What did you do to your S series today?
#41
01-30-2016, 12:40 PM
I certainly hope not! I know someone was working on it before my brother bought it, and my brother had some work done on it a few years ago. I know for a fact the engine hasn't been opened in 3 years and the belt hasn't been changed in that time....so it's probably due.
#42
02-02-2016, 10:23 AM
Yesterday I pulled the OEM AM/FM/CD/EQ w CB/SW/MR_MICRPHN out of my 97 SC2 to "address" the rapidly increasing issue of the volume **** and attached shaft progressively working their way out of the radio as a function of time.
Once pulled, you remove the side mounting panels, then gently lift up on the plastic tabs of the faceplate section or push down on the metal case of the radio in that spot. Once carefully separated (still connected by wiring), you'll see the volume shaft is held centered and tight to the inner front case by a very thin nut.
It was incredibly difficult to find a tool to fit the nut.
Somewhere between 10 and 11 mm or the Std equivalent to that for which I had no wrench. I used a 1/3 length 10/11mm wrench and a very small adjustable wrench "end on" to tighten as best I could.
It's taken 19 years to come loose, so I figured Loctite was overkill, closed it back up, and reinstalled.
My biggest words of wisdom regarding this series of radio (95-at least 98, maybe 99) is to be exceptionally careful when removing and reinstalling the bolts that mount the radio to the dash; everything points downhill, and there is not any wiggle room to work. Removal is not too bad -- deep socket w 6" ext then keep one finger up against the bolt and pin it against the socket so it cannot fall out.
Putting them back in is a bit more fun. I either use the deep socket w a 3" ext (no ratchet) for better control, load the bolt into the socket by eye and by guiding w1 finger fr other hand OR if I'm feeling lucky, I start each one by hand, which is always fun because there is not quite enough working room to use your dominant hand for both.
Once pulled, you remove the side mounting panels, then gently lift up on the plastic tabs of the faceplate section or push down on the metal case of the radio in that spot. Once carefully separated (still connected by wiring), you'll see the volume shaft is held centered and tight to the inner front case by a very thin nut.
It was incredibly difficult to find a tool to fit the nut.
Somewhere between 10 and 11 mm or the Std equivalent to that for which I had no wrench. I used a 1/3 length 10/11mm wrench and a very small adjustable wrench "end on" to tighten as best I could.
It's taken 19 years to come loose, so I figured Loctite was overkill, closed it back up, and reinstalled.
My biggest words of wisdom regarding this series of radio (95-at least 98, maybe 99) is to be exceptionally careful when removing and reinstalling the bolts that mount the radio to the dash; everything points downhill, and there is not any wiggle room to work. Removal is not too bad -- deep socket w 6" ext then keep one finger up against the bolt and pin it against the socket so it cannot fall out.
Putting them back in is a bit more fun. I either use the deep socket w a 3" ext (no ratchet) for better control, load the bolt into the socket by eye and by guiding w1 finger fr other hand OR if I'm feeling lucky, I start each one by hand, which is always fun because there is not quite enough working room to use your dominant hand for both.
#45
02-06-2016, 08:22 AM
The one I found is from Dorman. It was $12 on Amazon. It even comes with Saturn Specific directions! It's made in China. I'm wondering if it needs a little grease to keep it moving smoothly.
#46
02-06-2016, 08:46 AM
Powdered Teflon will supposedly work.
Just so you know, you'll likely get about $12 worth of miles out of that Dorman POS or it will last an uncharacteristically long time for being a Dorman part.
Since you're not buying a new cable set, go visit saturnbushingman on eBay. I have the stainless steel replacement on my 97 and 95 and they hold up. He also offers what seem to be some high quality plastic bushings that are more durable than the Dorman stuff. I've almost always found the Dorman parts you can hold in your hands to be crap quality. Some of the HELP line is OK....
Just so you know, you'll likely get about $12 worth of miles out of that Dorman POS or it will last an uncharacteristically long time for being a Dorman part.
Since you're not buying a new cable set, go visit saturnbushingman on eBay. I have the stainless steel replacement on my 97 and 95 and they hold up. He also offers what seem to be some high quality plastic bushings that are more durable than the Dorman stuff. I've almost always found the Dorman parts you can hold in your hands to be crap quality. Some of the HELP line is OK....
