Coolant leak on right front side

[nordwulf]

I have been smelling coolant when I park my car in the garage in the last month. There is a little puddle on the floor 15" to the left and 10" to the front of the right front wheel. The coolant/heater bypass valve can be ruled out because the puddle would be in a different spot (if at all) and there would be more of a burnt coolant smell.

What's on the front right side of the engine that can leak coolant? I have to change the oil so I'll take a good look when I am under there. My first guess would be the coolant pump.

[MI-Roger]

Might be the pump, or it might be one of the two hoses or banjo fitting/O-ring for the turbo cooling lines.

[psymon]

Could be the water pump. I think our cars are prone to this. I think the long belt eats up the water pump for some reason. You could look to go the short belt mod route.

[nordwulf]

I already have the short belt. It hasn't leaked for a while now so hopefully it fixed itself. But I am still curious to know what it was.

[psymon]

So it stopped on its own or after the short belt mod?

[nordwulf]

It stopped on its own. The 2005s have the short belt from the factory.

[jlrSAAB]

I have replaced the timing belt (110000kms; my96) in the Opel Astra and the mechanic said the water pump was OK. in the last ten years the water pump is not a common issue and it not necessary to change.

[Maarten]

MillerMan had the same problem on his 9-5. Just a few drops of coolant after parking the car, same spot as Wulf describes.
It was solved by retightening the coolanthose jubilee clips.

[nordwulf]

Thanks for the info Maarten, I'll check out those clips / hose clamps.

[psymon]

It stopped on its own. The 2005s have the short belt from the factory.

I thought the 2004's had the short belt and Saab went back to the long belt in 2005. I could be wrong. I should probably just check on my car.