Play in transaxle drive flanges?
04-25-2016, 07:58 PM
#31
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know it is something not that likely for you to have missed but did you check the rear brake pads and calipers?
Ever since I changed to Brembos on my car with track pads I get a "chatter" from the rear now and then.
Ever since I changed to Brembos on my car with track pads I get a "chatter" from the rear now and then.
04-26-2016, 12:57 PM
#32
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This morning I was actually on my way to the shop with the car... and as I pulled away from my brother's house (still in my neighborhood), something went POW!
The rear wheels locked up, shuddered, and it sounded like mechanical mayhem. So I'm certain that something went very wrong in the transaxle.
It won't move in gear anymore. It's pretty much locked up.
Fortunately, it happened before I got on the highway. And before I paid for a diagnosis. And it's also fortunate that the car will roll in neutral.
So I'll tow it the half-mile home with my truck and swap out the transaxle this weekend for a used 951 (UY code) transaxle.
Someday I'll take apart the old one to find out what really happened, and to assess whether it can be rebuilt as a spare.
The rear wheels locked up, shuddered, and it sounded like mechanical mayhem. So I'm certain that something went very wrong in the transaxle.
It won't move in gear anymore. It's pretty much locked up.
Fortunately, it happened before I got on the highway. And before I paid for a diagnosis. And it's also fortunate that the car will roll in neutral.
So I'll tow it the half-mile home with my truck and swap out the transaxle this weekend for a used 951 (UY code) transaxle.
Someday I'll take apart the old one to find out what really happened, and to assess whether it can be rebuilt as a spare.
04-26-2016, 03:38 PM
#33
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Play in transaxle drive flanges?
This morning I was actually on my way to the shop with the car... and as I pulled away from my brother's house (still in my neighborhood), something went POW!
The rear wheels locked up, shuddered, and it sounded like mechanical mayhem. So I'm certain that something went very wrong in the transaxle.
It won't move in gear anymore. It's pretty much locked up.
Fortunately, it happened before I got on the highway. And before I paid for a diagnosis. And it's also fortunate that the car will roll in neutral.
So I'll tow it the half-mile home with my truck and swap out the transaxle this weekend for a used 951 (UY code) transaxle.
Someday I'll take apart the old one to find out what really happened, and to assess whether it can be rebuilt as a spare.
The rear wheels locked up, shuddered, and it sounded like mechanical mayhem. So I'm certain that something went very wrong in the transaxle.
It won't move in gear anymore. It's pretty much locked up.
Fortunately, it happened before I got on the highway. And before I paid for a diagnosis. And it's also fortunate that the car will roll in neutral.
So I'll tow it the half-mile home with my truck and swap out the transaxle this weekend for a used 951 (UY code) transaxle.
Someday I'll take apart the old one to find out what really happened, and to assess whether it can be rebuilt as a spare.
John will hook you up with a good Turbo transmission but the gearing might be too tall for your NA. Just a thought.
04-27-2016, 11:21 PM
#34
Three Wheelin'
Oh NO!
That's a rough way to go...sounds like something was ready to let loose at any moment though.
Let me know if you need any guidance or assistance with the transaxle swap, I'll hopefully be reinstalling my 951's box this weekend so I'll be fresh lol! I can't remember if I PM'd you, so shoot me a message and we'll get in touch.
Ethan
That's a rough way to go...sounds like something was ready to let loose at any moment though.
Let me know if you need any guidance or assistance with the transaxle swap, I'll hopefully be reinstalling my 951's box this weekend so I'll be fresh lol! I can't remember if I PM'd you, so shoot me a message and we'll get in touch.
Ethan
04-28-2016, 01:48 PM
#35
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, Ethan!
I'm going to try to drop the transaxle tonight, in order to pick up the new transaxle this weekend. But that may prove too ambitious a schedule. So Saturday may be the removal and autopsy, with a pickup next week sometime during the week.
I changed my mind and I'll be getting an ASG code from an '89 NA instead of the 951 tranny. I definitely want that shorter final drive output.
At least the car is in my driveway now. We'll see why and how it's able to roll in neutral, but I'm happy it can without disconnecting the axles. My Fiesta did a great job towing it the 3/4 miles through the neighborhood streets. My brother did a great job following and keeping tension on the chain, too.
