TT Replacement Recommendation
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Oak Forest, Illinois, USA
TT Replacement Recommendation
Rennlisters,
I have read many posts on the subject of torque tube repair and bearing replacement options. I now find myself in the position of having to address a TT issue with my 1983 928S I am already upside down in this car, as most of us probably are, but it's still a love affair.
My local shop (no affiliation) is a good one - Rennology of Oak Forest, IL. While in having a fuse replaced for the seats, I had one of the mechanics drive the car to tell me why it "growled" at times when decelerating. He determined that the bearings in the TT are going south on me at 66,000 miles.
I wish I was able to fix these things myself, but I figured out long ago I am best at bringing the beer and pizza for the guys with the wrenches. Anyway, I am give 2 options - a used TT with new bearings from a trusted Porsche source, or a new TT from Germany with new bearings. Cost difference with labor is about $1500. Looking for comments from some of the experts please...and thanks in advance.
I have read many posts on the subject of torque tube repair and bearing replacement options. I now find myself in the position of having to address a TT issue with my 1983 928S I am already upside down in this car, as most of us probably are, but it's still a love affair.
My local shop (no affiliation) is a good one - Rennology of Oak Forest, IL. While in having a fuse replaced for the seats, I had one of the mechanics drive the car to tell me why it "growled" at times when decelerating. He determined that the bearings in the TT are going south on me at 66,000 miles.
I wish I was able to fix these things myself, but I figured out long ago I am best at bringing the beer and pizza for the guys with the wrenches. Anyway, I am give 2 options - a used TT with new bearings from a trusted Porsche source, or a new TT from Germany with new bearings. Cost difference with labor is about $1500. Looking for comments from some of the experts please...and thanks in advance.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 2
Hi Gene,
Be sure you understand just what you are getting for your money with "rebuilt" TTs.
For $500.00 plus shipping, you get all used parts that no longer have the correct tolerances to stay put, as well as incorrect bearings since the original equipment ones are no longer available.
So for your money for the rebuilt TT, you only get two or three new bearings which cost roughly $40.00 or $60.00 dollars total.
Choose wisely since you really don't want to go back in there for awhile.
HTH,
Be sure you understand just what you are getting for your money with "rebuilt" TTs.
For $500.00 plus shipping, you get all used parts that no longer have the correct tolerances to stay put, as well as incorrect bearings since the original equipment ones are no longer available.
So for your money for the rebuilt TT, you only get two or three new bearings which cost roughly $40.00 or $60.00 dollars total.
Choose wisely since you really don't want to go back in there for awhile.
HTH,
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From: Bird lover in Sharpsburg
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Nordschleife Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,575
Likes: 5
From: Orange, Cal
The factory part sounds silly expensive for nothing special, rebuilt units have a long history of working well, and if you expose the car to a lot of miles and/or abuse via track etc have it rebuilt with premium bearings.
+1 on its very hard to tell what the driveline problem really is until you get inside, so be sure to have everything on both ends of TT checked. After replacing the clutch and TT my noise turned out to be the transmission input bearing (think torque converter bearing for an AT).
+1 on its very hard to tell what the driveline problem really is until you get inside, so be sure to have everything on both ends of TT checked. After replacing the clutch and TT my noise turned out to be the transmission input bearing (think torque converter bearing for an AT).
Rest in Peace
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Joined: May 2006
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Likes: 2
From: Bird lover in Sharpsburg
I clamp the TT down to a heavy steel table and spin it with a section of twine, like you would a top, you will know real quick if they are making any noise, then I go ahead and replace everything.
The factory part sounds silly expensive for nothing special, rebuilt units have a long history of working well, and if you expose the car to a lot of miles and/or abuse via track etc have it rebuilt with premium bearings.
+1 on its very hard to tell what the driveline problem really is until you get inside, so be sure to have everything on both ends of TT checked. After replacing the clutch and TT my noise turned out to be the transmission input bearing (think torque converter bearing for an AT).
+1 on its very hard to tell what the driveline problem really is until you get inside, so be sure to have everything on both ends of TT checked. After replacing the clutch and TT my noise turned out to be the transmission input bearing (think torque converter bearing for an AT).
Rennlist Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 35,695
Likes: 511
Hi Gene,
Be sure you understand just what you are getting for your money with "rebuilt" TTs.
For $500.00 plus shipping, you get all used parts that no longer have the correct tolerances to stay put, as well as incorrect bearings since the original equipment ones are no longer available.
So for your money for the rebuilt TT, you only get two or three new bearings which cost roughly $40.00 or $60.00 dollars total.
Choose wisely since you really don't want to go back in there for awhile.
HTH,
Be sure you understand just what you are getting for your money with "rebuilt" TTs.
For $500.00 plus shipping, you get all used parts that no longer have the correct tolerances to stay put, as well as incorrect bearings since the original equipment ones are no longer available.
So for your money for the rebuilt TT, you only get two or three new bearings which cost roughly $40.00 or $60.00 dollars total.
Choose wisely since you really don't want to go back in there for awhile.
HTH,
What am I missing?
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,430
Likes: 34
From: Lansing Michigan
I just went through this process and I feel your pain! This is definitely not a job you want to do again! I did do this job myself and it wasn't all that bad. I will suggest since you are having a mechanic do the job make sure he also replaces the transmission lines as well otherwise in a few years you will be back in there getting them changed because of dry rot(age). Just about every 928 I have ever owned the transmission lines are dry rotted and leaking. I also recommend you have replace the rear torque converter bearing (50% of the time thats growling your hearing).
I went with a rebuild unit from Mark at 928 international and I have 10k miles on it so far and its been quiet as a drum. Mark was great to deal with as well. I also talked to Constantain on the phone as he helped me troubleshoot a few issues with putting everything back together. There both great guys that have offered a lot to the 928. I honestly believe you can't go wrong with either unit. However I believe the Superbearing one will last longer in the long run because of the all new parts factor. Good Luck!
I went with a rebuild unit from Mark at 928 international and I have 10k miles on it so far and its been quiet as a drum. Mark was great to deal with as well. I also talked to Constantain on the phone as he helped me troubleshoot a few issues with putting everything back together. There both great guys that have offered a lot to the 928. I honestly believe you can't go wrong with either unit. However I believe the Superbearing one will last longer in the long run because of the all new parts factor. Good Luck!
Last edited by Dan87951; Jun 25, 2010 at 10:08 PM.
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From: Bird lover in Sharpsburg
I have over ten thousand miles on one of Marks rebuilds and it is still working great.
I am really impressed with the SuperBearings and have installed them at my shop.
Looks like I will be doing another set next week.
Former Vendor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,139
Likes: 2
The rebuilt units from other vendors use all original parts to include the bearing holders and the bearing inserts/spacers that hold onto the drive shaft. They have seen many heat cycles and their tolerances are no longer as new. This will cause the bearing units to move around and the drive shaft will spin in the bearings since the inserts/spacers just don't grip as well on the drive shaft anymore. The only new parts are the actual bearings themselves which are not the correct ones Porsche initially specified.
Our Super Bearing units are all brand new parts and use a larger bearing too. They have also been changed from the original design to take care of known problems with the old ones.
Disclaimer: We can no longer sell the Super Bearings on Rennlist since we are no longer Rennlist Sponsors.
Super Clamp is still fair game since another Rennlist sponsor carries them.
HTH,