Shock Replacement – 2.5L NA

Overview

Replacing worn shocks on your Porsche 944 (8-valve engine configuration) significantly improves ride quality and handling. This guide covers the rear shock replacement for the 1983–1985.5 (Pre-85.5) and 1985.5–1988 (85.5 Onwards) models. Worn shocks can cause excessive rebounding, which you can test by pushing down on the rear of the car. If it bounces more than twice after you stop pushing, replace both shocks to ensure balanced performance.

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Tools Required

• Metric socket set (including 17mm (11/16 inch) socket for shock bolts)
• Metric wrench set (including 17mm (11/16 inch) wrench for shock bolts)
• Jack stands
• Floor jack

Parts Required

• Rear shocks (pair, specific to model year):
  • Pre-85.5: 944 333 031 00
  • 85.5 Onwards: 944 333 031 01

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

1. Park the car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Raise the rear of the vehicle using a floor jack and secure it on jack stands, ensuring the car is stable.

Step 2: Access the Shocks

3. Optionally, remove the rear wheels to make accessing the shocks easier. Use a 19mm (3/4 inch) socket to remove the lug nuts. This step is not mandatory but recommended for better visibility and workspace.

Step 3: Remove the Lower Shock Mounting Bolt

4. Locate the lower shock mounting bolt on the trailing arm.
5. Using a 17mm (11/16 inch) socket and wrench, loosen the lower shock mounting bolt but do not remove it yet.
6. Raise the trailing arm slightly with the floor jack until the shock is slightly compressed, allowing the lower bolt to be removed easily.
7. Remove the lower shock mounting bolt completely and set it aside.

Step 4: Remove the Upper Shock Mounting Bolt

8. Locate the upper shock mounting bolt inside the rear wheel well or under the rear interior panel, depending on the model:For Pre-85.5 models:

   • Access the upper bolt through the wheel well, using a 17mm (11/16 inch) socket and wrench.

   For 85.5 Onwards models:

   • Remove the rear interior panel to access the upper bolt, then use a 17mm (11/16 inch) socket and wrench.

9. Loosen and remove the upper shock mounting bolt.

Step 5: Remove the Shock

10. Carefully pull the shock out from its mounting points and remove it from the vehicle.

Step 6: Install the New Shock

11. Position the new shock (944 333 031 00 for Pre-85.5 or 944 333 031 01 for 85.5 Onwards) into the upper and lower mounting points.
12. Install the upper shock mounting bolt and hand-tighten it using a 17mm (11/16 inch) socket and wrench.
13. Raise the trailing arm with the floor jack to align the lower mounting point, then install the lower shock mounting bolt and hand-tighten it.
14. Tighten both the upper and lower bolts to 85 Nm (63 ft-lbs) using a torque wrench.

Step 7: Finalize Installation

15. If the rear wheels were removed, reinstall them and tighten the lug nuts to 130 Nm (96 ft-lbs) using a 19mm (3/4 inch) socket.
16. Lower the vehicle off the jack stands using the floor jack.
17. Repeat the procedure for the other rear shock to ensure balanced performance.

Post Procedure Checklist

• Verify that both shocks are securely mounted and bolts are torqued to 85 Nm (63 ft-lbs).
• Check that the rear wheels, if removed, are tightened to 130 Nm (96 ft-lbs).
• Test the vehicle by pushing down on the rear bumper; it should not rebound more than twice.
• Drive the vehicle for 5 miles (8 km) and inspect for any unusual noises or handling issues.

Sources

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