Balance Shaft Belt Removal

Overview

This procedure guides you through removing the balance shaft belt on a Porsche 944 S2 with a 3.0L engine. The balance shaft belt helps reduce engine vibration, and removing it is necessary for maintenance tasks like replacing the belt itself, the water pump, or oil seals. Doing this job right keeps your engine running smoothly and avoids costly damage.

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

Tools Required

• Jack stands
• Floor jack
• Metric socket set
• Metric wrench set
• Flywheel Lock (P9206)
• Balance Shaft Pin Spanner (P9200) or equivalent (if removing balance shaft sprockets)
• Gear puller (if removing the crankshaft gear)
• 24mm (15/16 inch) deep socket
• 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench

Parts Required

• Balance shaft belt (replacement, if needed): 944 102 219 02

Required Additional Procedures

Steps in these procedures are required to complete this process:

• Flywheel Lock Installation
• Air Filter Housing and Air Flow Sensor – Removal
• Air Filter Housing and Air Flow Sensor – Installation

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle and Engine

1. Disconnect the negative battery lead to ensure safety while working on the engine.
2. Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack and secure it with jack stands.
3. Follow this link to ensure this step – Flywheel Lock Installation – of the process is followed accurately. This locks the crankshaft in place, making it easier to remove the balance shaft belt gear.

Step 2: Remove Accessory Components

4. Remove the alternator and power steering pump belts by loosening their tensioners with a metric wrench and sliding the belts off their pulleys.
5. Follow this link to ensure this step – Air Filter Housing and Air Flow Sensor – Removal – of the process is followed accurately. Remove the assembly as a unit to access the front engine cover.
6. Remove the front engine cover using a 10mm (3/8 inch) wrench to loosen the bolts. This two-piece cover exposes the balance shaft belt.

Step 3: Remove the Crankshaft Pulley and Gear

7. Use a 24mm (15/16 inch) deep socket to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt. Hold the flywheel lock in place to keep the crankshaft from turning.
8. Slide off the power steering pulley and the alternator/AC pulley along with the balance shaft belt gear as a unit from the crankshaft.

Step 4: Release Tension and Remove the Balance Shaft Belt

9. Loosen the balance shaft belt tensioner sprocket lock nut with a metric wrench.
10. Turn the tensioner nut counterclockwise to release tension on the balance shaft belt.
11. Loosen the balance belt idler roller lock nut, then rotate the idler roller to create clearance for belt removal.
12. Slide the balance shaft belt off the sprockets. If reusing the belt, mark its direction of rotation with a marker before removal.

Step 5: Optional Removal of Related Components (If Needed)

13. If inspecting or replacing the balance shaft belt idler or tensioning roller (e.g., for water pump or oil seal work), remove their lock nuts with a metric wrench and slide the rollers off their shafts.
14. If removing the balance shaft sprockets (e.g., for water pump or oil seal replacement), lock the sprockets in place using a Balance Shaft Pin Spanner (P9200). Loosen the retaining nuts, then slide the sprockets off the shafts. A small pry bar can help start the removal if they’re stuck.
15. If removing the crankshaft gear (e.g., for water pump or oil seal work), use a gear puller to pull it off the crankshaft. Apply gentle pressure to avoid damaging nearby components.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Inspect the balance shaft belt for wear, cracks, or damage if reusing it.
• Ensure all sprockets and rollers spin freely and are free of damage.
• Double-check that the flywheel lock is still secure if proceeding with further maintenance.

Sources

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