I'm going to try to drop the transaxle tonight, in order to pick up the new transaxle this weekend. But that may prove too ambitious a schedule. So Saturday may be the removal and autopsy, with a pickup next week sometime during the week.
I changed my mind and I'll be getting an ASG code from an '89 NA instead of the 951 tranny. I definitely want that shorter final drive output.
At least the car is in my driveway now. We'll see why and how it's able to roll in neutral, but I'm happy it can without disconnecting the axles. My Fiesta did a great job towing it the 3/4 miles through the neighborhood streets. My brother did a great job following and keeping tension on the chain, too.
04-28-2016, 09:45 PM
#37
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Van, how could a diff in that condition spin freely, even in neutral?
If both axles are turning forward, that ring must also be turning, right?
I just towed mine home in neutral. So I have to think something went wrong in the transmission, not the diff.
Maybe I am not grasping the way the diff works?
If both axles are turning forward, that ring must also be turning, right?
I just towed mine home in neutral. So I have to think something went wrong in the transmission, not the diff.
Maybe I am not grasping the way the diff works?
04-29-2016, 09:54 AM
#38
Rennlist Member
If the ring and pinion goes, sometimes there will be lockup as a chunk of tooth gets between the 2 gears, causing an initial lockup. But, after the chunk(s) fall to the bottom, there is still a little bit of gear tooth engagement so it will roll.
I hope that's *not* what you find... I'm sure you'll let us know as soon as it's apart.
I hope that's *not* what you find... I'm sure you'll let us know as soon as it's apart.
04-30-2016, 07:33 AM
#39
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It's out!
Took me 3 hours. One of the high bell housing bolts gave me trouble, and the dumb shift rod tube got a bit caught up on it.
Otherwise, it was a success, with no injuries.
In the morning we will find out what lurks within.
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1465/26116487564_f34bc462eb_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="image">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1667/26119295403_5c7c0aab09_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="image">
Took me 3 hours. One of the high bell housing bolts gave me trouble, and the dumb shift rod tube got a bit caught up on it.
Otherwise, it was a success, with no injuries.
In the morning we will find out what lurks within.
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1465/26116487564_f34bc462eb_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="image">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1667/26119295403_5c7c0aab09_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="image">
04-30-2016, 11:09 PM
#40
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1652/26466633130_8d1b8af2d4_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1497/26466632490_14659f7e7d_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1508/26739523505_8af7bac61c_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1498/26713822766_dd475a2cb5_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1701/26739524005_edb36eb6b9_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1567/26739523825_3e7c7e8836_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1591/26713820726_d6e87c1bcf_z.jpg">
In the last couple pics, the piece of shrapnel on the right is the big one that was lying in the bottom of the chamber. The piece on the left is the larger piece that you see stuck to the magnet on the circular cover.
The car really hasn't gone far enough since the big failure to beat up the larger piece. But the smaller piece has undergone a lot of wear and tear, despite being stuck to the magnet. I have to think this smaller piece played a part in my original ticking noise.
It was fun to crack it open and have a look, at any rate.
On to the New-To-Me Transaxle!
Today I went out to "Just Joshin Porsche 944 Parts" http://www.porsche944usedparts.com/ to pick up a new-to-me transaxle.
It's an ASG-code (http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/trans-04.htm) unit which came out of an '89 NA car whose timing belt broke. It has the short fifth gear like my old one did, with only very small differences in the other gear ratios. Same final drive ratio as mine. And it looks like it'll drop right in.
John believes the '89's and beyond were made with stronger ring and pinion parts. I hope he's right.
By the way, if you need used parts for your 944, he's a great resource for us 944/951/968 owners. Plus, if you happen to be at the track, he's only 20 minutes from Summit Point. He has a small yard that's tucked between a creek and an old railway in an idyllic rural setting. It's so peaceful there, I stayed and talked probably longer than I should have.
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1655/26711017536_e65583dbe1_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1504/26670513391_e94def5454_z.jpg">
I also happened to recall from the previous owner's service records that a short shifter had been installed at the transaxle on my car. So John helped me take that off the core, and I'll swap it onto this one. It looks better than the stock linkage.
John even threw in an intact shift rod protector sleeve. I'm pretty sure I damaged mine as I removed my gearbox. Like I said, he's a great resource for us in the DC area and beyond.
