Transaxle – Checking, Repairing, and Replacing the Shift Lever and Shift Linkage

Overview

This guide explains how to check, repair, and replace the shift lever and shift linkage on a Porsche 944 S / S2 with a 16v engine. If your shifting feels sloppy or difficult, it’s likely due to worn shift linkage parts or improper adjustment. Keeping these components in good condition ensures smooth gear changes and a better driving experience.

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Tools Required

• Flat tip screwdriver
• Probe or small flat tip screwdriver
• 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench
• Socket wrench with 13mm socket

Parts Required

• Shift Lever – 477 711 205 D
• Bearing Shell – 944 424 229 00
• Lock Washer – N 012 437 3
• Intermediate Shift Lever – 944 424 013 00
• Ball Pin (2 required) – 477 711 147 A

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Remove the Shift Knob and Boot

1. Gently pry around the base of the shifter boot next to the console using a flat tip screwdriver. Be careful not to damage the boot. This separates the boot and inner trim ring from the console.
2. Use a probe or small flat tip screwdriver to remove the clip holding the shift knob to the shift lever.
3. Pull up on the shift knob to remove it along with the boot from the shift lever.
4. Lift the rubber inner boot to separate it from the shifter sound absorber.
5. Remove the rubber vibration dampener and inner boot from the shift lever.

Step 2: Disconnect the Shifter Rod

6. Locate the shifter rod connected to the shift lever pin.
7. Remove the “C” clip from the groove on the shift lever pin. Be careful not to drop it.

8. Slide the shifter rod off the pin and remove the washer from the pin. Set the washer aside.

Step 3: Inspect and Remove the Shift Lever

9. Check the shift lever pin for wear. If it’s tapered instead of uniform in diameter, replace it with a new one (477 711 205 D).
10. Remove the two bolts holding the bearing bracket using a 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench or socket wrench. These are M8 x 12 bolts.
11. Lift the shift lever out of the sound absorber.
12. Inspect the plastic bearing shell (944 424 229 00). If it’s cracked, broken, or the shifter comes out too easily, replace it.

Step 4: Install the New Shift Lever

13. If replacing the bearing shell, apply a small amount of Moly grease to the inside of the new bearing (944 424 229 00) and slide it into the bearing bracket.
14. Push the shift lever ball into the bearing with firm, steady pressure. It will resist slightly—this is normal. Avoid excessive force to prevent breaking the bearing.
15. Install the shift lever into the sound absorber and secure it with the two M8 x 12 bolts. Tighten to 23 Nm (17 ft-lbs) using a 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench.
16. Reattach the shifter rod to the shift lever pin and secure it with the “C” clip.

Step 5: Adjust the Shift Lever Angle

17. Set the shift lever to neutral. It should lean toward the rear of the car at an 85° angle.

18. If the angle is off, loosen (but don’t remove) the two bearing bracket bolts with a 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench. Slide the bracket forward or backward to adjust, then tighten to 23 Nm (17 ft-lbs).
19. Check the side-to-side alignment. The lever should not lean left or right.
20. If it leans, loosen the lock nut on the intermediate shift lever at the transaxle using a 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench.
21. Move the intermediate shift lever left or right to adjust the console shift lever. Moving it to the driver’s side tilts the lever left; moving it to the passenger’s side tilts it right.

22. Once aligned, tighten the lock nut to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Check the Transaxle Linkage

23. Inspect the intermediate shift lever (944 424 013 00) at the transaxle for wear. Look for excessive play in the plastic portion.
24. If worn, replace it along with the ball pins (477 711 147 A) as needed.

Step 7: Reassemble the Shift Knob and Boot

25. Slide the rubber inner boot onto the shift lever and fit its base onto the sound absorber lip.
26. Install the shift knob and boot onto the shift lever, securing them with the clip.
27. Press the boot’s base back into the console trim.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Test the shifter in neutral to confirm it sits at an 85° rearward angle and has no side-to-side tilt.
• Shift through all gears to ensure smooth operation with no sloppiness.
• Check that the shifter rod and “C” clip are securely attached.
• Inspect the boot and console trim for proper fitment.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manual, Volume 1
• Youtube