[wmarvin417]

The time to replace my clutch has unfortunately come and I am not sure how to approach this.

I have taken my 9-3 to a local Saab specialist which I've heard great things about from friends, yet I have yet to get any work done there myself. The bad part is that they quoted me at 3250$ to get the clutch replaced, flywheel machined, new slave cylinder, the whole works. For context I payed 3000$ for my car in April of 2022. The parts themselves total to around 1000$ and the labor is over 2000$ which just seems ridiculous to me (the labor at least). The finances are a big deal for me and 3250$ just really isn't an option. I'm considering just taking the car to an Aamco (or something similar) just to see if they can do it for around 2000$ because that is just far more accessible to me. I know Aamco has a poor reputation but I am unsure of what other options I might have. Another option is replacing it myself, however I don't think I have the skillset/tools for it.

Really all I'm asking for is any advice on what to do.

I live in the Hill Country of Texas so if anyone knows of any shops around the area that could get it done for a lower cost that would be great, but any advice at all is appreciated.

 

[jvanabra]

$3250 seems high to me, $2k seems in the ballpark. I'd definitely shop around.

 

[Bob12312357]

Step 1: buy your own parts to avoid a 20 - 30% markup.
Step 2: find someone to offer you labor of $1k or less.

"Saab specialists" are a dime a dozen whereas quality work is what's actually hard to find (& worth paying for)

 

[olbert]

Maybe try finding a good independent shop or an independent guy. Maybe someone that does euro cars (vw, etc). An independent euro shop might be more willing to take on the job.

I think the high estimate is those guys giving themselves a big cushion in case something goes wrong (breaks and now they have to find parts that aren’t available). And they might not want to bother with an old saab and a big estimate will also serve to make you go away. I had trouble finding a shop willing to do an alignment recently.

If you have a 2.0 it seems like the job is pretty straightforward.

 

[wmarvin417]

Ok great thank you all for the help. I ended up finding a good place with 1100$ in labor. Now in terms of replacement parts what's the way to go? Should I get an original clutch or a performance clutch? I have a few mods on the car and I plan on doing a stage 1 tune but nothing else too crazy. Any recommendations would be great.

Also in terms of flywheel should I get it machined or get a new one? My understanding is that the machining might not work, but I could be completely wrong.

Are there any other parts I would need to buy to make this any cheaper since they'll upsell?

I know I sound clueless but I honestly am in this field, any help would be appreciated!!

 

[Finesse58]

If you're not going stage 3 or past the factory clutch will do great! A lot of people will say factory even for stage 3 and a little more but I disagree there.

 

[Saabdrifter]

Dual mass flywheel?

 

[jvanabra]

DMF is the big question mark... I would assume that's what's in there now, so it cannot be machined and it must be replaced.

 

[Saabdrifter]

Yep, these add a significant cost to clutch jobs.

I bought a new DMF for my 04 Aero 6mt on closeout for $195 shipped. I don't need a clutch, but will need a flywheel when I do.

My V6 6mt is a whole different animal. DMF for it is $1100.

I located one on Ebay for $200 NIB, but seller was in AU and would not ship to US.

 

[jvanabra]

Ugh, yeah, and the alternative solid flywheel makes the transmission rattle like crazy. Neither are great options.

 

[JonnyWayne]

Yep, these add a significant cost to clutch jobs.

I bought a new DMF for my 04 Aero 6mt on closeout for $195 shipped. I don't need a clutch, but will need a flywheel when I do.

My V6 6mt is a whole different animal. DMF for it is $1100.

I located one on Ebay for $200 NIB, but seller was in AU and would not ship to US.

Wow, didn’t realize DMF was so expensive for the 2.8…….something to look forward to as I’m just north of 120K miles on original clutch.

 

[Saabdrifter]

Wow, didn’t realize DMF was so expensive for the 2.8…….something to look forward to as I’m just north of 120K miles on original clutch.

If you are like me and plan on keeping the car, keep your eyes on ebay ect.
They do pop up from time to time for under $500.

 

[Jacob_Kuschel]

RockAuto has the 2.8 DMFs for ~$700 after the discount codes. If you really want a SMF (I don't recommend it), I have a Spec aluminum one I don't want anymore

 

[wmarvin417]

Thank you all for the help again and I apologize for the late response. I ended up taking my car to the AAMCO and they wouldn't accept outside parts unfortunately. However the day before I took my car there I had replaced my spark plugs and I all of a sudden couldn't get the car "slip". They still looked at the clutch and said it was all in great working order! It was just bad spark plugs.

However this sure pissed me off as the saab "specialist" said it was defiantly the clutch.

Thank you all for the help

 

[Saabdrifter]

Oh boy,

Happens way more than it should. I replaced a clutch for a woman. A Saab "Specialist" told her clutch was failing.
Removed the gearbox and clutch. Clutch parts barely worn, called her and told her. She basically told me I didn't know what I was talking about and her "guy" was the best. So I installed a new clutch.
Go for first test drive and find she a had a bad #3 coil. Had her come in for test drive, she said it was exactly the same and accused me of not replacing her clutch.

Popped in a replacement coil on the side of the road and had her drive again, she was very confused.

 

[Bob12312357]

"Saab specialists" are a dime a dozen whereas quality work is what's actually hard to find (& worth paying for)

It's almost like someone knew what 'Saab specialist' translates to. . .

 

[JonnyWayne]

Happy for the OP but I’m still trying to understand how bad spark plugs can present as needing clutch replacement.

 

[Bob12312357]

I'd guess someone mistook bogging from misfiring for clutch slipping. Some mechanics go by what the customer describes & don't recreate the symptoms themselves.