vesmir

1989 Porsche 964 C4 will not shift; happened suddenly then it got very hard to move the shift selector. Lifted vehicle and inspected transaxle and shift linkage. Found all shift linkage connections are OK. With linkage disconnected from transaxle shifter moves normally. Shift rod exiting transaxle is locked into position and does not move more that 1 cm front to back. (normally transaxle can be shifted by hand with only a bit of effort). Drained transaxle oil and strained: Found one larger chunk of metal without tons of fine metal.

What is the most likely cause of this problem?

Navaros911

Clearly something broke. But I've been told: "Until I open it, I'm just coming up with theories. Either way, it will be expensive to fix."

Gearboxes are surprisingly expensive parts to fix. I hope it's not as big a deal as I'm thinking.

Be ready for collateral damage internally if that part floated around in the box.

Do you have a picture of the chunk that was found?

vesmir

::
Thank you for your note. I should be able to get a photo of the chunk late Monday and will post.

vesmir

The attached photos show the cost estimate.

Detail

Total

cobalt

^^ ouch that is a bit pricey. I am not sure of the AWD cars but the transaxle can be removed with the engine still in the car of a C2. Just needs to be supported and you can use a piece of wood to support the engine between the wheels. Although at that price you might consider just buying a used replacement box. If you were local I have a spare box from a 90 in perfect condition but I am sure you can probably source one. What is your shops hourly rate? That just seems high for labor. Should be no need to reset ring and pinion lash if the same unit is being replaced. I would have them pull the side cover and pull the ring and pinion and see what they find before proceeding.

Although if you drop . the engine have them inspect and reseal any leaks and probably a good time to adjust the valve lash.

Navaros911

^^^ Used box is what I did. $2600 later excl labor I was on the road again. One day I will get to that original box.

Spokes

C4 - planetary gear! It will be interesting once you open up the box.

Silvertarga

$80 FOR GEAR OIL?!?!?!?!

Navaros911

The original Porsche stuff will set you back that much. Yes, one can go with the OEM Mobil1 stuff... but I don't think 80 bucks makes the difference on this estimate.

vesmir

Below are photos from today’s review of the car. I’m not sure what to make of the new cost estimate as it is considerably higher.

Small metal bit recovered when transaxle oil was drained.

Linkage appears to be in good condition and moves freely. When detached from the transaxle. The transaxle itself will not move at all even when gripped by pliers.

Cost going up

Part 2. Having some difficulty knowing for sure what really needs to be done.

John McM

Your cost estimates don't include potential big costs in gear sets and guide sleeves. If it were me I would buy cobalt's transmission and put this one to the side for when you get around to it.

Navaros911

I'm with John McM on this and have done the same a few years ago. Make sure you are ready for it (a big bill), or tackle it yourself at one point in time. I'm in the latter camp if time permits one day.

John McM

I have the T shirt on this one. It's easy to spend $10,000 plus to get a box that shifts no better than a used one for 1/3rd of the price.

vesmir

Good thought, John McM and Navarros911. I’m looking for a new box. Do you think I should get both C4 transaxle and transmission or just the transaxle?

John McM

The transmissions for sale are normally complete. I wouldn’t buy part of one. You want to be able to install and go.