Balance Shaft Belt Removal – 2.5L NA

Overview

Removing the balance shaft belt on the Porsche 944 (8-valve engine) is a critical maintenance task to replace a worn belt or perform related engine repairs. The balance shaft belt reduces engine vibrations, and its failure can cause significant damage. This guide provides a step-by-step procedure for removing the balance shaft belt, tailored to pre-1985.5 (1983–1985.5) and 1985.5 onwards (1985.5–1988) models, based on standard practices and cross-referenced with Porsche 944 resources. Note that balance shaft belt removal is typically performed alongside timing belt removal due to shared access requirements.

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

Tools Required

• 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench
• 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench
• 17mm (11/16 inch) socket and ratchet
• 19mm (3/4 inch) socket
• Crankshaft pulley tool (flywheel lock or equivalent)
• Torque wrench (capable of 20–50 Nm / 15–37 ft-lbs)
• Flathead screwdriver

Parts Required

• Replacement Balance Shaft Belt: 944 102 219 02 (All 1983–1988; optional if replacing during removal)
• Tensioner Stud (Pre-85.5): 944 102 216 01 (1984.5–1986; recommended replacement if removing tensioner)

Required Additional Procedures

Steps in these procedures are required to complete this process:

• Timing Belt Removal

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

1. Park the Porsche 944 on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench to prevent electrical issues.
3. Raise the front of the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands for safe access to the engine bay.

Step 2: Access the Balance Shaft Belt

4. Follow this link to ensure this step – Timing Belt Removal – of the process is followed accurately to remove the timing belt and gain access to the balance shaft belt. This includes removing the front engine covers, crankshaft pulley, and timing belt.
5. Locate the balance shaft belt on the right side of the engine (driver’s side in the U.S.), running between the balance shaft sprockets and the crankshaft.

Step 3: Release Tension and Remove the Balance Shaft Belt

6. Identify the balance belt tensioner roller, located near the upper balance shaft sprocket.

For Pre-85.5 Models (1983–1985.5):
Loosen the eccentric tensioner roller using a 17mm (11/16 inch) socket, turning counterclockwise to reduce belt tension.
If replacing the tensioner stud (944 102 216 01), remove the stud using a 13mm (1/2 inch) wrench. Note the stud length (101 mm or 106 mm for early models) for replacement.

For 85.5 Onwards Models (1985.5–1988):
Loosen the spring-loaded tensioner by turning the adjustment bolt with a 19mm (3/4 inch) socket to release tension.

7. Slide the balance shaft belt off the sprockets and remove it from the engine.
8. Inspect the balance belt tensioner roller (944 102 025 07) and balance belt roller (944 102 277 06) for wear, cracks, or noise. Replace if necessary.

Step 4: Inspect Related Components

9. Check the balance shaft sprockets and crankshaft for alignment and damage.
10. Inspect the balance belt gear woodruff keys (N 012 708 2, 2 required) and crankshaft woodruff key (900 117 036 00) for wear or misalignment. Replace if damaged.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Verify the balance shaft belt has been removed without damaging the sprockets or rollers.
• Confirm the tensioner stud (944 102 216 01) was replaced for Pre-85.5 models if removed, and the correct length (101 mm or 106 mm) was used.
• Ensure rollers (944 102 025 07, 944 102 277 06) and woodruff keys (N 012 708 2, 900 117 036 00) were inspected and replaced if worn.
• Store the removed belt in a safe place if reusing, or prepare to install a new belt (944 102 219 02) during reassembly.

Sources

• Clark’s Garage (for part numbers and tensioner stud details)
• Pelican Parts (for standard removal procedure and tool specifications)
• Porsche 944 Workshop Manuals (for variant-specific tensioner differences)
• YouTube (for visual reference of balance shaft belt removal)