Shock Replacement

Overview

Replacing worn-out shocks on your Porsche 944 (16v engine variants) can transform how your car rides and handles. Fresh shocks improve comfort and stability, making every drive more enjoyable. To check if your rear shocks need replacing, push down on the back of the car a few times. If it bounces more than twice after you stop, it’s time for new ones. This guide walks you through swapping out the rear shocks—best done as a pair for even performance.

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Tools Required

• Metric socket set
• Metric wrench set (e.g., 13mm wrench for shock bolts)
• Jack stands
• Floor jack

Parts Required

• Rear shock absorbers (pair) for Porsche 944 – 944 333 031 06

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Lift the Rear of the Vehicle

1. Park your Porsche 944 on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Use a floor jack to carefully raise the rear of the car, positioning it under the rear crossmember or a safe jacking point.
3. Place jack stands under the rear chassis support points to secure the car at a comfortable working height (about 1-2 feet or 0.3-0.6 meters off the ground).
4. Lower the floor jack so the car rests fully on the jack stands, then double-check stability.

Step 2: Access the Shocks

5. You don’t have to remove the rear wheels, but it’s easier if you do. If removing them, loosen the lug nuts with a 19mm wrench, lift the wheels off, and set them aside.

Step 3: Remove the Lower Shock Bolt

6. Locate the lower shock mounting bolt on the trailing arm (the rear suspension component the shock attaches to).
7. Use a 13mm wrench to loosen the lower bolt, but don’t remove it yet.
8. Position the floor jack under the trailing arm and raise it slightly until the shock is uncompressed and the bolt moves freely.
9. Finish removing the lower bolt with your wrench and set it aside.

Step 4: Remove the Upper Shock Bolt

10. Find the upper shock mounting bolt inside the rear wheel well or under the rear hatch area (depending on access).
11. Loosen and remove the upper bolt using a 13mm wrench.

Step 5: Remove the Old Shock

12. With both bolts out, gently pull the old shock absorber free from its mounts and remove it from the car.
13. Repeat Steps 3-5 for the other side if replacing both shocks (recommended).

Step 6: Install the New Shock

14. Position the new shock (944 333 031 06) into the upper and lower mounts.
15. Hand-thread the upper bolt to hold the shock in place, then tighten it to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs) with a 13mm wrench.
16. Use the floor jack to raise the trailing arm until the lower mount aligns with the bolt hole.
17. Insert the lower bolt and tighten it to 50 Nm (37 ft-lbs) with a 13mm wrench.
18. Repeat for the other side if installing a pair.

Step 7: Lower the Vehicle

19. If you removed the wheels, reinstall them and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
20. Use the floor jack to lift the car off the jack stands, then remove the stands.
21. Lower the car to the ground and, if applicable, tighten the lug nuts to 130 Nm (96 ft-lbs) with a 19mm wrench.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Push down on the rear of the car a few times—ensure it settles after one or two rebounds.
• Check both shock mounting bolts for tightness after a short drive of 5 miles (8 km).
• Inspect under the car for any loose parts or rattles.

Sources

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