Crunching gears on 944 S2?
Discussion
Hi all....I recently bought a rather cheap '89 944 S2 ....its just had £1000 spent on all the belts, front seals, new tyres, and some other bits and pieces...at a reputable, well known Porsche independent...when I first got the car, I thought the clutch was on its way out, as the gearbox was very difficult to engage, crunching in every gear....I told the garage that, in my opinion, its either the clutch or the gearbox....they apparently road tested the car ( after having done the above work) and then informed me that there were no issues and that I could collect the car....they told me they had driven it and it was 'mechanically fine'......so imagine my surprise as I drove the 7 miles home to find a superb engine, pulling well and cleanly, mated to a gearbox that still crunched in every gear and felt like it was going to explode!....what planet were these guys on!!??.....I am happy with the work they have done, but I would never use them again...anyway, the car has covered 150k...is it most likely to be a failed gear linkage, rather than the box?...
It sounds like a shifter or clutch issue to me, not a gearbox problem. The shifters do get very loose over time and every 944 with over 100k miles will probably need these parts renewing to regain a precise shift (both the actual gear lever bushes and the shifter mech normally require replacement, there's various options available for these). However, whilst a worn out shifter mech can make it difficult to find gears it shouldn't really cause the issues you describe which leads me back to the clutch...
The clutch wear can be measured via an inspection panel onto the release arm, Clarkes Garage has a good write up on this. It would also worth checking the clutch cylinders before jumping in as the seals in these do start to leak, try bleeding the system first. If it is the clutch then unfortunately this is a big and expensive job.
Generally the later 944 gearboxes are pretty tough, but like anything if not treated and serviced properly they obviously have their limits. I'd recommend seeking a second opinion from a company that knows these cars to help you diagnose this one.
The clutch wear can be measured via an inspection panel onto the release arm, Clarkes Garage has a good write up on this. It would also worth checking the clutch cylinders before jumping in as the seals in these do start to leak, try bleeding the system first. If it is the clutch then unfortunately this is a big and expensive job.
Generally the later 944 gearboxes are pretty tough, but like anything if not treated and serviced properly they obviously have their limits. I'd recommend seeking a second opinion from a company that knows these cars to help you diagnose this one.
Definitely something wrong - maybe try a transmission fluid change first?
They can be a bit notchy when cold, but it's usually gearbox noise that's a problem, not the sort of issues you describe.
How much play is there in the gear lever? They can be very worn both at the gearbox end and at the lever, but that shouldn't give you problems in gear selection. At least S2 gearboxes are pretty cheap..
They can be a bit notchy when cold, but it's usually gearbox noise that's a problem, not the sort of issues you describe.
How much play is there in the gear lever? They can be very worn both at the gearbox end and at the lever, but that shouldn't give you problems in gear selection. At least S2 gearboxes are pretty cheap..
If it goes into every gear ok with the engine idling I'd guess the linkage isn't the issue, if it doesn't I'd look at the adjustment at the gear lever and check for wear at the lever and the linkage on the gearbox and then the clutch hydraulics. If it needs a new clutch your S2 isn't quite the bargain you thought.
TWINTURBODAVE said:
Hi guys....many thanks for all that...I will start with the easiest possible fixes and work my way through...by the way, I paid £1550 for the car, with an MOT....I have now spent another £1000...a clutch change can be had for £700 all in...its still a good buy 
I agree, £3-4k for a solid S2 with a new clutch is still good valueAn S2 clutch is £500, and it's a long job, so £700 if you DIY... I'd expect a few other "while you're in there" jobs - candidates include clutch fork shaft & bearings, rear seal, gearbox mount, gear linkage and lever (only944 do some good parts). Then "while you're under there", check the fuel and brake lines.
Right, to update:....firstly, the boot release has stopped working!....plus, the headlight motors will not stop going up and down unless i leave the lights on!....of more importance, when the car was idling ( which it does rather well! ) there was no vibration or noise coming from anywhere...however, when I depressed the clutch to engage each of the gears, all of which went in with no issues, and then put the selector back in neutral, all manner of noise and vibration struck the gear stick and you could tell it was making its way along the torque tube to the back of the car to the gearbox...along the linkage, i presume....
edh said:
Definitely something wrong - maybe try a transmission fluid change first?
They can be a bit notchy when cold, but it's usually gearbox noise that's a problem, not the sort of issues you describe.
How much play is there in the gear lever? They can be very worn both at the gearbox end and at the lever, but that shouldn't give you problems in gear selection. At least S2 gearboxes are pretty cheap..
Hi...there is an awful lot of play in the gear lever....They can be a bit notchy when cold, but it's usually gearbox noise that's a problem, not the sort of issues you describe.
How much play is there in the gear lever? They can be very worn both at the gearbox end and at the lever, but that shouldn't give you problems in gear selection. At least S2 gearboxes are pretty cheap..
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