Rear Sway Bar Removal and Installation – 2.5L NA

Overview

This procedure outlines the steps to remove and install the rear sway bar on all Porsche 944 variants with an 8-valve engine configuration, covering both pre-1985.5 (1983–1985.5) and 1985.5 onwards (1986–1988) models. The sway bar helps stabilize the vehicle during cornering, and this guide is essential for maintenance, upgrades, or suspension repairs.

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Tools Required

• Metric socket set (including 13mm (1/2 inch) and 17mm (11/16 inch) sockets)
• Metric wrench set (including 13mm (1/2 inch) and 17mm (11/16 inch) wrenches)
• Floor jack
• Jack stands

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Use a floor jack to raise the rear of the vehicle.
3. Secure the vehicle on jack stands at the designated jacking points.
4. (Optional) Remove the rear wheels using a 19mm (3/4 inch) socket for easier access to the sway bar components.

Step 2: Remove the Sway Bar

5. Locate the sway bar drop links on both sides of the vehicle, where the sway bar connects to the suspension.
6. Remove the two bolts/nuts (one on each side) that attach the sway bar to the drop links using a 17mm (11/16 inch) socket or wrench. Hold the nut with a wrench if necessary to prevent spinning.

7. Locate the sway bar mounting brackets on the torque tube carrier.
8. Remove the four bolts (two on each side) that secure the sway bar to the torque tube carrier using a 13mm (1/2 inch) socket.

9. Carefully remove the sway bar from the vehicle, ensuring it does not catch on other components.

Step 3: Install the Sway Bar

10. Position the new or refurbished sway bar (944 333 701 00) in place, aligning it with the mounting brackets on the torque tube carrier.
11. Install the four bolts (two on each side) to secure the sway bar to the torque tube carrier using a 13mm (1/2 inch) socket. Tighten to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs).
12. Reattach the sway bar to the drop links on both sides using the two bolts/nuts, tightening with a 17mm (11/16 inch) socket or wrench to 40 Nm (30 ft-lbs).
13. If the rear wheels were removed, reinstall them using a 19mm (3/4 inch) socket and tighten lug nuts to 130 Nm (96 ft-lbs).
14. Lower the vehicle from the jack stands using the floor jack.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Verify all bolts are tightened to the specified torque values (25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) for mounting bolts, 40 Nm (30 ft-lbs) for drop link bolts, 130 Nm (96 ft-lbs) for lug nuts).
• Inspect the sway bar for proper alignment and ensure it does not contact other suspension components.
• Test drive the vehicle for 5 miles (8 km) to confirm stable handling, especially during cornering.
• Recheck bolt tightness after the test drive to ensure nothing has loosened.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage
• Pelican Parts
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manuals
• YouTube