Constantine's 944 Torque Tube (TT) Bearings - INSTALLED!
11-14-2009 | 10:39 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 872
Likes: 0
From: Nuke City, NM
Constantine's 944 Torque Tube (TT) Bearings - INSTALLED!
I just finished up installing the first batch of Constantine's TT bearings. Everything went very smoothly and i'm extremely happy with the results!
I took some pictures and i'll combine it with a write-up that Constantine sent me. Here goes!
(Note: TT was already disassembled.)
Four "pucks" ready to go! These are the first batch (so they aren't as pretty as the final result), and they're still coated in cosmoline:
1. Take an old cotton sock and stuff some newspaper inside of it filling it up in the foot portion. Then take the drive shaft and place the sock over it and tape it around the drive shaft. You should have a padded somewhat round pad now that will be used to clean out the TT.
2. Take a bearing unit and generously lube up the middle portion of it with the supplied lube. Next coat the outer bearing carrier portion and the inside of the TT up to 30" with the supplied lube. You should stand the TT on it's transmission end to begin the install of the bearing units.
3. You will install 2 pucks from each end (so that you don't have to push the pucks very far). Constantine supplied some protective discs that i was able to place up against the bearings. Some pipe and a rubber mallet will provide the motivation!
I took one of my old pucks and punched out the nylon insert using a 21mm socket.
With this just slightly inserted into the front end of the TT (it could be difficult to remove if not!), i was ready to start inserting the driveshaft...
Using the old bearing like this helps to keep the driveshaft straight while inserting it.
Constantine also has a VERY nice tool that does the same thing, but in my infinite wisdom i didn't think to use it!
This is one area i kind of ran into trouble. Because the driveshaft wasn't perfectly straight while i was pushing it in, it started to push one of the bearings further down the tube. I stopped before it went very far, took a deep breath, and called Constantine to make sure i wasn't doing anything wrong. He pointed out that i need to keep the driveshaft VERY straight...and that can be tough to do!
Anyways, i gave it another go...and it went perfectly this time.
Even with a lot of VERY slippery lube, it starts to get tough to push the driveshaft through at a certain point (shortly after it engages the second bearing, i think).
That's where THIS bad-boy comes in! (Another Constantine creation, no less!)
That's a threaded rod right down the center, with a teflon cup on the end to gently push the driveshaft home. It bolts on to the motor side of the TT. I think i can safely say that this was not only an absolutely necessary tool for the job, but a top quality one at that (and Constantine informs me that they've already made improvements to the tool)! This tool requires almost no effort! I would have used my air impact, but mine has a small tank and at no point did i feel like it would save me any effort.
So...that's it!
One completely rebuilt, better-than-ever torque tube! The next few weekends are looking to be pretty clear, so i'll be back on the road in no time. I'll get some miles on it and keep everyone updated on the bearings...but honestly, i can't foresee any trouble with these things! There's no doubt in my mind that they'll outlast the car
On that note, i wanted to thank Constantine for ALL of his hard work to get these bearings into production, and also for being so great to work with! These are a truly amazing product and it would have been a shame to go through all the trouble of rebuilding the TT with anything less! I also can't speak highly enough of Constantine, he was always a pleasure to deal with.
I don't have any updates on the availability of these TT bearings, so i'll leave it up to Constantine to address that!
I took some pictures and i'll combine it with a write-up that Constantine sent me. Here goes!
(Note: TT was already disassembled.)
Four "pucks" ready to go! These are the first batch (so they aren't as pretty as the final result), and they're still coated in cosmoline:
1. Take an old cotton sock and stuff some newspaper inside of it filling it up in the foot portion. Then take the drive shaft and place the sock over it and tape it around the drive shaft. You should have a padded somewhat round pad now that will be used to clean out the TT.
2. Take a bearing unit and generously lube up the middle portion of it with the supplied lube. Next coat the outer bearing carrier portion and the inside of the TT up to 30" with the supplied lube. You should stand the TT on it's transmission end to begin the install of the bearing units.
3. You will install 2 pucks from each end (so that you don't have to push the pucks very far). Constantine supplied some protective discs that i was able to place up against the bearings. Some pipe and a rubber mallet will provide the motivation!
I took one of my old pucks and punched out the nylon insert using a 21mm socket.
With this just slightly inserted into the front end of the TT (it could be difficult to remove if not!), i was ready to start inserting the driveshaft...
Using the old bearing like this helps to keep the driveshaft straight while inserting it.
Constantine also has a VERY nice tool that does the same thing, but in my infinite wisdom i didn't think to use it!
This is one area i kind of ran into trouble. Because the driveshaft wasn't perfectly straight while i was pushing it in, it started to push one of the bearings further down the tube. I stopped before it went very far, took a deep breath, and called Constantine to make sure i wasn't doing anything wrong. He pointed out that i need to keep the driveshaft VERY straight...and that can be tough to do!
