Rob Edwards

Going thru tech on Sunday morning at the autocross, I was asked why the car didn't have a battery hold-down. Since the battery is enclosed and vented, they gave me a pass on it, but now I'm curious. Mine certainly hasn't had any sort of hold-down bracket, and I don't see one in PET.

Am I missing something here, or no? Anyone's S4 (or earlier) got a battery hold-down bracket?

Vilhuer

There should be one.

Alan

Yes of course - & you should have one. I'm sure you can get a used one from 928Intl etc

On a GTS it bolts down at the rear of the battery and is a small wedge shaped plate with a bolt down. There is a lip at the front that holds the front lip of the battery so its sandwiched between the two - simple & works well (I've never looked but I assume all S4's are like this too...

Alan

StratfordShark

I'm puzzled about this too as I know other people with S4s have hold-downs but there isn't one in my battery box and no reference at all to one in the PET.

Anyone know the part no and I'll search again?

bfellows

No hold down on my S4... There was a "ski ramp" spacer that i presume was to make a smaller battery a tight fit? I took it out and put in my "?" box! Any pics?

Marine Blue

My 87 has one, I'll try to take a picture of it this evening unless someone posts a pic sooner.

Richard S

Forward edge of the battery fits under metal lip, then the "ski ramp" spacer fits to the rear of the battery. The bottom of the spacer holds down the rear edge of the battery, the bolt fits into a hole at the top of the spacer, bolting it to the top-rear of the battery box. Most are probably missing.

Rich

dr bob

Many cars have had non-928-sized batteries installed, and that little wedge piece at the back is discarded since it's in the way of the 24/34/74 size replacements that just a smidge longer and taller than the 48 that the battery box really likes. Running without the hold-down is kinda tough on the battery, since vibration is probably among the top three or four major causes of battery failure. At the same time, many owners and mechanics leave the original clamp loose, or don't get it to clamp the rear lower lip when they install the correct battery. Clamp is in there OK but just not doing its job.

Owners who perform the annual battery and electrical system maintenence ritual surely know if the battery is secure in the box or not...

Jim bailey - 928 International

The ski ramp spacer grabs the lip on the bottom of the battery , the front of the battery lip slides under a metal flange. For Drivers Ed cut a piece of thick plastic large enough to cover the whole top of the battery then the metal lid for the battery box becomes the insulated metal hold down strap that tech wants to see....

Nicole

I once reordered one for my car, which did not fit. Then I got a used one from an older model that was totally different and fit perfectly.

Alan

I like the term "ski ramp" - good description (beats 'wedge') . For the stock battery size they work very well indeed and are efficient with space & weight.

Jim can you supply used "ski ramps" to any who need them?

Alan

leperboy

Cool information. One fewer mystery pieces in my car now.

Matt

StratfordShark

I see Jim has it as a used part. Tomorrow I'm going to look in my battery box (haven't been in since installing new battery a year ago, and the old - non Porsche - one just lifted out so I didn't think about a clamp). Maybe the clamp is in there after all?

I do have a print out of the battery box maintenance routine to do this winter so will get the clamp if necessary. I wonder if it's still available as a new part also?

StratfordShark

The part number dows come up in the (1991) PET as "clamp" on page showing battery, leads and starter motor. But the clamp isn't actually drawn so has no reference number to any drawing in the parts list.

bfellows

I shall be removing my "ski ramp" from the "?" box and fitting correctly locking battery in place....... PO must have assumed that battery sat on top?