Changes

==Overview==

The serpentine belt, idler and tensioner pulleys should be inspected every service interval and in theory, replaced every 60k miles, but a pulley bearing often fails earlier. Cost of replacing two pulleys and the belt can be $200-300 for parts and labor plus towing. Alternatives include replacement as preventive maintenance (about $100 for a new belt and two pulleys), the short belt conversion ($60-70 for one pulley and the belt), and aluminum pulleys with replacable bearings. Repacking the pulley bearings is also possible.

===Short Belt===

After the short belt conversion, using the Saab oem upper idler pulley, lower idler pulley bypassed, using Michel Briand's web site with instructions and pics: Short Belt Mod

This is not a complete fix, because the remaining upper idler is still the one most likely to fail.

===Aluminum Pulley===

Short belt with aluminum pulley, oversized by about 10 mm. First version required machining to make it fit. An exact fit is now available, with a standard size 2603 replaceable bearing from Wazee Pulleys

===Aluminum Idler - Closeup===

Steel washer, about 15-mm OD

Bolt, M8x125, Saab stock

===Short Belt Length===

The normally recommended 97-inch "short" belt is a little long on my car, the line indicating correct tensioner arm position is just outside the limit marks. A slightly shorter belt like the Goodyear Gatorback 96.75" (2455mm) is a better fit.

===OEM Upper Idler===

Bearing, 44-mm OD, 8-mm bore

Bolt, M8x125, 13-mm head, 35-mm length, w. 5-mm lead and floating washer

===Lower Idler===

2603 bearing, 40-mm OD, 17-mm bore

Bolt, M8x125, 13-mm head, 25-mm length w. two retaining washers used to center bolt (sold as a kit)

===Tensioner Pulley===

2603 bearing, 40-mm OD, 17-mm bore

Bolt, 22-mm head, 8-mm shaft, T40, 22-mm long w. one retaining washer, sold as a kit. New replacement kit shown on the left.

===Part Numbers===