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11 - 3 4Maintenance and service
26 December 2003
Rear differential gear oil"Checking the gear oil levelYour vehicle may be equipped with a rear differential
protector. The differential protector provides protec-
tion to the rear differential assembly during off-road
use. Removal of the rear differential protector is not re-
quired when checking the oil level.1) Filler plug
2) Drain plug1) Filler hole
2) Drain hole
3) Oil level
Remove the plug from the filler hole and check the oil
level. The oil level should be kept even with the bottom
of the filler hole. If the oil level is below the bottom
edge of the hole, add oil through the filler hole to raise
the level.If the vehicle requires frequent refilling, there
21
HSB042BB
3
1
2
HSB043BB
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Maintenance and service
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11
26 December 2003
may be an oil leak. If you suspect a problem,have the vehicle checked at your Saab dealer."Recommended grade and viscosityEach oil manufacturer has its own base oils and addi-
tives. Never use different brands together.Oil grade:
API classification GL-5
SAE viscosity no. and applicable temperature
Power steering fluid"Checking the fluid level1) Reservoir tankThe power steering fluid expands greatly as its tem-
perature rises; the fluid level differs according to fluid
temperature. Therefore, the reservoir tank has two dif-
ferent checking ranges for hot and cold fluids.
Check the power steering fluid level monthly.
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and stop the en-
gine.
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
-20 0 6020
80W
75W/9080 100 40
85W90
HSB036BA
1
UGB097BB
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11 - 3 6Maintenance and service
26 December 2003
1) Specified range2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has been run:
Check that the oil level is between “HOT MIN” and
“HOT MAX” on the surface of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is run: Check
that the oil level is between “COLD MIN” and “COLD
MAX” on the surface of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the applicable “MIN”
line, add the recommended fluid as necessary to bring
the level between the “MIN” and “MAX” line.
If the fluid level is extreme low, it may indicate possible
leakage. Consult your Saab dealer for an inspection.
Be careful not to burn yourself because the flu-id may be hot.!When power steering fluid is being added,
use only clean fluid, and be careful not to allow
any dirt into the tank. And never use different
brands together.!Avoid spilling fluid when adding it in the tank."Recommended fluid“Dexron III” Type Automatic Transmission Fluid
1
1
HSB045BB
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18 February 2004
"Wheel replacementWhen replacing wheels due, for example, to damage,
make sure the replacement wheels match the specifi-
cations of the wheels that are fitted as standard equip-
ment. Replacement wheels are available from Saab
dealers.Use only those wheels that are specified for
your vehicle. Wheels not meeting specifica-
tions could interfere with brake caliper opera-
tion and may cause the tires to rub against the
wheel well housing during turns. The resulting
loss of vehicle control could lead to an acci-dent.NOTEWhen any of the wheels is removed and replaced
for tire rotation or to change a flat tire, always
check the tightness of the wheel nuts after driving
approximately 600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is
loose, tighten it to the specified torque.
Aluminum wheelsAluminum wheels can be scratched and damaged
easily. Handle them carefully to maintain their appear-
ance, performance, and safety.
!When any of the wheels is removed and replaced
for tire rotation or to change a flat, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driving approximately
600 miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to
the specified torque.
!Never apply oil to the threaded parts, wheel nuts, or
tapered surface of the wheel.
!Never let the wheel rub against sharp protrusions or
curbs.
!Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly and completely
around the tire, otherwise the chains may scratch the
wheel.
!When wheel nuts, balance weights, or the center
cap is replaced, be sure to replace them with genuine
Saab parts designed for aluminum wheels.
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