers is preferable IMHO. The refurbers are able to carry out tasks beyond the home mechanic: blasting off all rust and applying the same OE plating to the caliper body for corrosion resistance and appearance; sleeving if necessary the caliper's cylinder (if pitted or scored); fitting a new piston, bleed nipple, springs, bolts and pivots.

Oh, also you get a warranty and the calipers are available off the shelf.

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[pda]

my 1985 T16 Sedan has Solid disc's on it :roll: up front...can't see a problem with that the ventilated disc's were a option on that year.........


Paul

_____________________________________
Full Throttle until you see God, then Brake..

 

[trackside]

Early T16's had solid disks - the pad area is the same so your only advantage of vented is the marginaly better ability to stop repeatedly hard. Get good quality solid disks and pads to go with ome recon calipers and you will be OK.

 

[nutcase]

It was only for one maybe 2 model years that vented front handbrake calipers were fitted. Hence hard to find now. Ditto the correct pads - eg. on ebay from same seller. OEM Front handbrake pads - £9 starting. OEM front handbrake pads for vented discs - £20

And the solid discs are pretty good in themselves.

 

[Hambo]

Just heard from the dealership that they are unable to source re-conditioned calipers for ventilated discs from any source! I've also been advised that I will require new wheel hubs if I'm to switch from ventilated to solid discs! Does anybody know whether this is correct? I had hoped to simply bolt on replacement solid discs and fit re-conditioned calipers to suit. I assume that this would replicate the original braking configuration on 8V Turbo models. Any further views would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Basre]

Perhaps you need a parts Car
People have retrofitted 9000 brakes to the c900. but personally I've not done it.. though I own both cars
Am confused about the claim that Caliper Pistons need replacement though.. these are Chromed inna Saab (on their working surfaces ) and unless damaged significantly there should be NO need to replace them out of hand.. My experiences with Brake 'rebuilders' is less than encouraging.. It's usually some sweatshop operation where new employees recieve several moments of training. In my world...standard practice with 'jobber' supplied rebuilds is to completely dissasemble the things, prior to install .. if only to check and see what parts were errr.. 'Left out'.
A v prudent and often essential practice... one should do the same.

 

[Fred]

Check out Brake Engineerings Web site http://www.brake-eng.com/ They list the calipers for vented disc front handbrake. Call them!

 

[Raub]

Re-manufactured calipers here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33563&item=7974015862&rd=1If you need assistance getting them across the pond I could probably help.