93 Aero Handbrake problems
Discussion
Has anyone else had problems with the handbrake on the 93?
About six months ago I parked my 93 Aero on the drive after returning from work and went inside. About an hour later I heard my alarm going off. I went outside to find the car at the bottom of my drive, embedded into a wall, with the handbrake still on. Ok, my driveway is on a slope but the car was definately not moving when I left! Anyway I put this down to experience, told Saab UK about the problem but decided to take no further action.
Anyway, today it's done the exact same thing, only it's decided to use the other wall! Again I parked up no problems, got out the car, no probs, went back to the car 5 mins later to retrieve my bag, no probs (OK I did not put it in gear). 1/2 later, I looked out the window only to see the car embedded in tree and wall. The handbrake was still on!!!
I remember that the Citreon Xantia had a similar problem because the handbrake was on the front wheels. I have had recalls for the handbrake jamming and latterly for the seatbelts, but has anyone else encountered this problem?
In all serious, this could have killed someone!
About six months ago I parked my 93 Aero on the drive after returning from work and went inside. About an hour later I heard my alarm going off. I went outside to find the car at the bottom of my drive, embedded into a wall, with the handbrake still on. Ok, my driveway is on a slope but the car was definately not moving when I left! Anyway I put this down to experience, told Saab UK about the problem but decided to take no further action.
Anyway, today it's done the exact same thing, only it's decided to use the other wall! Again I parked up no problems, got out the car, no probs, went back to the car 5 mins later to retrieve my bag, no probs (OK I did not put it in gear). 1/2 later, I looked out the window only to see the car embedded in tree and wall. The handbrake was still on!!!
I remember that the Citreon Xantia had a similar problem because the handbrake was on the front wheels. I have had recalls for the handbrake jamming and latterly for the seatbelts, but has anyone else encountered this problem?
In all serious, this could have killed someone!
If you've been 'using' the car the discs will expand, when you put te handbrake on and leave the car the discss cool down, contract and if its on a slope the car rolls away - same thing happens with any car where the handbrake acts on the discs (rathen than a drum setup acting on the inner bell/hat area). Bottom line (with any car) is leave it in gear, especialy if you park on a slope.
For what its worth I've not heard of this problem on any 9-3's before.
Matt
For what its worth I've not heard of this problem on any 9-3's before.
Matt
Doesn't sound right 
Get the dealer to check it over. Were you driving really hard before you parked up? Are the brakes binding at all (and so getting very hot)? If so, as said when they cool down the discs will contract and the handbrake will be less effective.
Always ALWAYS park with the car in gear when you are on a slope. I remember every time that tit Clarkson did a Saab review he would complain about the reverse lock and "prove" how annoying it was by reversing at speed when trying to start it. Mind you, if he starts his car with the handbrake off, not bothering to check whether it's in gear, and without depressing the clutch then he's more of an idiot than I thought!
Seriously, get used to putting the car in gear and starting it with the clutch down.
Get the dealer to check it over. Were you driving really hard before you parked up? Are the brakes binding at all (and so getting very hot)? If so, as said when they cool down the discs will contract and the handbrake will be less effective.
Always ALWAYS park with the car in gear when you are on a slope. I remember every time that tit Clarkson did a Saab review he would complain about the reverse lock and "prove" how annoying it was by reversing at speed when trying to start it. Mind you, if he starts his car with the handbrake off, not bothering to check whether it's in gear, and without depressing the clutch then he's more of an idiot than I thought!
Seriously, get used to putting the car in gear and starting it with the clutch down.
Just to clarify - you mentioned that the handbrake works on the disks. I had assumed they used the conventional drum brake in the rear hubs? I recall someone saying that the problem with the Xantia was that the handbraked worked on the front disks, which did contract (and the car rolled off as demonstrated on top-gear). If it is the case that the brakes are on the disk then this would explain matters. However, the dealer said that this is not the case. I absolutely take your point about being in gear and this is why I have not taken the matter up with Saab. Still, I have parked loads of cars on our drive and none of the others have moved! You are right that it was totally my fault.
