Saab 9-3 2.0T Water Pump and Timing and Balance Chain Replacement

[@markberg9241]

goddamn legend, there arent many videos this high quality doing this service

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thank you mark 🫡🙌🏼

[@caractacusbrittania7442]

Had my balance shaft chain and guides replaced, after hearing strange noises on initial startup, after a few minutes they would disappear. We suspected a chain guide was broken causing the chain to have excessive slack, which on startup took a few seconds to retension itself. On removal, left hand guide was missing a 2 inch piece, which we found in the bottom of the cover. Very lucky escape. Thats a massive job you have undertaken, And I'm very impressed, Well done buddy.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Wow! Nicely done and a good save. Thank you!

[@elgatovolador3226]

This is perfect. Bought an Aero three years ago with the intention of doing the same. I have no excuse not to do it now. Thank you for sharing this!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Good luck. Happy to help!

[@aksmzk3829]

You're already a legend but the waterpump takes it to another level!!!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thank you sir! Tough job, for sure…

[@pjackson65]

This really dials down my paranoia about inevitably doing a water pump, thanks :)

[@AutoAutopsy]

😬🤣 sorry!

[@turbo_co27]

Honestly I wouldn’t say “inevitably”, they don’t tend to go out very often t. about 5 years of looking at Ecotec Facebook forums and owning 4 of the cars

[@thezaalls]

Until now I would have never considered doing this at home, it's a big and complex job. But the video looks inspiring, good job!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks! It is definitely a pretty involved job, but doable if you have the determination!

[@HAHAHAV10]

I've done about 3-4 of these jobs at home. One upgrade I did do on all of them was replace the stock cam gears with keyed cam gears from a Cobalt SS. One engine it had slipped on. They're like $25 for a pair and bolt on. Once those are installed you don't need the cam lock tools. Just line up the chain with the marks and bam done. Didn't know there was an upgraded guide tho. Sold all my 4 cylinder saabs and now own a V6.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Oh man! Great tip. Wish I had known that beforehand! 🤣 Thanks for sharing 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@malmaaa]

Do you have a link too the parts makes it easier too find

[@sergvillarreal]

Any idea on the part number?

[@JULY-pp8jk]

On another video, they used a special tool to only get the pump out. But in the comments a saab tech mentioned they stopped using those as it created problems with timing, recommended doing it this way instead.

[@AutoAutopsy]

I can’t speak to that, unfortunately. To my knowledge, you *do* need a special tool to do just the water pump. It wasn’t needed here since everything was getting replaced

[@Wolfpack310]

The special tool is too hold the pump sprocket in place so the chain doesn't jump timing. But in this case he doesn't need it because everything was replaced anyway.

[@anthonypolimeni2043]

I’m a fanatic as well in keeping everything clean , great pod cast ! I love Saabs as well . Now I have to get this kit and do it myself . Thanks for these videos not only helps but inspiring!.

[@AutoAutopsy]

awesome - best of luck. glad I can help

[@thackerybrown2860]

That valve cover does look great. Great job!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks thackery! Pretty hyped with the result

[@P6UL_K]

Great video dude, I now own 2 more Vauxhalls in the UK with the same engine (Z20NET) as well as my B284 (Z28NET), surprised at how good that 4 pot engine is!

[@AutoAutopsy]

It’s truly such an underrated engine! 😁

[@josecuevas3440]

That was a great job installing the timing chain,the video is great learning tool.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thank you, Jose 🙌🏼

[@gltwn]

It seems like the timing or balance chain guide on the left, the one the tensioner directly interacts with, is the one that fails more often than that vertical one

[@AutoAutopsy]

I have definitely noticed the same! Good point

[@briangarland9883]

My guides are getting replaced right now. It all started when I was putting in a new clutch. The oil level switch was leaking. So I figured I would take the oil pan off while I have the subframe out. Well, when I got the oil pan down the balance chain guide was lying in there along with the back of the balance chain tensioner...

