900 EMS rack preparation

[SwedeSport]

Im putting in my manual rack, Can anyone tell me what kind of oil I should use in my rack and how much should be in it? It was a one year only unit and its rare to find any info. I pulled the boot to inspect the inner tie rods and spilled some. I wanted to put new tie rods and boots on it but there are none to be had anywhere. Ill just have to live with the ones that are in it.

I need to figure this out this weekend and get it in the car.

[Hans]

From the manual rack section of Saab 900 manual 6, Front assembly steering device:

Lubricate the moving parts of the steering gear and fill the gear with 0.15 dm^3 (5 fl. oz., 1.5 dl) of BP Energrease FGL.

For the tie rods:

Lubricate the ball and bearing cups with Molybdenum Paste

So whatever the modern equivalent of BP Energrease FGL is: http://tinyurl.com/yjmwp35

Note that this grease spec for the manual rack is different than for power racks, but how they differ, I couldn't tell you.

Assuming you don't have manual 6, I can scan the manual rack re-build portion for you.

[SwedeSport]

I have Haynes and Bentley books for a the 900 and a Chilton for the 99. Neither go into any detail on the manual rack. Whatever info you can get for me would be appreciated. I do not have any of the factory books.

[99Super]

The 99 Manual sez:
"Stand the steering gear on end and pour 5 fl. oz. of EP90 oil between the rubber bellows and tie rod..."

I doubt there is that much difference between a 99 rack and the 900's.

[SwedeSport]

One of my rack boots is cracked at the clamp flange. Both are very dry and cracking in the creases of the bellows. The dimensions of the boot are 2" at the rack, 1/2 inch at the tie rod, and 7" long in a relaxed state. I need to find replacements ASAP. I have tried every parts house around town hoping to find something close, but noone has boots in stock.

If anyone knows what fits this let me know.

[paulh]

www.rockauto.com had em for my 99, probably worth a try.

Paul

[Hans]

From the service manual cited above, here are the instructions for rebuilding a c900 manual rack:

http://bluesedan.com/temp/c900manualrackrebuild.pdf

[Jordan]

I sent these part numbers to Paul that I ordered from rockauto

Raybestos #4301013 & #4301000

I thought they were pretty nice, they just need better securing straps.

[SwedeSport]

This is for a 900 EMS, Rockauto has the 4301000 listed as fitting the 900 manual racks, which also crosses over to the 99 manual rack. Apparently the same as mid 70's MGB. The 99 rack uses 2 different boots while the 900 has the same one on both sides. Rockauto called Raybestos to get dimensions for me. The length is close but the rack side id is 2.450 and my rack OD is 2 inches. I ordered them locally and am expecting to wait 4-5 days for the wrong parts to come in. And of course they are not returnable.

I dont have much choice at this point. I need to get the car back together. Im thinking Ill rtv some 1/8" thick rubber strips around the rack to build up the dia. then rtv the boot to that, then hose clamp it on. Hopefully it doesnt leak, at least its not under any pressure. I can always change them out when I find a better fit.

Gonna have to spend some time on my back in the mud this summer measuring racks to find something that works dimensionally. Honda, Toyota, Nissan etc.

[Jordan]

Yeah I dunno but I ordered those for my 99 quick-ratio rack and they fit fine.

[SwedeSport]

Waiting for a call back from JAC RAC. Had them looking for parts for this thing. They have a rebuilt exchange manual rack for a 900. 158.00 + 75.00 core. Lifetime warranty. I dont think its the EMS ratio rack though. They are going to check the lock to lock on one of the units in the warehouse, so I can compare it to mine. The standard (as far as I can find) is 4.2 turns and the EMS is 3.5. I suppose I could get a similar (if not better) effect with the standard manual rack and a steering quickener.

The boot that is listed as fitting the 900 rack (both sides) is the same PN as the left side boot for the 99. (Rockauto) PN 4301000. I ordered a pair of them, but what is scaring me about them is that the rep from Rockauto called the manufacturer while I waited on hold. He came back and told me that the outter boot hole is .465 inch, and the inner boot hole is 2.45 inch, and the overall relaxed length is 7.60. the boot flange on the rack is only 2 inches. .45 is a fair amount to make up. I am holding out hope that it will cinch down and seal properly.

[Geoff]

The regular ratio manual rack is easy to turn but the ratio sucks.

If you're going to do a steering quickener you'll need power steering or you'll never be able to turn the wheel.

[SwedeSport]

AC Delco, from the Chevy Dealer here locally. Boots are PN 45A7000 , fit rather nicely. Seem a little tight on the tie rod, and a little short at full lock. But they are on and the rack is in!

Struck out on finding new inner rods though. The ones currently on it will have to suffice.

[SaabsBreakDown]

I was just in the manual the other day (the later 99 one) and it said that from MY 78 "Fluid Grease" was installed from the factory, and that it is recommended now for all model years instead of oil.