I understand that on older Saabs you had to put the car in reverse (or something like that). I assume that this is now no longer the case? Was it for this very reason?
Recalls - I have had 2recalls, one for a handbrake lever that wouldn't release (mine wouldn't) and the other for non-recoiling seatbeat (again mine wouldn't). These are the only ones I am aware of.
Can't knock it other than this. Quicker point to point than many and "does exactly what it says on the tin" - v understated thankyou.
I understand that on older Saabs you had to put the car in reverse (or something like that). I assume that this is now no longer the case? Was it for this very reason?
Recalls - I have had 2recalls, one for a handbrake lever that wouldn't release (mine wouldn't) and the other for non-recoiling seatbeat (again mine wouldn't). These are the only ones I am aware of.
Can't knock it other than this. Quicker point to point than many and "does exactly what it says on the tin" - v understated thankyou.
Doz
I have 93 Aero registered Jan 2004, (so will be 03 build same as yours) i do 100 miles up and down M6 each day and then 10 miles thrash thru country lanes, so brakes should be 'hot' as previously discussed, never had any problems whatsoever with brakes or hand brake and my drive is also on slope but i do leave it in gear ! done 39k in 12 mths. totally agree with you on understated car - 40-100mph err i mean 40-70mph is a delight.
Alan
I have 93 Aero registered Jan 2004, (so will be 03 build same as yours) i do 100 miles up and down M6 each day and then 10 miles thrash thru country lanes, so brakes should be 'hot' as previously discussed, never had any problems whatsoever with brakes or hand brake and my drive is also on slope but i do leave it in gear ! done 39k in 12 mths. totally agree with you on understated car - 40-100mph err i mean 40-70mph is a delight.
Alan
Well, I thought I'd be a sad git and test this out with a video. I sat in the car and waited and waited, having been on a fairly long run and at speed. So, there I sat for 15 minutes, out of gear, and then, bit by bit, the wheels began to creak as they slowly turned - and yes, the car would have ended up at the bottom. So, it is definately the disks warming up - I have not had another problem as I now leave the car in gear! However, I thought I'd zip the file up and let Saab have a look anyway.
Cheers
Cheers
doz said:
Well, I thought I'd be a sad git and test this out with a video. I sat in the car and waited and waited, having been on a fairly long run and at speed. So, there I sat for 15 minutes, out of gear, and then, bit by bit, the wheels began to creak as they slowly turned - and yes, the car would have ended up at the bottom. So, it is definately the disks warming up - I have not had another problem as I now leave the car in gear! However, I thought I'd zip the file up and let Saab have a look anyway.
Cheers
Might be worth posting over on saabscene / saabcentral, lots of 9-3ss owners there who may have had the same problem...
Have had exactly the same problem on a week old Saab 93 Sportwagon - car was parked on a gentle slope and rolled back with all lights flashing after being left 3/4hour. Tailgate and lights lost an arguement with a container - fortunately no one was hurt.
Saab technical deny any such problems exist
Local service agents said that some people have problems with the handbrake - they said the footpedal needs to be depressed when hand brake is applied to fully engage the handbrake because of the hydraulics - manual says nothing about this but the implication from the service guy is that this is a common problem.
Will be interested if anyone has made any progress with Saab as I wish to pursue this further ......I am very angry
Update from Saab- Ref Handbrake problem
Saab's reply below is totally non-commital if you have a problem let Saab know - they cannot keep using this excuse.
"Thank you for your e-mail dated 26 June 2006 regarding your Saab 9-3.
I am sorry to learn that you have had problems with your new vehicle and can understand your reasons for writing.
I have spoken to our technical team who advise me that there are no known concerns relating to handbrake problems on the Saab 9-3.
The web site address you mention is not a Saab website which is where safety related information would be displayed, it is a website that anyone could have created.
If you feel there maybe a mechanical fault with your vehicle, I would respectfully advise you to contact your nearest Saab Dealership for your vehicle to be inspected.
I hope this information has clarified your concerns, if you do have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you once again for writing and allowing me to clarify our position on this matter.
