CNGUYEN

I have an '87 928S4. The central tube (the shaft between the engine and the transaxial) is making a lot of noises (the pitch go up and down as you accelerate). Have anybody ever experienced this problem and know of a cheap fix for it? I don't want to replace the central tube (it costs $2100 at the dealer). Thanks

Jay Wellwood

Nope, not really a cheap fix - unless you replace the Tube yourself. If you have the shop space, and are mechanically inclined, you can do the job yourself in a few days.

Drive tubes can either be purchased with new bearings already installed, or you can replace your own with the proper bearings. The drive shaft sleeves can be easily damaged beyond repair, so you may have to have some replacements machined as well.

It should be noted that in at least 2 seperate areas of the Shop Manuals - Porsche specifically states that the Drive Tubes have no repair parts - and with no plans to offer repair components internally for said same.

hth-

Mike Schmidt

There are two bearings inside the central tube if you have an automatic, and three if you have a 5-speed. The bearings go bad, and it sounds like that's your problem. The noise will keep getting worse, and the only thing to do about it is to replace the tube. It's pretty involved, but some people have replaced the tube themselves. A rebuilt tube is usually around $500.

Randy V

The part you are referring to C is the 'torque tube'. It is a commonly failed part.

Jay and Mike give good advice - you can buy a rebuilt torque tube from 928 International for the $500 price Mike quoted.

Kaz

CNguyen, while you're having your torque tube replaced make sure you have BOTH torque converter bearings replaced as well. You don't want ot have to go back in there to replace a 20 dollar part. I'd avoid the dealership for this work as well.

K

Jay Wellwood

Spot on Kaz....I forgot to mention that....as well as-

Replace the oring in the transmisson pump as well as inspect the flange rivets for the Torque Converter. These apparently get loose on some cars and require replacement (I'm told they sound like marbles - mine were okay).