Brake differences across later C900s?

[rpiereck]

I was searching for brakes for the C900 on the Tire Rack website, and I noticed that if I select a '87 900 non turbo there are only brake pads and rotors available for the front of the car. If I select a 92 900 non turbo then there are selections for the front and rear. So, are the rear brakes different on n/a 900s between 87 and 92 model years? I can't find a definite answer on the internet,it would be nice to be able to order everything from one place.

[euromobile900]

They ARE very different. Through 1987, SAAB used brakes where the handbrake actuates the front brakes. After that (1988 and forward), they used a more conventional rear-handbrake system. Totally different calipers, pads, rotors, hubs, rear axle, and front swivel members. The only thing shared between the two designs is the wheel bearing!

Some folks think the newer brakes are a better style, so they take the trouble to change all this stuff over, but I consider them equals, when they are in good repair. See my early-style brakes tutorial here.

[rpiereck]

That's new to me. I thought the switch from old style to new style brakes happened the same time the slant nose came into being, which was 1987, hence I thought my car had the newer braking system. And I also didn't know the newer system had the parking brake in the rear, I thought all C900s had it in the front. Learn something new everyday...

[euromobile900]

That's new to me. I thought the switch from old style to new style brakes happened the same time the slant nose came into being, which was 1987, hence I thought my car had the newer braking system.

Lots of people get tripped up by the slope-front change and brake change happening different years. I did look at a picture of your car, because some late-'87 production had the rear handbrake setup, but the wheels on your car are exclusive to front-handbrake cars. The two had different bolt patterns, so you will have to be careful if you ever buy a second set of wheels! Incidentally, you can find a great wheel database here.

Don't worry, mate, I'm looking out for you!

For a bit of trivia, there was an even EARLIER front-handbrake braking system, found on 99s, which had internal drum brakes within the rotor (much like a NG900 has on the rear). There was just too much going on in those front brakes, I think, so they switched to the system you have in the mid-'70s.