After cleverly diagnosing a fluid leak along with power steering noise, I have found the problem.
A pipe assembly made of steel and rubber pipes with fittings whick crosses the front of the car just under the radiator has become a water trap and rusted through.

Unfortunatly I now have 2 problems
1 is the price http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/9-3-Front-Power-Steering-Pipe-5061833-/160412865009?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item25595a11f 1

The other is It looks like I need the engine and radiators out to fit it

Any experience or suggestion?
If I can ever get it out I'll try a pipe manufacurer,see if they can fix or build cheaper

yeah replace it with copper microbore plumbing pipe which is easy to bend and some new reinforced rubber hose rated for oil. Try car builder solutions for the hose and B&Q for the pipe.

If clearance is an issue support the engine and gearbox, then lower the subframe. Had the same fun with my Zafira, except I had to replace the rack.

Can't you though just take out the rad and fix the pipe cos there should be plently of room then??

UKSaabs thread linky for this very problem

My Aero has a bottom hose/radiator leak, its not diagnosed exactly what but the whole lot has to come out ....


headlights out
Intercooler
Radiator


I bet I find the same !

Its a chew on of a job aswell.....

Rusting of the pas fluid cooler pipe is a problem on a lot of cars just cut out the rusted section and join with suitable high pressure hose. A although this will reduce the cooling capacity it should not be a problem in the UK climate.

[Edited on 25/5/10 by britishtrident]

Take the old pipe to your local hydraulics firm(or at least both ends and measure how long it is, it doesn't have to be in 1 piece), and have a rubber hydraulic hose made up.
It will be easy to fit and won't involve stripping the rads out.
That's what i've done on alot of vehicles, from small cars to lorries.

1. remove engine
2. Burn car
3. Fit engine in kit car
4. Problem solved

That part number on ebay is a vauxhall bit, that would be your problem. The vauxhall influence in saab!!

Thanks for the ideas and info.
I've cut it out of the car now and will approach a supplier to tray and get a flexi hose made, will advise on the locostness

To conclude the thread.
Flexi hose made up with the correct ends and carefully routed through the engine bay in about an hour £42