[@AutoAutopsy]

😬😬😬

[@Saabotage05]

Well done man! Thanks for the great coverage and specs on this job!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks! I really appreciate that!

[@iancudny6330]

Great job! Not an easy job to do and glad you had some help.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Me too, Jon is a lifesaver! 🤣

[@alaz9794]

Def this dude is the legend. What a useful video.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Glad it helped!

[@caesar170988]

Have all the parts ready to do the job , just waited on the thermostat housing gasket . See you didnt bother . Hope for no leaks

[@AutoAutopsy]

I admittedly should have replaced it, but will be soon. Two of my heater core hoses are beginning to “seap,” so I’ll replace that housing gasket when I go to do that job. No leaks so far, about 150 miles in 🤞🏼

[@yegorsolin4044]

Very good job and cool video! 👍🏻 I need to do this too. Thank you for the video. But I want to replace the stock bolt with a Melling 5499GMB engine timing chain guide bolt

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks! I have heard that there’s a good upgraded bolt option too!

[@Nzaf001]

Did u just put the car in gear to torque the crank pulley bolt or did u lock the flywheel somehow? Nice job im just waiting on my cam locks to start this job. Nice job!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks! I didn’t lock the flywheel (it’s automatic) but IIRC, I did put the car in gear

[@alexandredionisio9280]

Did you ever clean the oil pickup filter on the oil pan?

[@AutoAutopsy]

I have not done that before, nope. From my understanding, that’s only really an issue on early B235’s

[@alexandredionisio9280]

@@AutoAutopsy B207? Not an issue? might as well do it at least once, say, 10 years.

[@sasap1156]

Great job! What’s the torque for the guides and tensioner?

[@AutoAutopsy]

It depends. The WIS guides linked in the description show torque specs!

[@sacara8175]

Don’t know if anyone is going to see this but will it work for an 08 9-5 too? Your videos have been so helpful and I really want to know as I want to keep mine running as long as possible

[@AutoAutopsy]

I’m happy I can help. This is a completely different engine setup than the 9-5, so it wouldn’t apply

[@Aquarious]

What timing, I need to do these jobs on my 9-3 soon too! Thanks for the walkthrough!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Happy to help 🙌🏼

[@davidknight6652]

About how much time did it take to complete the timing and waterpump replacement? About to undertake the same project on my 2008 9-3 2.0t . Thank you for the great videos on these cars

[@AutoAutopsy]

I'd safely set aside a weekend for it. It took me about a week, on and off

[@jeroenrodenboog3815]

What kind of air filter were you using here? A ‘normal’ one or a sport filter? I’ve recently bought another Saab with a BSR open air intake kit (much flutter sounds, very nice). Unfortunately it’s not my cup of tea

[@AutoAutopsy]

I just have a K&N drop in filter in the stock box

[@sasap1156]

Do you have to reset the new timing chain tensioner? Because the stick is easily moving forward and backward. Is that normal? Thanks from Germany! Great job!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks. Other ecotec videos showed a way to do it, but the tensioner I bought seemed to have automatically engaged

[@sasap1156]

@@AutoAutopsyengaged with oil pressure or mechanicaly?

[@greek5752]

Great video and clear directions which few do. I have a 2007 9-3 2.0t runs like a Ferrari except at low rpm’s it runs really rich! Tried everything spark plugs, fuel pressure regulator, fuel injectors + rail, checked fuel pump pressure, mass air flow sensor and a few other sensors to no avail. 😢 Looked for vacuum leaks , none that I saw. The only thing I didn’t do is o2 sensors and pcv valve. Any ideas ? Thanks

[@AutoAutopsy]

Is it throwing any codes? Perhaps it’s an ecu issue

[@greek5752]

@@AutoAutopsy error codes stored for p0122 throttle/pedal position sensor/switch A circuit low and p0223 throttle peddle position sensor switch B circuit high. The ECU was tested and fine also I forgot to say throttle body was also tested and fine. Thanks

[@gltwn]

@@greek5752 I would start by testing both sensors. Not sure if there is a test specified in WIS. If not I would pull both sensors from a junkyard car and swap them and clear the codes and see if the codes come back.