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1497/26466632490_14659f7e7d_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1508/26739523505_8af7bac61c_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1498/26713822766_dd475a2cb5_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1701/26739524005_edb36eb6b9_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1567/26739523825_3e7c7e8836_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1591/26713820726_d6e87c1bcf_z.jpg">
In the last couple pics, the piece of shrapnel on the right is the big one that was lying in the bottom of the chamber. The piece on the left is the larger piece that you see stuck to the magnet on the circular cover.
The car really hasn't gone far enough since the big failure to beat up the larger piece. But the smaller piece has undergone a lot of wear and tear, despite being stuck to the magnet. I have to think this smaller piece played a part in my original ticking noise.
It was fun to crack it open and have a look, at any rate.
On to the New-To-Me Transaxle!
Today I went out to "Just Joshin Porsche 944 Parts" http://www.porsche944usedparts.com/ to pick up a new-to-me transaxle.
It's an ASG-code (http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/trans-04.htm) unit which came out of an '89 NA car whose timing belt broke. It has the short fifth gear like my old one did, with only very small differences in the other gear ratios. Same final drive ratio as mine. And it looks like it'll drop right in.
John believes the '89's and beyond were made with stronger ring and pinion parts. I hope he's right.
By the way, if you need used parts for your 944, he's a great resource for us 944/951/968 owners. Plus, if you happen to be at the track, he's only 20 minutes from Summit Point. He has a small yard that's tucked between a creek and an old railway in an idyllic rural setting. It's so peaceful there, I stayed and talked probably longer than I should have.
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1655/26711017536_e65583dbe1_z.jpg">
<img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1504/26670513391_e94def5454_z.jpg">
I also happened to recall from the previous owner's service records that a short shifter had been installed at the transaxle on my car. So John helped me take that off the core, and I'll swap it onto this one. It looks better than the stock linkage.
John even threw in an intact shift rod protector sleeve. I'm pretty sure I damaged mine as I removed my gearbox. Like I said, he's a great resource for us in the DC area and beyond.
Last edited by CrookedRacer; 04-30-2016 at 11:24 PM. Reason: images
05-09-2016, 05:50 PM
#45
Instructor
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fixed!
The transaxle is in the car and it works!
There were a couple things I'd do differently.
1) In one online procedure I came across, it was suggested that you block the torque tube so it doesn't lower. Well that makes it really difficult to clear the support crossmember and transmission mount above the transaxle. Don't do that. Maybe put a thin wooden shim between the torque tube and the torsion bar to protect both if you must, but even that little bit of clearance would have made things a LOT easier.
2) Have a competent jack wrangler. You need someone who understands how a jack works, how to lower it with precision, and what to do to raise it up again. My 9 year old nephew did his best (and he wasn't terribly bad at it either - he did nothing dangerous), but it took my 44 year old brother to make a successful hoist.
I'll say my 9 year old nephew did learn some new words, though.
Otherwise, it went in ok. It was especially difficult with the torque tube at full height, though. I had to twist the transaxle to get its bell housing past the shift rod.
I felt smart for waiting to see if the transaxle worked before wasting three quarts of gear oil on it. It works. So I'll waste the gear oil on it now.
I hope this helps folks out there. And thanks for all your comments and suggestions!
There were a couple things I'd do differently.
1) In one online procedure I came across, it was suggested that you block the torque tube so it doesn't lower. Well that makes it really difficult to clear the support crossmember and transmission mount above the transaxle. Don't do that. Maybe put a thin wooden shim between the torque tube and the torsion bar to protect both if you must, but even that little bit of clearance would have made things a LOT easier.
2) Have a competent jack wrangler. You need someone who understands how a jack works, how to lower it with precision, and what to do to raise it up again. My 9 year old nephew did his best (and he wasn't terribly bad at it either - he did nothing dangerous), but it took my 44 year old brother to make a successful hoist.
I'll say my 9 year old nephew did learn some new words, though.
Otherwise, it went in ok. It was especially difficult with the torque tube at full height, though. I had to twist the transaxle to get its bell housing past the shift rod.
I felt smart for waiting to see if the transaxle worked before wasting three quarts of gear oil on it. It works. So I'll waste the gear oil on it now.
I hope this helps folks out there. And thanks for all your comments and suggestions!