Yours sincerely
Customer Relations Manager "
Saab technical deny any such problems exist
Local service agents said that some people have problems with the handbrake - they said the footpedal needs to be depressed when hand brake is applied to fully engage the handbrake because of the hydraulics - manual says nothing about this but the implication from the service guy is that this is a common problem.
Will be interested if anyone has made any progress with Saab as I wish to pursue this further ......I am very angry
Update from Saab- Ref Handbrake problem
Saab's reply below is totally non-commital if you have a problem let Saab know - they cannot keep using this excuse.
"Thank you for your e-mail dated 26 June 2006 regarding your Saab 9-3.
I am sorry to learn that you have had problems with your new vehicle and can understand your reasons for writing.
I have spoken to our technical team who advise me that there are no known concerns relating to handbrake problems on the Saab 9-3.
The web site address you mention is not a Saab website which is where safety related information would be displayed, it is a website that anyone could have created.
If you feel there maybe a mechanical fault with your vehicle, I would respectfully advise you to contact your nearest Saab Dealership for your vehicle to be inspected.
I hope this information has clarified your concerns, if you do have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you once again for writing and allowing me to clarify our position on this matter.
Yours sincerely
Customer Relations Manager "
Edited by cls on Wednesday 28th June 09:54
Edited by cls on Wednesday 28th June 09:57
Edited by cls on Monday 3rd July 16:08
Sorry to hear of these problems guys. Not what you want to happen on a new car.
Out of interest, could someone let me have the email address for Saab Technical? I have another matter I wish to clarify with them as I am getting absolutely no where with the dealers. I know more than they do it seems
.
Out of interest, could someone let me have the email address for Saab Technical? I have another matter I wish to clarify with them as I am getting absolutely no where with the dealers. I know more than they do it seems
.Thanks for that CLS. You are quite right, I think the technical department are protected from customers!
What I find annoying though is that these cars are so complicated now with their computers and software that it can be very difficult to get to the bottom of problems, and that dealers are either stumped and can't do it, or simply not interested. When contacting Saab directly, they say 'take it up with the dealer'!
No win situation and forever being fed into that catch 22 loop.
I would like to get a list of issues to Saab, and get their technical department to sanction rectifictaion and liase with my local dealer. Only way forward, and even then it means someone at Saab taking up the gauntlet to help me out.
What I find annoying though is that these cars are so complicated now with their computers and software that it can be very difficult to get to the bottom of problems, and that dealers are either stumped and can't do it, or simply not interested. When contacting Saab directly, they say 'take it up with the dealer'!
No win situation and forever being fed into that catch 22 loop. I would like to get a list of issues to Saab, and get their technical department to sanction rectifictaion and liase with my local dealer. Only way forward, and even then it means someone at Saab taking up the gauntlet to help me out.
Final handbrake update - newly re-painted car was sent in for service today predictably no fault was found although handbrake cable was adjusted. Saab technician advised he always tells Saab owners to make sure they depress the footbrake pedal before putting on the handbrake, as it is a hydraulic system this is supposed to "prime" the handbrake to improve the hold. Nothing like this in the manual - all sounds a bit fishy to me.
I noted he had parked the car in gear as the car park was on a slight slope.
I noted he had parked the car in gear as the car park was on a slight slope.
My 2006 9-3 Vector Sportwagon had a handbrake failure within warranty. Similar to other reported incidents, I left the car on a hill with handbrake on and after 10 - 15 minutes it headed off down the hill. I stopped it before it hit a BMW in its path. The dealership mentioned nothing about a recall and charged me for readjusting it - even though it was in warranty and had been serviced by the dealer two weeks earlier!. At the MoT, the car failed for a faulty handbrake. No sympathy from SAAB GB I had to pay for replacing the whole handbrake assembly.
Since then I've had to replace the gear shift mechanism and just last week the flywheel broke damaging the clutch and slave cylinder. Very expensive. SAAB had flywheels in stock suggesting its a common problem. Be interested if anyone elase has had so many problems.
Since then I've had to replace the gear shift mechanism and just last week the flywheel broke damaging the clutch and slave cylinder. Very expensive. SAAB had flywheels in stock suggesting its a common problem. Be interested if anyone elase has had so many problems.
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