[@dankuspanku4650]

How long did this take you? I am thinking of changing all these parts as well, maybe over a weekend and by myself. Because I am starting to hear some rattle from the very top of my timing chain.

[@AutoAutopsy]

For it being my first time, it took about an entire weekend. I’d budget about that. More familiar DIYers/mechanics could probably do it in a day

[@slapstra1970]

Great video. Still have my Viggen, but not 06 & 09 93s.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks! The viggen is awesome. I hope to own one someday…

[@ASnomelc]

That's really impressive... If you ever get to San Diego I could use a hand doing this on my 07 😊

[@AutoAutopsy]

It’s definitely involved, but possible with the couple of right tools and patience!

[@alienkillersvaneberg3212]

Did the chains on my 9-3 a little over 2 years ago. It is a pain in the A** when you don't have the locking tools. Jacob have you ever thought of deleting the SAI system?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Oh man, yeah that’s gonna make it tougher for sure. I’ve got my SAI tuned out, but it’s not physically deleted

[@GrockleTD]

meanwhile me casually ignoring the very obvious startup rattle 🗿

[@AutoAutopsy]

Rip :/

[@GrockleTD]

@@AutoAutopsy hey, it still runs great... For now

[@michaeljimenez2079]

Do these guides fail on all model 9-3 saabs? I have a 2010 Saab 9-3 sportcombi wagon with 6 speed manual.

[@AutoAutopsy]

It can be an issue on all B207’s, so yep

[@Blueskull390]

Thought the correct cam locks for the b207r where the silver ones the en48368. Going to be attempting this in a couple weeks 😅

[@AutoAutopsy]

It seems like it depends on year. If yours is later (maybe 07+?) I believe silver is what you want!

[@Blueskull390]

@@AutoAutopsy where did you get your cam locks? Have a 2008 9-3 b207r

[@drummin2dabeat]

Amazing video, man. btw...at 14:57 that one bolt looks loose there, I hope you noticed that it needed to be tightened (I'm sure you did but figured I would point it out).

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thank you! Yep they all got tightened! I was just showing where I was at in the process 😁

[@ktostam4626]

Hi. Can you provide the number of the camshaft locks? I need it for Saab 93 2003. B207R.

[@AutoAutopsy]

I don’t have any exact PN, but it should be the orange ones like you see in this video (since you’re the same year as me and also a R)

[@oskar_eklund]

Hey! nice video! where did you buy both kits? :D

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks! It’s all in the video, but rock auto for most stuff, ZZP for the upgraded guide, and Maptun for other OEM parts/gaskets/water pump

[@oskar_eklund]

@@AutoAutopsy Aah i see. Got confused when you said the ZZP chain guide cost more than both chain kits together. Both kits costs ~$500 as cheapest with Saab club discount in Sweden 😅

[@billwilliamson4891]

Hello everyone. How do I find a separate green placemark? Does she have a manufacturer's number or company name?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Are you referring to the green timing chain guide? If so, information is in the video. ZZP.

[@sergvillarreal]

I need to tackle this soon...

[@AutoAutopsy]

Good luck! 👍🏼 😁

[@wakufpv]

is it similar to 2.3? I have to do the same things in my 95 2.3T and don't know where to start. Some people says that I need to take the engine out to change my timing chain?

[@AutoAutopsy]

It’s a completely different engine. I would recommend checking www.saabwisonline.com for instructions

[@obedmok3282]

Hi need body parts for saab93

[@dylannguyen421]

What rims do you have on your Saab 9-3 2.0T?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Sport edition p3

[@malmaaa]

do you have a link to the better chainbar i have here tre car some need love.

