Stereo – Rear Speaker Replacement – 2.5L NA

Overview

This procedure guides you through replacing the rear speakers in all Porsche 944 variants with an 8-valve engine, covering both pre-1985.5 (83-85.5) and 1985.5 onwards (86-88) variants. Replacing the rear speakers improves audio quality and restores functionality to your stereo system. The process involves removing the interior trim panel to access the speaker, with options to either work around the rear quarter glass or remove it. This guide provides both methods to suit your preference.

Pink and blue text represent links to additional resources, tools, parts, and partner websites.

Tools Required

• Medium Phillips head screwdriver
• Metric socket set (including 13mm (1/2 inch) socket for seat belt mount, if equipped)
• Flat tip screwdriver or small pry bar
• 13mm (1/2 inch) open-end wrench (for seat latch pin)

Parts Required

• Replacement rear speaker (4×6 inch for 85.5 onwards; confirm size for pre-85.5), 928 645 101 00
• Plastic bushings (if original speaker used them), 999 591 699 40

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Remove the Door Kick Plate

1. Open the driver or passenger door.
2. Gently slide your fingers under the plastic kick plate strip at the bottom of the door opening.
3. Pull up carefully to release the clips, removing the strip without damaging it.

Step 2: Remove the Rubber Door Trim

4. Pull the rubber trim off the back of the door jamb, starting from the bottom and working up to about three-quarters of the way up the door opening.

Step 3: Remove Lower Trim Panel Screws

5. Locate and remove the Phillips head screw near the bottom of the door opening in the interior trim panel.

6. Remove the Phillips head screw at the base of the trim panel below the speaker opening.

Step 4: Remove Shoulder Harness Mount or Screw

7. (85.5 Onwards) If your car has rear shoulder harnesses:

a) Open the rear hatch.

b) Remove the plastic cover from the rear seat belt shoulder harness mount.</lp

c) Remove the hex head bolt securing the shoulder harness mount using a 13mm (1/2 inch) socket. Tighten to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs) during reinstallation.

8. (Pre-85.5) If your car does not have rear shoulder harnesses:

a) Remove the large Phillips head screw at the shoulder harness mounting point.

b) Remove the small Phillips head screw located below and toward the rear of the car from the same mounting point.

Step 5: Remove the Rear Seat Latch Pin

9. Remove the rubber cover from the rear seat latch pin to expose the hex-shaped portion.
10. Use a 13mm (1/2 inch) open-end wrench to unscrew and remove the latch pin.

Step 6: Remove Upper Trim Panel Screws

11. Remove the two Phillips head screws at the top of the trim panel.

Step 7: Loosen the Trim Panel

12. Choose one of the following options to loosen the trim panel around the rear quarter glass:
13. Option 1 (Rear Window Not Removed):

a) Use a flat tip screwdriver to carefully lift the rubber trim around the perimeter of the rear window (inside the car).

b) Gently pull the trim panel upholstery away from the lip around the glass, taking care not to tear it.

14. Option 2 (Rear Window Removed):

a) Lift the rubber trim around the rear window (inside the car) while gently pushing outward on the window, starting at the lower back corner.

b) Remove the window carefully to avoid breakage.

Step 8: Remove the Speaker

15. Pull the trim panel away from the body, working around the seat belt (if equipped) as it passes through the panel.
16. Remove the screws securing the speaker to the body behind the trim panel. Note any plastic bushings and retain them for reinstallation.
17. (85.5 Onwards) If the speaker is mounted in a bracket, remove the bracket to access or install a larger speaker.
18. Disconnect the wires from the back of the speaker and remove the speaker from the car.

Step 9: Install the New Speaker

19. Connect the speaker wires to the back of the new speaker, 928 645 101 00.
20. Mount the speaker in the panel using the four mounting screws. If plastic bushings, 999 591 699 40, were used, ensure they are reinstalled.
21. (85.5 Onwards) If using a bracket, secure the speaker to the bracket before mounting.
22. Test the speaker to confirm it functions correctly.

Step 10: Reinstall the Trim Panel

23. Push the trim panel back into place, aligning it properly.
24. Reinstall the panel trim around the window based on your earlier choice:a) (Rear Window Not Removed) Lift the rubber trim and tuck the trim panel upholstery under it.b) (Rear Window Removed) Reinstall the rear window:

    i. Wrap heavy string around three sides of the window (top, front, bottom) inside the groove of the rubber trim, leaving the back side free.

    ii. Insert the back edge of the glass into the window opening, ensuring the rubber trim groove sits on the lip of the opening.

    iii. Hold the glass against the outside of the car and pull one end of the string from inside to seat the rubber trim over the lip.

Step 11: Complete Reassembly

25. Install the five small Phillips head screws to secure the trim panel.
26. Reinstall the rear seat latch pin using a 13mm (1/2 inch) open-end wrench.
27. (85.5 Onwards) If equipped with rear shoulder harnesses, reinstall the shoulder harness mount and hex head bolt, tightening to 30 Nm (22 ft-lbs).
28. (Pre-85.5) If no rear shoulder harnesses, reinstall the large Phillips head screw and the small Phillips head screw at the shoulder harness mounting point.
29. Push the rubber door trim molding back over the door jamb and speaker panel trim.
30. Reinstall the plastic kick panel strip by pressing it into place.

Step 12: Repeat for the Other Speaker

31. Repeat Steps 1–11 for the other rear speaker.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Test both rear speakers to ensure they function correctly.
• Check that all screws and bolts are securely tightened.
• Verify the trim panel is firmly in place with no gaps.
• Ensure the rear quarter glass (if removed) is properly seated and sealed.
• Confirm the seat belt (if equipped) moves freely through the trim panel.

Sources

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