Transaxle Removal

Overview

This guide covers removing the transaxle from a Porsche 944 S / S2 with a 16v engine. The transaxle is a critical component linking the engine to the rear wheels via the torque tube and drive shaft. Removing it is necessary for tasks like clutch replacement or transaxle repairs, and doing it carefully ensures no damage to surrounding parts.

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Tools Required

• Metric wrench set
• Metric socket set
• Jack stands
• Floor jack
• Probe or small flat-tip screwdriver
• 8mm Allen head socket
• 8mm Cheesehead tool

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

1. Disconnect the negative battery lead to prevent electrical issues.
2. Raise the vehicle and secure it on jack stands for safe access underneath.

Step 2: Disconnect the Shift Linkage at the Transaxle

3. Locate the rubber boot on the shift linkage at the transaxle and push it back.
4. Cut the lock wire on the retaining bolt, remove the bolt with a wrench, and disconnect the shift linkage from the transaxle.

Step 3: Disconnect the Shift Linkage Inside the Vehicle

5. S / S2 models have plastic trim around the shifter boot:

Gently pry around the base of the shifter boot with a flat-tip screwdriver to separate it and the inner trim ring from the console be careful not to damage the boot.
Pull up the rubber inner boot to free it from the shifter opening.

6. Use a probe or small flat-tip screwdriver to remove the clip holding the shift knob to the shifter.
7. Use a probe or small flat-tip screwdriver to remove the clip securing the shift linkage rod to the shift lever.
8. Once disconnected, turn the shift linkage rod downward and push it toward the front of the vehicle to disengage it from the transaxle.

Step 4: Access and Disconnect the Drive Shaft

9. Remove the covers on the bottom of the transaxle bellhousing.
10. Roll the rear wheels until the drive shaft retaining bolts (2) are visible through the bellhousing opening—press the clutch pedal to allow the wheels to move.
11. Mark the clamping sleeve’s position on the drive shaft with a marker or chalk for correct reassembly.
12. Using an 8mm Allen head socket, remove the clamping sleeve bolts.
13. Slide the clamping sleeve off the drive shaft splines toward the transaxle.

Step 5: Disconnect the CV Joints and Wiring

14. Set the parking brake to lock the wheels.
15. Using an 8mm Cheesehead tool, disconnect the CV joints from the transaxle and hang them out of the way with shock cords or bailing wire.
16. Disconnect the backup light wires near the top of the transaxle.
17. If your S / S2 has an electronic speedometer, unplug the speedometer sensor cable on the transaxle.

Step 6: Remove the Transaxle

18. Remove the 4 nuts and bolts attaching the torque tube bellhousing to the transaxle using a wrench.
19. Support the transaxle with a floor jack positioned underneath.
20. Disconnect the fuel filter from the transaxle support cross-member.
21. Remove the two M10 bolts securing the transaxle cross-member to the chassis with a 10mm wrench.
22. Move the transaxle toward the rear of the car just enough to slide the shift linkage tube out of the way and disconnect the drive shaft clamping sleeve.
23. Lower the transaxle with the floor jack while moving it rearward to clear the spare tire well, ensuring the shift linkage tube and drive shaft are fully clear.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Ensure the shift linkage rod is fully disengaged and out of the way.
• Check that the CV joints and drive shaft are secure and not dangling loosely.
• Verify the transaxle is fully detached from the torque tube and chassis with no stuck bolts.
• Inspect the removed transaxle for any visible damage or wear.

Sources

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