[@AutoAutopsy]

zzperformance.com/products/zzp-ecotec-timing-chain-guide?currency=USD&variant=39862242967614&Google%20Shopping&stkn=9cd2382ca760&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw57exBhAsEiwAaIxaZjp-ctt_flajCq1Yl33VVC1rx2PqB9RwcmtwIgkRFgNMT3hd_ETgUxoCLz0QAvD_BwE

[@malmaaa]

@@AutoAutopsy thank you very much 👍👍👍🇸🇪

[@twinturbobmw535xi7]

Infinity VQ’s have the same problem with the times chain guides. All these manufacturers love using plastic. Bmws been doing for over 25 years. Ridiculous. I sold my g35 to Avoid doing this job + replacing the oil gallery gasket which is behind the rear timing cover. It blows and you start losing oil pressure. This is so much work. Wouldn’t mind it if I had garage and all those fancy tools. Doing everything by hand sucks and kinda makes me not wanna do anything. lol.

[@AutoAutopsy]

it's a time intensive job, but doable.

[@davidlorig8606]

I recommend putting a new Crankgear in, put in the upper chainguide before tightening the camgears and very precisley put the crankshaft at tdc… the t8 engines are very senible… cold/warmstart/long crank problems. The plastic from the crankgear can sepperate. (Don‘t attempt this job without the correct camtool!)

[@AutoAutopsy]

cam tool is 100% needed for sure! My crank looked to be in good shape so I didn't bother with replacing it

[@robertgagne2644]

great video man keep it up

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks Robert!

[@omarmartin78]

Yo soy de México pero aqui no encuentro la herramienta para bloquear los arboles de levas.

[@AutoAutopsy]

eBay will be the best place to look probably. Or Saab Facebook groups

[@Wolfpack310]

I found my balancechain guide in 3 pieces that big one in sweden we call it banana guide . Pices where in the sump .

[@AutoAutopsy]

Jeez! 🤯

[@JULY-pp8jk]

Gentlemen, I think we are all due for this soon lol my pump started leaking

[@AutoAutopsy]

Noooo

[@markstorer7204]

Cheers Jacob...

[@AutoAutopsy]

🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@letsgobrandon1300]

I need to do this to my 1993 9000 2.3t

[@AutoAutopsy]

Hopefully those are pretty simple!

[@hussainalajmi8604]

Good job 👏🏻

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks 😁

[@ΚώσταςΣαλαμούρας]

The Great York and love car perfect 👌

[@AutoAutopsy]

😁🙌🏼

[@Onimun]

Real nice

[@AutoAutopsy]

🙌🏼

[@blue44411]

OBVIOUSLY replaced. its stamped coyles not saab or GM from factory it should have been timing was done within the last 100k miles

[@AutoAutopsy]

I wouldn’t be shocked if they’ve been done before given how little wear there was

[@blue44411]

@@AutoAutopsy looking back at this I came off like a jerk lol keep up the awesome saab content!

[@alexandredionisio9280]

YES.

[@AutoAutopsy]

🙌🏼

[@sasap1156]

63 ft LBs? Isn’t it 63NM?

[@AutoAutopsy]

Nope - 63ft/lbs. the Wis instructions are in the description if you’d like to confirm

[@zizoumonk10]

I thought the timing chain was supposed to last the life of the car

[@AutoAutopsy]

they very well can, but they can also stretch over time; this was preventative maintenance.

[@michaelclouse942]

So you do know the manufacturer deems the life time of a vehicle as around 140k miles right

[@chrisrodriguez1247]

It's easier to remove the motor and do all that work

[@AutoAutopsy]

I don’t think so! you still need to do a ton of work once it’s out of the car! 😬

[@chrisrodriguez1247]

@AutoAutopsy the 1st garage I had do a pump suggested ot next time, so did LaBarre, thats actually how he does them

[@graces41]

whew

[@AutoAutopsy]

😅🤣

[@davidjackson3221]

📽📽📽🏁👍

[@AutoAutopsy]

🙌🏼

[@raffe65]

🫡👍🇸🇪❤️ Whish i hade seen this before I did it on my 9-3. Very good video instruction.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Thanks raffe. Hope your repair went well!