4. Pay attention to how the strut comes apart so you can put it back together correctly (see Fig. 10). The order is spring, boot, insulator, bearing and top mount. We won’t be replacing the strut or mount because they were done 40,000 miles ago, but if they weren’t, now is a good time to recommend replacement.

5. Put the boot in the new spring, put on the ­insulator and then insert the new bearing

(see Fig. 11).

6. You’re now ready to put the strut back together and put it back in the car (see Fig. 12).

7. Broken rear springs are usually easier to spot (see Fig. 13), and much easier to replace. ­Support the rear control arm and remove the one retaining bolt that holds it to the rear knuckle (see Fig. 14 on page 50).

8. A small pry bar is all that’s needed to pull the control arm down far enough to remove the spring (see Fig. 15).

9. Remove the rubber insulators from the old spring and push them into the new spring (see Fig. 16). Set the new spring into position and, using a screw jack, push the control arm back into position so you can reinstall the retaining bolt (see Fig. 17). Remember that any time you tighten a suspension bolt that goes through a bushing it should be done with the vehicle at ride height.

10. When doing this job, take a look at the sticker on the ­inside of the driver’s door jam. You’ll need the suspension code to be sure you get the correct springs. The first two digits on the bottom row are the front spring code and the next two are the rear spring code.

You can see that spring ­replacement on these vehicles is relatively simple and it’s easy to see when the rear springs are broken. Since it’s sometimes not as easy to see the broken front springs, be sure to take a closer look during your inspection. The perception may be that these cars are hard to work on or parts are hard to get, but that is not the case. There is a good supply of dealer parts when needed and there are also many good aftermarket parts ­available.

Even though Saab is no longer making cars, the ones on the road now should be with us for at least another 6 to 10 years. So, if a Saab comes into your shop, don’t send it down the road and miss a good opportunity. There is a good chance with a thorough inspection that a Saab will turn into a better-than-average invoice.