Balance Shaft Belt Installation

Overview

This procedure guides you through installing the balance shaft belt on your Porsche 944 S2 with its 3.0L engine. The balance shaft belt reduces engine vibration by synchronizing the balance shafts with the crankshaft. Proper installation ensures smooth operation and prevents engine damage.

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Tools Required

• Jack stands
• Floor jack
• Metric socket set
• Metric wrench set
• Porsche Timing Belt Tension Tool (P9201)
• Balance Shaft Pin Spanner (P9200) or equivalent (if balance shaft sprockets were removed)
• 13mm wrench (for crankshaft bolt)
• 17mm wrench (for tensioning roller locknut)

Parts Required

• Balance shaft belt, 944 102 219 03

Required Additional Procedures

Steps in these procedures are required to complete this process:

• Balance Shaft Sprocket Installation and Alignment Check
• Balance Shaft Belt Tension – Checking and Adjusting

Step-by-Step Procedure

NOTE: This procedure presupposes that your timing belt has already been installed and your car is prepped and ready for this installation.

Step 1: Install Balance Shaft Components

1. Follow this link to ensure this step – Balance Shaft Sprocket Installation and Alignment Check – of the process is followed accurately to install the balance shaft sprockets if removed.
2. Install the balance belt gear on the crankshaft if removed.
3. Align the upper balance shaft sprocket notch with the rear timing cover notch (at about 1 o’clock).
4. Align the lower balance shaft sprocket notch with the raised tab in the rear timing cover (at about 7 o’clock).

Step 2: Route and Install the Balance Shaft Belt

5. Route the balance shaft belt (944 102 219 03) from the upper balance sprocket around the crankshaft gear, keeping it tight.
6. Continue routing the belt around the lower balance sprocket, ensuring no slack between the crankshaft and lower sprocket.
7. Route the belt around the tensioning roller and back to the upper balance sprocket.
8. Pre-tension the balance shaft belt by turning the tensioning roller clockwise with a 17mm wrench to remove slack, then tighten the locknut.
9. Install the balance shaft sprocket covers and tighten the retaining bolts to 45 Nm (33 ft-lbs) while holding the sprocket with the Balance Shaft Pin Spanner (P9200).

Step 3: Verify Alignment and Finalize

10. Rotate the crankshaft two full turns by hand using a 13mm wrench on the crankshaft bolt, then set it back to TDC for cylinder 1.
11. Check that the balance shaft marks align at TDC. If the marks are off by half a tooth, this is acceptable; if off by a full tooth or more, realign them.
12. Follow this link to ensure this step – Balance Shaft Belt Tension – Checking and Adjusting – of the process is followed accurately to tension the balance shaft belt.
13. Install the front timing belt covers.
14. Reconnect the battery.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Double-check the balance shaft belt tension using the Porsche Timing Belt Tension Tool (P9201).
• Ensure no tools or debris are left in the engine bay.
• Start the engine and listen for unusual noises from the balance shaft belt – whining means it might be too tight; a slapping noise will indicate it is too loose.

Sources

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