| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| PDickens | Posted - 08 Sep 2012 : 15:25:17
My car has been out of action for a month or two because of holiday, work, and a horrid grinding noise I get on braking. It seems to come from the front nearside. Today I had a look - I thought it might be the brake piston sticking but it seems OK and the pads could be moved on that side. Everything seemed OK on visual inspection. It was OK when I reversed it out of the garage, and for a few hundred metres until I braked and the noise returned. I noticed some fluctuation in pedal pressure and they felt a bit spongy afterwards even though I had bled them beforehand. The noise continues even when the brakes are not being applied then dies away - it also seems to come on most when turning while braking. I haven't noticed any sign of the brake sticking on, which would happen if the piston was sticking once out? Also it had new pads, rotors and backplates last year and I've done less than 1000 miles since then - both discs and rotors looked fine on inspection.
Could I be barking up the wrong tree here - might it be a transmission issue - cv joint or driveshaft problem? Wheel bearing? Thoughts very welcome - I hope to have it sorted ready for John Wyatt's run on the 30th Sept, but a transmission job is beyond my skills. |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| andydeans3 | Posted - 19 Feb 2026 : 12:44:02
Woody
Ah, you found my old thread from the summer of 2020. Who could forget that summer, eh? 6 weeks of wall to wall sunshine here in east central Scotland, and could not move more than 5 miles from the house.
That's why I stripped the whole back end out of the car that summer. No car shows to go to, nowt to do but sit in the sun and fizz!!!! So to the garage!!
That S/S bolt, and nut system on the calliper is still there. No issues.
1978 LHD SAAB 96
1991 Nissan Figaro |
| Woody | Posted - 19 Feb 2026 : 03:41:30
https://saab-v4.co.uk/speedball/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=49039&SearchTerms=caliper,repair |
| andydeans3 | Posted - 18 Feb 2026 : 09:47:07
Simon
I replaced the "Top Hat" pin with stainless steel nuts and bolts, including a "locking" nut, and used loctite on the threads. Wouldn't want that assembly coming apart!!! Yikes!
I'll see if I can a get a photo. I've got the wings off at the moment. Might be possible.
1978 LHD SAAB 96
1991 Nissan Figaro |
| Woody | Posted - 17 Feb 2026 : 22:29:36
Yes soak well and use wire brush by hand or drill.
I have seen repair kits used where post has been loose but the components have not been of good quality. I think it was on here sometime back.
You should be safe sand blasting it. |
| UK_Sub | Posted - 17 Feb 2026 : 18:29:27
I take it there's no way to take that apart - just go at it with a wire brush (cheek poker) on a drill? |
| Woody | Posted - 16 Feb 2026 : 17:44:32
Yes, the top hats are inside the spring at fixed post, which get clogged with dust. |
| UK_Sub | Posted - 16 Feb 2026 : 17:23:39
Is the top hat - the spring at the top - how does that come apart (to clean it etc.)? |
| melle | Posted - 16 Feb 2026 : 14:55:22
They look very decent indeed!
www.saabv4.com |
| Woody | Posted - 16 Feb 2026 : 13:04:50
Look ok to me Simon, cannot see any edge wear where the pads will seat. Easily noticeable.
Did a set last year for the Troll, just using wire wheels. Blasting would have been better.
The Troll’s were done 35yrs ago, blasted and painted. Looking jaded now.
I can send photos which show where repairs have been done in the past.
Can’t host here yet.
Just ensure that the top hats at fixed post are clear and free moving and not too much wear in the slider at fixed pin. |
| UK_Sub | Posted - 16 Feb 2026 : 09:53:10
It's been awhile since I last worked on brakes, so thought I'd consult the Oracle (Saab-V4 co uk) and came across this thread.
I've acquired a pair of used calipers and plan to get them blasted and painted - but before I do, do the 'shoulders' look OK to you (ie: not worn, as mentioned in this thread)? They look OK to me, but thought I'd seek a second opinion...
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| Derek | Posted - 23 Sep 2012 : 16:05:01
I've just had this problem with a couple of Volvo Amazon wheels. Took a couple of repainted ones up to my tyre man for a chat and he tried some from his box but they were all too small. Bought half a dozen of the larger size from Midland Tyres on the web. Went back to get the tyres changed over and forund the old wheels had inner tubes. Not a problem but the wheels also had the large holes. Found that there was a small filler sleeve/grommet to space out and support the tube valve in the rim. Didn't have to use the large valves after all as we decided to keep with the tubes.
There are only 2 sizes "large" and "small" and a long established or used tyre place should know what you want. Might still have a few in a dusty box. My guy said he would have to buy a box of 100. Buying on line wasn't cheap at about £20 inc P&P for 6 but they were on my mat the next day after ringing them late afternoon. Good service. |
| PDickens | Posted - 23 Sep 2012 : 13:39:53
Lovely shiny new caliper!
Anyone else ever had a problem with tyre valves? Was getting a new tyre fitted and they could not find a valve big enough for the hole in the wheel. |
| PDickens | Posted - 22 Sep 2012 : 17:50:05
New calipers fitted and took it a run to bed the brakes in. All went well until I got back and found a nail through one of my tyres - and the spare has a slow puncture too! Sods law prevails!! |
| PDickens | Posted - 12 Sep 2012 : 19:34:26
No problem Woody - also have checked the fit between pad and new caliper (only one arrived so far) and it sits solid so don't think I will need to weld up the shoulders as suggested. |
| Woody | Posted - 12 Sep 2012 : 18:59:34
AAH, I missed your post of the 9th. Hope your replacement calipers solve the problem. |
