BALANCE SHAFT REPAIR PHOTOS

A Special Thanks top Steve Blount for the contribution of these photos. It is guys like this that make things easier for everyone who ones Saabs. Kudos! Saabsite admin!!!

The breakdown shown below is of a Saab 9000 1996. The balance gear setup is basically the same on the Saab 9000, Saab 95, Saab 93 and the Saab 900. There may be small differences but not major ones. These photos are designed to help those who are doing balance chain jobs.

The Head can be easily cleaned off by using a cleaning wheel often called a wiz pad.

Balance chain setup for a 96 9000. You will notice that the timing chain components have been removed. Notice that the left guide is broken on the top:

This is a photo of the balance shaft idler (upper right) and the Exhaust balance gear (lower right). Replacement is necessary when the teeth on these gears become sharp or when the teeth are leaning to the right.

This is a photo of the balance shaft idler (upper right) and the Exhaust balance gear (lower right). Replacement is necessary when the teeth on these gears become sharp or when the teeth are leaning to the right.

This is a photo of the Intake balance gear (Upper Left). Replacement is necessary when the teeth on these gears become sharp or when the teeth are leaning to the right. Also pictured is the balance tensioner (below the gear) and the guide. The guides should be replaced anytime there is signs of grooves in the guide plastic. Overheating can cause issues with the guides as well as slapping chains.

This is a photo of a balance shaft crank gear (the large gear in the photo). Notice the points on the gear leaning slightly to the right. This is an indication that the gear is warn and is in need of replacement. This gear has ALWAYS been an issue because it is so thin originally.

This is a photo of the balance tensioner and the left guide and upper guide

This is a photo of the Intake balance shaft and sprocket with the tension (above photo) removed from the block

This is a photo of the complete balance shaft setup minus the tenisoner:

This is a photo of the timing chain crank sprocket. Notice how sharp the edges are. This is an indication that the sprocket is warn. The top points should be more square.