Anyways, i gave it another go...and it went perfectly this time.
Even with a lot of VERY slippery lube, it starts to get tough to push the driveshaft through at a certain point (shortly after it engages the second bearing, i think).
That's where THIS bad-boy comes in! (Another Constantine creation, no less!)
That's a threaded rod right down the center, with a teflon cup on the end to gently push the driveshaft home. It bolts on to the motor side of the TT. I think i can safely say that this was not only an absolutely necessary tool for the job, but a top quality one at that (and Constantine informs me that they've already made improvements to the tool)! This tool requires almost no effort! I would have used my air impact, but mine has a small tank and at no point did i feel like it would save me any effort.
So...that's it!
One completely rebuilt, better-than-ever torque tube! The next few weekends are looking to be pretty clear, so i'll be back on the road in no time. I'll get some miles on it and keep everyone updated on the bearings...but honestly, i can't foresee any trouble with these things! There's no doubt in my mind that they'll outlast the car
On that note, i wanted to thank Constantine for ALL of his hard work to get these bearings into production, and also for being so great to work with! These are a truly amazing product and it would have been a shame to go through all the trouble of rebuilding the TT with anything less! I also can't speak highly enough of Constantine, he was always a pleasure to deal with.
I don't have any updates on the availability of these TT bearings, so i'll leave it up to Constantine to address that!
11-14-2009 | 11:51 PM
#3
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 12,155
Likes: 371
From: Johnson City, TN
SERIOUS TT bearings for the 944 and 928.
I bought his superclamp for the 928 (his contribution to thwart engine disintegration on auto 928's) Saving money for the TT bearings as well.
Major-league high-quality piece.
Thanks Constantine!. Keep up the good work.
I bought his superclamp for the 928 (his contribution to thwart engine disintegration on auto 928's) Saving money for the TT bearings as well.
Major-league high-quality piece.
Thanks Constantine!. Keep up the good work.
01-24-2010 | 07:06 PM
#6
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 302
Likes: 1
From: Norway, Hordaland, Bergen
Great one ! Do anyone have a link to Constantins bearings ? I wan't some
Also found this http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/trans-05.htm
Also found this http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/trans-05.htm
01-26-2010 | 01:57 AM
#7
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,544
Likes: 4
From: Brisbane, Australia
That driveshaft can be very difficult to get in. That certainly is an elaborate tool. I used a little more creative method with what I had:
I didn't lube the driveshaft with grease as I was concerned that that could cause the driveshaft to spin in the inner bushing and wear it down, thus slightly loosening the bond between the shaft and bearing, perhaps resulting in premature failure. I used soapy water instead. I also had to lock the carriers in place in the tube using pop rivets through the side of the TT.
Was it hard pushing the carriers in the tube, given that they are so much wider than the stock carriers? I had a hell of time getting the one at the trans end in.
I didn't lube the driveshaft with grease as I was concerned that that could cause the driveshaft to spin in the inner bushing and wear it down, thus slightly loosening the bond between the shaft and bearing, perhaps resulting in premature failure. I used soapy water instead. I also had to lock the carriers in place in the tube using pop rivets through the side of the TT.
Was it hard pushing the carriers in the tube, given that they are so much wider than the stock carriers? I had a hell of time getting the one at the trans end in.
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01-26-2010 | 12:51 PM
#9
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 872
Likes: 0
From: Nuke City, NM
Whoops, didn't mean to abandon this thread! I'm mostly in the Turbo forum
Yes, they're the same for the 968.
I think they're still a little ways out, but should be close now! You might try PMing Constantine on here for the latest news. I'll let him know about this thread, too!
I used the Clark's Garage writeup for removing my bearings, and i had originally planned to rebuild my pucks.
Unfortunately I didn't use a thick enough washer for extracting the stock units--the first one that was being pulled out got cocked sideways and ruined the shell. Then it ruined the 2nd one, and the 3rd one. I ended up with only ONE usable shell! Of course nobody sells just the shells, but i posted on here anyways, and someone directed me to Constantine. I asked about making them for the 944 and it turns out he was interested, and the rest is history... Once i saw these aftermarket improved ones, there was no way i was going to put some rebuild stock ones in (especially since money can't buy the right parts for the job!)....
So long story short, be careful when you use the Clark's garage removal instructions...and also be prepared for it to take a REALLY long time! LOL
That's a pretty clever way to do it!
Constantine has actually been re-designing the tool to be lighter and smaller, so i'm not sure what he's come up with. He's promised pictures though
I had thought of soapy water too, and i also have some special rubber lubricant, but Constantine has rebuilt dozens of these TT's and swears by KY jelly, so that's what i did!
I can see the shaft spinning in the bushing being a possible problem on the stock unit, but these aftermarket pieces have much more contact (they're about 4x wider).
