bowser1724

Hi-
I am trying to figure out what if anything my situation can be described as:

Car is a '87 Porsche 944S (16v) manual trans.

When accelerating in any gear, no issues. feels OK, no noticeable noises.
Lets say in first gear, i accelerate to 4k rpm, then completely let off the gas.
the car feels like it "slides" from back to front, and upon "hitting to front" it kinda "bangs" a few times or "bounces" maybe 2-3 times depending on the speed, and then begins to whine pretty loudly. now, if i get back on the gas hard, the car feels like its "sliding" again to the back.

Is there a term for this sliding / bouncing between throttle and no throttle while in gear?

And, of course, what might be the problem? I am going to try changing the trans fluid first. Any other thoughts?

pdxfj

Classic rubber centered clutch is toast. You're on the limp home tabs. If you get under the car and pull the rubber inspection cover on the TA, reach in and see if you can rotate the drive line. I'm guessing you can since my car does the same thing and I'm just waiting to get some shop time with a lift to install a new clutch.

Watch this short video and it should explain everything.

bowser1724

Thanks! The visualization seems to match what I am feeling.
As for the whining, that would still be the trans I am thinking. Still need to do the oil change there, but ok... new clutch it is.
Any advice on which kit? Sachs was recommended. Just wondering if there is a lower cost option.

Humboldtgrin

Torque tube bearings might also be making a little noise along with the transaxle.

dmjames

I haven't gotten the impression that there's a lower cost option worth considering (if there's one at all). Unfortunately, it seems like a 'suck it up and deal with it' scenario. :suer: Besides, if you're going to the effort to get to the clutch, you *really* don't want to have to do it again soon. I'd say just bite the bullet and go with good parts.

TurnerJ

I got the saaame problem. As well as the torque tube bearing whine on deceleration from about 3000 to 2000 rpm. FYI I have been driving on my "emergency limp home tabs" for two years now and 5000 miles. I can usually drive it without making the clanking sliding noises now.

Ish_944

Change the clutch asap if you don't want to destroy your ring and pinion in the tranny!

1933beer

5k on limp home mode Wow! turner

is home across Asia?

but seriously I didn't know they would go that long.

TurnerJ

I guess as long as you are gentle or have gotten the hang of working the clutch just right and smoothly come on and off the accelerator then you'll be ok and hardly notice it.

But yes I've been meaning to replace the clutch for a while now but I have too many cars and need to downsize. And its a catch 22 when selling it: don't replace the clutch and no one will buy it or replace the clutch and not get your time and money back out of it.

Tiger03447

If you decide to do the clutch, you can delete the rubber centered disc part and go with a straight spring clutch. A PO put this in my car..I can only thank him for it..I don't know if he had to go from the flywheel out to do this, perhaps some more experienced R-lister can comment on what #'s you'll have to have to convert. It will be WAAAAY less expensive if you do it this way...

bowser1724

Sorry for my ignorance, but how would a broken clutch destroy the pinion? Wouldn't it just be completely disengaged, and not turning?

Ish_944

I've come across with the following theory on a 016 gearbox forum:
The 016 gearbox is very sturdy and works flawlessly even for 700 hp cars.
The audi guys suspect that 944 trannies brake because people keep running them with destroyed cluthes.

If you think about it, when the rubber vanishes and the limp mode metal parts engage there's no damping in the system. This means any play between the ring and pinion will cause a hard hit on the teeths.
Do it too hard and too often and you'll have trouble.

That's one theory anyways...