Stereo – Rear Speaker Replacement

Overview

This procedure guides you through replacing the rear speakers in your Porsche 944 (16v engine variants). It’s a straightforward task that enhances your car’s audio system, requiring some time and patience. You’ll remove the interior trim panel to access the speaker, with options to either work around the rear quarter glass or remove it entirely—your choice based on comfort level.

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Tools Required

• Medium Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Metric Socket Set
• Flat tip screwdriver or small pry bar
• Open-end wrench (size varies by latch pin; typically 13mm)

Parts Required

• Replacement rear speaker (compatible with Porsche 944, e.g., 4×6 inch speaker, 944 635 021 00)
• Plastic bushings (if reusing originals or replacing, 944 635 022 00)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Remove the Door Kick Plate and Rubber Trim

1. Open the driver’s or passenger’s side door (depending on which speaker you’re replacing).
2. Gently slide your fingers under the plastic kick plate strip at the bottom of the door opening, then pull up to release the clips. Set the strip aside carefully to avoid damage.
3. Pull the rubber trim off the back of the door jamb, starting at the bottom and working up to about 3/4 of the way up the door opening.

Step 2: Remove Lower Trim Panel Screws

4. Locate and remove the Phillips Head screw near the bottom of the door opening in the interior trim panel using a medium Phillips Head screwdriver.

4. Remove the Phillips Head screw at the base of the trim panel below the speaker opening.

Step 3: Handle the Rear Shoulder Harness (If Equipped)

6. If your Porsche 944 has rear shoulder harnesses, open the rear hatch and remove the plastic cover from the rear seat belt shoulder harness mount.
7. Use a metric socket (typically 13mm) to remove the hex head bolt securing the shoulder harness mount. Set the bolt and cover aside.
8. If your 944 lacks rear shoulder harnesses, skip to Step 4.

Step 4: Remove Non-Harness Trim Screws (If No Shoulder Harness)

9. If your 944 has no rear shoulder harnesses, locate and remove the large Phillips Head screw at the shoulder harness mounting point using a medium Phillips Head screwdriver.

9. Remove the small Phillips Head screw below and toward the rear of the car from the same mounting point.

Step 5: Remove the Rear Seat Latch Pin

11. Remove the rubber cover from the rear seat latch pin to expose its hex-shaped portion.
12. Use an open-end wrench (typically 13mm) to unscrew and remove the latch pin. Set it aside.

Step 6: Remove Upper Trim Panel Screws

13. Remove the two Phillips Head screws at the top of the trim panel using a medium Phillips Head screwdriver.

Step 7: Loosen the Trim Panel

14. Choose one of these options to free the trim panel from the rear quarter glass:
15. Option 1 (Glass Not Removed): Use a flat tip screwdriver to carefully lift the rubber trim around the perimeter of the rear window (inside the car). Gently pull the trim panel upholstery away from the glass lip, working around the edge without tearing it.
16. Option 2 (Glass Removed): Lift the rubber trim around the rear window (inside the car) while gently pushing out on the glass, starting at the lower back corner. Remove the glass fully, taking care not to break it.
17. Pull the trim panel away from the body, maneuvering around the seat belt (if present), which remains threaded through the panel.

Step 8: Remove the Old Speaker

18. Locate the screws securing the speaker behind the trim panel (typically four). Remove them with a Phillips Head screwdriver, keeping any plastic bushings in place to reuse.
19. Disconnect the wires from the back of the old speaker and remove it from the car.

Step 9: Install the New Speaker

20. Connect the speaker wires to the back of the new speaker (944 635 021 00).
21. Mount the speaker into the panel using the four screws, ensuring plastic bushings (944 635 022 00) are installed if required. Tighten to 5 Nm (4 ft-lbs).
22. Test the speaker by playing audio to confirm it works.

Step 10: Reinstall the Trim Panel

23. Push the trim panel back into place, then follow the method based on your earlier choice:
24. Option 1 (Glass Not Removed): Lift the rubber trim around the rear window and tuck the trim panel upholstery underneath it.
25. Option 2 (Glass Removed): Wrap heavy string around three sides of the window (top, front, bottom) in the rubber trim groove. Insert the back edge into the window opening, then pull the string ends from inside to seat the rubber trim over the lip while holding the glass against the outside.
26. Reinstall the five Phillips Head screws (two at the top, one at the bottom, one below the speaker, and one at the harness point or its replacement).
27. Reinstall the rear seat latch pin using an open-end wrench, tightening to 20 Nm (15 ft-lbs).
28. If equipped, reinstall the rear seat belt shoulder harness mount with its hex bolt, tightening to 40 Nm (30 ft-lbs), and replace the plastic cover. If not equipped, install the large Phillips Head screw instead.
29. Push the rubber door trim molding back over the door jamb and trim panel.
30. Reinstall the plastic kick plate strip by pressing it down until the clips snap into place.

Step 11: Repeat for the Other Side

31. Repeat Steps 1–10 for the opposite rear speaker.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Verify both speakers produce sound when tested.
• Ensure all screws and the latch pin are securely tightened.
• Check that the trim panel sits flush with no gaps.
• Confirm the rear quarter glass (if removed) is sealed and secure.

Sources

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