And no, i didn't really have a problem pushing the pucks through the TT, even with the extra width. I made sure to clean the TT out first (acetone and carb cleaner, shoved a rag through until it came out clean), then used some wooden cutouts that Constantine provided with an extension and a deadblow hammer. They went right where they were supposed to!
Yes, they're the same for the 968.
Great one ! Do anyone have a link to Constantins bearings ? I wan't some
Also found this http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/trans-05.htm
Also found this http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/trans-05.htm
I used the Clark's Garage writeup for removing my bearings, and i had originally planned to rebuild my pucks.
Unfortunately I didn't use a thick enough washer for extracting the stock units--the first one that was being pulled out got cocked sideways and ruined the shell. Then it ruined the 2nd one, and the 3rd one. I ended up with only ONE usable shell! Of course nobody sells just the shells, but i posted on here anyways, and someone directed me to Constantine. I asked about making them for the 944 and it turns out he was interested, and the rest is history... Once i saw these aftermarket improved ones, there was no way i was going to put some rebuild stock ones in (especially since money can't buy the right parts for the job!)....
So long story short, be careful when you use the Clark's garage removal instructions...and also be prepared for it to take a REALLY long time! LOL
That driveshaft can be very difficult to get in. That certainly is an elaborate tool. I used a little more creative method with what I had:
I didn't lube the driveshaft with grease as I was concerned that that could cause the driveshaft to spin in the inner bushing and wear it down, thus slightly loosening the bond between the shaft and bearing, perhaps resulting in premature failure. I used soapy water instead. I also had to lock the carriers in place in the tube using pop rivets through the side of the TT.
Was it hard pushing the carriers in the tube, given that they are so much wider than the stock carriers? I had a hell of time getting the one at the trans end in.
I didn't lube the driveshaft with grease as I was concerned that that could cause the driveshaft to spin in the inner bushing and wear it down, thus slightly loosening the bond between the shaft and bearing, perhaps resulting in premature failure. I used soapy water instead. I also had to lock the carriers in place in the tube using pop rivets through the side of the TT.
Was it hard pushing the carriers in the tube, given that they are so much wider than the stock carriers? I had a hell of time getting the one at the trans end in.
Constantine has actually been re-designing the tool to be lighter and smaller, so i'm not sure what he's come up with. He's promised pictures though
I had thought of soapy water too, and i also have some special rubber lubricant, but Constantine has rebuilt dozens of these TT's and swears by KY jelly, so that's what i did!
I can see the shaft spinning in the bushing being a possible problem on the stock unit, but these aftermarket pieces have much more contact (they're about 4x wider).
And no, i didn't really have a problem pushing the pucks through the TT, even with the extra width. I made sure to clean the TT out first (acetone and carb cleaner, shoved a rag through until it came out clean), then used some wooden cutouts that Constantine provided with an extension and a deadblow hammer. They went right where they were supposed to!
01-26-2010 | 05:22 PM
#10
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 1
From: Hawkinsville / Perry, Georgia, RETIRED USAF GO BLUE
Hi Gents, I have a 85.5 944 and I'm thinking about rebuilding my Torque Tube and need to know how much the bearings cost from Constantine and how to contact him? I am rebuilding another engine to put in my car and replacing the transaxle. Nothing wrong with the engine in my car now, but it has over 150K on it. The spare engine is an 86 and had the head rebuilt 10K ago. The Gent I bought it from is doing an LS1 swap out.
Cheers,
Larry
Cheers,
Larry
Last edited by Grandpa#3; 01-26-2010 at 05:22 PM. Reason: add
01-26-2010 | 11:37 PM
#12
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 0
For those interested, our first Super Bearing order for the 924/944/968 line of Porsches should be arriving shortly. From the responses/inquiries we've received, we cautiously believe the first shipment is sold out. We will place another order again if this is true.
The pricing will be approximately $600.00 USD for a set of four bearing units.
We have also changed the rebuild tools to be much easier to send around, while also making them much simpler to use than other methods. Will post pictures shortly and the tools will be available for use by those rebuilding their own TT, core charge will apply, or for sale by those in the business of working on these Porsches. The same tools can also be used to rebuild the 928 TTs.
We are also finalizing the work on new higher strength drive shafts for both the 944 5 speeds and 928s since we are seeing many that are not re-usable. This also allows us to offer custom length drive shafts as well as ones made of 300M material if needed.
Cheers,
The pricing will be approximately $600.00 USD for a set of four bearing units.
We have also changed the rebuild tools to be much easier to send around, while also making them much simpler to use than other methods. Will post pictures shortly and the tools will be available for use by those rebuilding their own TT, core charge will apply, or for sale by those in the business of working on these Porsches. The same tools can also be used to rebuild the 928 TTs.
We are also finalizing the work on new higher strength drive shafts for both the 944 5 speeds and 928s since we are seeing many that are not re-usable. This also allows us to offer custom length drive shafts as well as ones made of 300M material if needed.
Cheers,
