Information about the timing chain and balance shaft
for a 1997 Saab 900SE
With approximately 100,000 miles I started to notice a slight increase in engine noise,
particularly when idling. The noise became louder and my mechanic diagnosed the problem as
being related to the timing chain and balance shaft. The easiest way to replace these parts
is to remove the engine as shown below. The chain guides are actually made of plastic, and
one of them cracked resulting in the problem. The Timing Chain Gear Kit for $225 and the
Balance Shaft Kit for $285 available from the
Saabsite provided excellent coverage for
the repairs.
An assortment of miscellaneous gaskets and seals (from the Saabsite) were also required:
1 9146598 gasket
2 9146606 gaskets
2 9146614 gaskets
1 valve cover gastet (8822041)
1 9173576 gasket
1 9176470 gasket
1 tube Loctite 516 gasket eliminator (9321795)
1 9135211 rear cam plug (obtained from dealer)
last updated: Dec 13, 2003