Brakes - Installing Front Pads
86saab02FILE IN S.I. Man VOL. I
SEC. A-5 PG. 29
Service Information
SUBJECT: INSTALLING FRONT BRAKE PADS ISSUE: 07/86-862
APPLICATION: SAAB 99, 1975-80 SAAB 900, 1979-87
A new front pad set combination is introduced into spare parts from 07/86. This new combination consists of two 2-pad combinations (P/N 91-02-708 Textar T474, 91- 02-690 Delco 121) which require special installation considerations. See S.I. 07/86-861 for pad applications.
The alternative four pad organic set (P/N 89-93-297) remains as before and is still restricted for naturally aspirated cars that will never be used in severe service (e.g., sustained city driving mountainous driving). The service life of this set is less than that of the new semi-metallic front combination.
Installing New Pad Sets
1. Remove rust and worn edges from the brake disc.
Check condition of the dust covers on the piston. Replace if cracked or damaged.
If the brake fluid is suspect, it should be changed. Check the vehicles service records or interview the customer. Brake fluid should be changed every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Use DOT 4 (never use DOT 5).
2. Check that the hand brake actuating lever at the caliper moves freely.
Clean and grease the sliding surfaces of the brake housing for the yoke and pads. Use Gleitmo 540 (P/N 30-08-612).
3. Check the hand brake cable clearance 0.019 +/- .003" (0.5 +/- 0.1 mm) at the caliper levers and adjust if necessary.
4. Turn in the pistons with the aid of the special tool (P/N 89-96-043). Do not turn in the pistons past the point where they are in line with the plane of the hole for the pad retaining pin.
5. Semi-Metallic 2-Pad Combination
Place Textar T474 pad (P/N 91-02- 708) on the inside of the disc. Place Delco 12 pad (P/N 91-02-690) on the outside of the disc.
Inner pads (Textar T474) may wear at a faster rate than outer pads (Delco 121) and may be replaced in sets of two. It's not necessary to replace all four pads if only the inners are worn. (Outer pads must have at least 4 mm of pad material remaining).
Organic Moderate-Use Pads
Place pads from the four pad (89-93- 297) set on both sides of the disc.
6. Pull up the hand brake 7 notches. Start the engine and pump the brake pedal until the hand brake lever will operate after 9-10 notches.
Pulling up the hand brake lever blocks the self-adjusting mechanism of the brake pistons and prevent over adjustment.
7. Road test the car to verify correct brake function but do not overheat the pads with repeated hard braking. Do not apply high static force at the pedal. This can cause piston over adjustment.
Advise the owner to bed-in the pads gently, e.g. avoid hard braking for the first 90 miles (city driving) or 300 miles (highway driving).