How do i replace front wheel bearings on a Saab 9000 turbo?

Answer 1

Hi, I am now answering my own question after repairing the car myself. First order in replacment bearings makimng sure the correct ones are orderd (I kept being sent rear or front bearings for a 900 turbo earlier model). The new bearings are one piece incorporating the bearing, mounting bracket and hub assembly and being so are quite expensive ($220 Australian dollars each).

First loosen the wheel nuts and also the driveshaft retaining bolt then jack up the front of the car and remove the road wheel. Then remove the two mounting bolts holding the caliper assembly from steering knuckle, move caliper unit away from working area and support with a bit of wire carfully not to strain the rubber brake line.

Next undo the two nuts and bolts securing the steering knuckle to the suspension strut, once removed pull steering knuckle down to gain better access to the Allen key (hex head) bolts retaing the wheel bearing to the steering knuckle (you will need a 10mm Allen key (hex key) to remove the four bolts.

The disc brake rotor will come of with the bearing assembly, remove disc brake rotor by removing small star shaped bolts.

Assembly is the reversal of the removal procedure ensuring the Allen key bolts are replaced using a little locktite or other thread glue and ensuring drive shaft centre bolt is done up very tightly once car is back on the ground.

Hope this helps anyone else. Cheers Gav