I understand that 968s have a trans bearing that is overloaded, and will fail. Has anyone ever had one replaced and how much did it cost?
(any tech info would help)

Secondly, my clutch is stating to slip after a DE event at Road America, I was quoted 7-800$. Is that accurate?

Thanks
<img src="confused.gif" border="0">

 

I really hope this is not your problem, but if it is ( god forbid )...Here's the bad news;

The 968 has a transaxsle i.e. the gearbox, final drive and differential all in one unit. The gearbox output shaft has at its end a pinion gear driving the crown wheel. This shaft has a big 'pinion' bearing on one end and a smaller one at the other end. A pre-load is applied by way of shims and a nut at the smaller end of the shaft.

Cause of the failer: Too much pre-load on the pinion bearing at assembly. Getrag ( who made these transmissions for Porsche ) uses a computer controlled robot, which has not always been accurate.

As far as the repair goes: This requires complete dismantling of the transmission. Porsche allows 15 hours, but everyone says it is not enough. One London, UK, dealer quoted 40 hours at £70 plus tax = £3290 = over $5000 just for labour. Parts are not too expensive, but it may be wise to replace all the bearings. Setting the correct free play - 'backlash' while at the same time achieving the correct pre-load requires an accurate measuring instrument, choice of shims, patience and experience.

 

But don't just go by that. Call around and get some info. Everything that I told you, is what I've read on the matter at hand.


And for the quote on the clutch. That doesn't sound right. I know it's one helluva bitch to do, but not for that price.

 

Interestingly enough, a few years back when I blew up the ring and pinion in a '87 944 n/a, we determined that a similar pinion bearing in the 944 style gearbox had too much play. This allowed the pinion to have minimal contact with the ring. Couple that with me being a little too much of a young dumbass and voila, the ring and pinion start eating each other.

 

<a href="http://www.968.net/disc2_frm.htm" target="_blank">http://www.968.net/disc2_frm.htm</a>


The above link is from <a href="http://www.968.net" target="_blank">www.968.net</a>

It is a huge discussion related to this specific problem. It is well documented. If you go to the home page you can get to the above link by scrolling down on the home page. Good Luck.

John

 

In fact, hear it is here on rennlist


<a href="http://members.rennlist.org/martin/" target="_blank">http://members.rennlist.org/martin/</a>

 

Evasive reaction from Porsche...Anyone surprised? I've said it before...much of what Porsche does is brilliant; much also shows a boneheadness that only Chrysler-Damlier's management can match. Since there are so few 968s out there, Porsche probably figures these folks can be ignored; they are not important.

Now...will an earlier transmission/transaxle fit as a less expensive solution? Even though it may not be a 6 speed, it would permit the cars to be put back on the road for fewer marks.(oops..Euros).

I wonder what will happen (and it will) when something goes south on the new Chili Pepper. Will the company ignore this as well?

We'll see...

BTW..as "pretty" as the 968 is, this is one model I crossed of my short list of 944 and derivatives out there I would be willing to own. See a separate thread in this forum.

Thad also made a point in another thread. Porsche vehicles appear to be intolerant of something that is "Kinda-sorta". This is probably true. However, it also brings up a point that has been discussed here as well. Most dealers no longer support the 944 with the expertise they once did, and there are some things on the car that is difficult for the shade tree mechanic to fix without special tools and techniques. Catch 22.

Now...on my '84...where do I look to bring my hydrocarbon emissions down? C'mon guys...you must have some ideas...

Cheers!

Bob S.