Author Topic: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy  (Read 45809 times)

BigMike

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9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« on: 06 February 2012, 11:15:27 AM »
Hi,

I've just bought a 1999 'S'-reg 9-3 convertible.  The roof works, but is stages - that is the display shows an error several time during the process.

Reading around it seems that the most likely cause is the fluid level is low. Also, that using the correct fluid is extremely important.

Can anyone tell me the spec or part number for the fluid and if there is a reasonably priced on-line supplier?


Thanks,

Mike



phoenix

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #1 on: 06 February 2012, 01:46:10 PM »
You need Saab part no 93165227. I'm afraid I don't have any generic equivalent specs to hand. IIRC it's around £25 or so for a 500ml bottle. Try these folk for it:

http://www.euro-saab-parts-direct.com/

Whilst low fluid may be causing a problem, it warrants further investigation beyond simply topping it up or it could become expensive. If it is low fluid, where has it gone?

I'll also move this to the correct section :)

BigMike

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #2 on: 06 February 2012, 02:08:23 PM »
Thanks, Phoenix.

I have wondered about where the fluid has gone (if this is the situation).  There doesn't seem to be many people asking that question when topping up the fluid - at least on the searches I have done.

What would I be looking to investigate?

Mike


sgould

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #3 on: 06 February 2012, 04:42:52 PM »
The fluid level will drop naturally as the front pads wear down.  If your pads are well worn, and you top up the fluid, you need to be careful that the reservoir does not overflow when you push the pistons back to replace the pads.
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phoenix

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #4 on: 06 February 2012, 05:21:43 PM »
It's roof fluid, not brake!

Under normal circumstances, it shouldn't lose fluid. If it is, then there may be issues with worn seals, damaged hoses etc. that should ideally be addressed before major failure.

But the issues may not be fluid; it could be faulty switches etc. A good independent garage would eb able to carry out a diagnosis for you.

sgould

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #5 on: 06 February 2012, 06:14:30 PM »
Doh!  ::)

Been on the red wine too much this weekend.......blame the SOC!! ;)
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BigMike

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #6 on: 15 February 2012, 10:46:32 AM »
I found some fluid - someone was selling 500ml on ebay for a few pounds - and got up early on Sunday morning to top up the reservoir.

It was straight-forward - take the back seat base out, then release the back-seat back with the key.  The key needs to be turned fully until the locks at both side of the seat back release.

Then remove the trim, the eight bolts that hold the plate on which the pump is mounted in place, tip up the pump on the plate and hold in place with a screw driver.

As can be seen, my fluid was way down.  There are high and low level marks on the reservoir. I understand that the these refer to the oil level when the top is down.  I used a syringe to fill the reservoir as the hole is a little small.  I filled up to about the lower mark to leave space for when the top is down.

If there is an oil leak, it certainly isn't from the pump - the compartment the pump goes in was completely dry.

I've tried the top a few times and it goes down and up in one motion with no sign of fluid anywhere.

Easy job ... it took less than an hour.

Here are some photos I took ...


BigMike

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #7 on: 15 February 2012, 10:48:47 AM »
And a few more ...

BigMike

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #8 on: 14 March 2012, 12:16:11 PM »
Whilst low fluid may be causing a problem, it warrants further investigation beyond simply topping it up or it could become expensive. If it is low fluid, where has it gone?

Well, it seems I have a leak.  I needed to top up the hydraulic fluid again as the roof had stopped going up and down in one movement.

I've had a look around and can't see any pools of oil anywhere.

Is there a common failure - and therefore a common place to look for an oil leek?

Thanks,

Mike

Audax

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #9 on: 14 March 2012, 07:12:53 PM »
Half open the roof and look at the hydraulic rams, if you can wipe more than a tiny bit of oil from them then they are leaking.

BigMike

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #10 on: 16 March 2012, 02:24:54 PM »
Thanks Audax.

Is it just the 2 rams either side, as pictured?

No sign of any oil leak around them.

Regards,

Mike

Audax

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #11 on: 16 March 2012, 03:18:21 PM »
Those are the ones, they'll leak from the actual pistons, you're not looking for puddles of fluid just general oiliness on the rams.

BigMike

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #12 on: 26 March 2012, 09:43:57 AM »
Thanks Audax,

for some reason - and without giving it any real thought at all - I thought there'd be hydraulic cylinders in the actual roof with oil lines.

Clever mechanism doing it from those 4 rams.

There is oiliness on the rams - and I have started to get little oil puddles in front of the back wheels.

I have heard good things about a Lucas additive called "Lucas Hydraulic Oil Booster & Stop Leak" -- part number 10019.

I've ordered some and will give it a go and report back.

Mike

normas_glasses

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #13 on: 07 May 2012, 04:27:48 PM »
Hey BigMike !

How did the Lucas additive work out?

I have the same issue as you....

Thanks !

BigMike

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Re: 9-3 Convertible hydraulic fluid - spec and where to buy
« Reply #14 on: 17 May 2012, 10:07:12 AM »
It has been a while, but I have nothing to report as yet.

I have had an intermittent fault on the top in that the mechanism will not always work.

I added the Stop Leak stuff yesterday (well mixed in a 1 in 5 mix), but couldn't get the top to operate :-(

Regards,

Mike