Saab 9-3SS/SC/CV Rear Brakes

[MI_Roger]

I changed the rear brakes in my wife's 9-3 yesterday. These use an unusual caliper piston which must be compressed, then turned, then compressed again, then turned again, etc. to retract. NOT EASY!

I bought an OTC caliper tool, and purchased the correct piston adaptor from Assenmacher Specialty Tools.

The trick was to compress the piston, then release it slightly to turn the piston, then compress it again. The passenger side piston, the first one I attempted, was stuck pretty bad too. That one required a LOT of time whereas the driver's side was not too bad. I still spent six hours doing what I thought would be a two hour job.

 

[JHZR2]

Interesting... Some day I'll have to do this on my 9-3

Do you regularly use the parking brake?

What pads/rotors did you use?

 

[mechtech2]

Turning the piston is common on rear disc brake cars with E brakes that actuate the pad.

 

[MI_Roger]

Almost never use the parking brake. Approximatley 40K miles on car. I was surprised to discover I still had ~40% pad remaining and inners were worn no more than outers (both conditions violate anecdotal internet postings).

I installed Akebono Euro Ceramincs, the old style with the butterfly springs on the back of the pad designed for mid-year 2005 and older 9-3SS, but our 2006 has the grooved pistons to accept the spring clips. I think I prefer this style to the newer ones with the "bunny ear" springs protrucing from the top of the pad.

Rotors still look like new so they were not chamged.

And lots of D-I-Y owners report no problems replacing their rear pads. I guess I just ran out of luck on this job.

 

[MI_Roger]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Turning the piston is common on rear disc brake cars with E brakes that actuate the pad.


So I am learning, but this was my first experience with this style.

 

[bdcardinal]

Ya that is a pretty common setup. One of hte tricks to getting them to compress easier is to loosen the bleeder screws.

 

[mechtech2]

Also, some cars NEED to have the parking brake used every day. It is what is used for adjustment of the pads.

 

[JHZR2]

I do it by habit on all cars.