Someguy wrote:

Azrael wrote:

Georonimo wrote:

what about the electronics? Is it all basically subaru stuff but with saab part numbers?

Other than the different skin, I think most parts still have Subaru part numbers.  I had to replace the fog light surround trim, which I thought was specific to the Saab, but it came in a Subaru box.

The power window switches are made by Nissan.  I had horrible flashbacks of the electronics in my old nissan when I saw that.

I've noticed that -- I'm about a day away from buying a used Linear.  I'm driving a 99.5 QX4 right now, and I need to make a move to something that doesn't own my wallet at the pump (14 mpg is the norm for me -- I've done all my calculations of ownership for the 9-2 based on 20 mpg, and it's def. a better move). 

The window switches are exactly the same as in my QX4, as are the seat heater switches.


I'm NOT stoked about the idea of thin paint, but that's the only thing that bothers me.  The vehicle I'm looking at has 44k miles and is black (uh oh).  We'll see how it looks when I get a better look tomorrow (hopefully).  I'd love an Aero, but I'm not ready to buy premium fuel. 

Thanks for this thread!!! I'm excited to finally buy a Subaru . . sorry. . Saabaru.  I guess I'll be fired from my job as NICO's Pathfinder / QX4 moderator though.   

noticed all electrical switches. moon roof, window switches, and heated seat switches are nissan parts

My 2005 Linear rear axle bearings went bad.  With 54000 miles, is this common? Hard time finding parts here on the Big Island.  Does anyone know if subaru parts will fit?  If so,  year and model would be a huge help!

williaty wrote:

The interesting thing is that the Saab actually gets better rear bearings than a Subaru does. You want to get the Saab part, not the Subaru one. Keep in mind you'll need not only the bearing but the c-clip and all the seals.

Source?

I'm pretty sure the wheel bearings are the same between both the Impreza and the 9-2x.

krazykarguy wrote:

williaty wrote:

The interesting thing is that the Saab actually gets better rear bearings than a Subaru does. You want to get the Saab part, not the Subaru one. Keep in mind you'll need not only the bearing but the c-clip and all the seals.

Source?

I'm pretty sure the wheel bearings are the same between both the Impreza and the 9-2x.

Sorry, I guess I don't get email alerts from this site.

I just recently had to repair an 06 9-2x 2.5i that had been in an accident. When I ordered a rear wheel bearing for it, I was surprised to have a ball-bearing style one arrive. We quickly ordered another just to see if it was a fluke and got a ball a second time. The interesting thing is that there was a subaru part number under the saab part number, but subaru dealers can't get that ball bearing unit for you.

Tapereds are incredibly sensitive to small variations in dimensions. In other words, they're a bitch on tolerances. Balls are easier and more forgiving. We're running tests right now to figure out which one actually runs longer in our time attack car.

Should be, yes, but I don't like to take anything for granted.

No, sorry.

williaty wrote:

Should be, yes, but I don't like to take anything for granted.

FWIW, from what I remember in design classes, assuming alignment of parts is kept in order, needle or roller bearins should last longer due to the greater contact area.  The trick is getting things aligned well on a regular basis, which may be difficult for a track car being worked on in the field.

ditto on the magnesium rings.  sounds incredible and incredulous.  do want.

Scargo wrote:

rollingtones wrote:

Those changes are all valid, however the SAAB version uses 2 magnesium "rings" or "hoops" inside the C and D pillars for increased stiffness. And forgive me if you already mentioned it, and I think you hinted at it, but the flat panel over the spare is acoustically treated. On the Subaru version it is just hardboard.

Do you have any references for the magnesium hoops inside the C and D pillars for the Saab?  Definitely first I've heard of it.

As far as the "acoustically treated" panel over the spare tire?  It's just a big piece of open cell foam rubber, which I removed to install the spare tire trunk tray. That cannot peacefully co-exist.

The December 2005 Firehouse magazine had an article on it.  http://www.firehouse.com/magazine/unive … ment-frame  Here's the full article: http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/68- … -view.html  And BoronExtrication.com has a fairly extensive writeup on all Subies.

From what a couple of volunteer firefighters told me all Subies have the high-strength boron steel reinforced pillars, and that they are becoming more common in other vehicles.  Couple in side air bags and extracting victims from an auto crash has become much more difficult for them.

Edit:  Added Boron Extrication link.

Last edited by tonka92x (2011-01-10 12:31:05)

My question to rollingtones has to do not of the Boron steel "safety ring" but more on whether or not the Saab has an additional set of rings to "stiffen" the chassis?  FWIW, Subaru didn't add the rings to stiffen the chassis (although it does) but to improve impact safety.  The side benefit is that the monocoque is stiffer than the average car within class.  Also of note, the STi is even stiffer (and safer) due to seam welding in several key areas.  This WAS done for chassis stiffness, but was done for homologation, not out of the goodness of Subaru's heart for STi buyers.