Help! Noise when shifting into 3rd

[marzie944]

Hi guys,
I need your held big time. I purchased a 1988 in October, I had the timing belt changed as soon as I purchased it. The previous owner had the clutch replaced in 2004. Last week my problems started. As I shift into 3rd gear, I hear a rumbling noise around the shifter and get some vibration. Doesn’t do it in neutral, idle or at a lower gear, only 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear. It’s like something out of sync or rubbing. I’ve looked around the post and now I’m really confused. Soooo, clutch?, transaxle?, balance shaft belt?, cv joint? what???? I read something about synchros, could that be it? I would like to know which direction before I get someone to fix it. I hate to say it but mechanics love to see a clueless woman show up, especially with a Porsche. I’ve already been taken advantage of with it. Already spend $6,000 and still have a long way to go with other things minor things, like electrical, windows, interior. If it’s nothing major I may know someone who can repair it but if it’s major I will have to bit the bullet and take it to a shop. I already put way too much money into it but I’m hooked/addicted and will repair it eventually. Hopefully as soon as possible, its killing me not to drive it!

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

My rumbling sound came and went, and turned out to be rear constant velocity joints, which is common. Could it be a loose cover on the catalytic converter, or an exhaust mount? Does it occur constantly when in third, or as you put it into third, or just when accelerating in the beginning of third, or as your foot comes off the gas in third,

wow, sounds like a manglage de third!!!

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

also, we need the year, model, mileage, original wheels, and other data on your car. OR WE NEED TO GO FOR A SPIN.

[John_AZ]

Marzie,
If the car shifted OK from October to January, and the clutch was replaced in 2004.

First check the rear transaxle mounts for tightness and visual inspection.

Check you CV joint bolts.

How is the shift lever? Is there a lot of slop sideways. Do you have trouble
shifting gears?

After you do the simple tests-we can move on the the TT-torque tube and transaxle Pinion Bearing tests.

GL & welcome

John_AZ
1988 924S + 1987 924S

[marzie944]

Thanks soooo much. I will try to answer some of the questions.
1. The noise is constant. From about 30mph and up. As long as my foot is on the gas.
2. 1988 944 N/A. The mileage is tricky, it’s got 80, 760 on it but from what I can gather, its been broken for years.
3. On the day my rumbling noise started I was out for a cruise, about 10 miles from home, I turn a corner, started to shift from 2nd to 3rd then boom I started to hear the noise. Also, I don’t know if this is related or not but after I limped home, the cooling fan would not shut off. I left it on for 45 minutes then I pulled the relay. If I put the relay back in the fan will run till I pull the relay.
4. This problem just started 2 weeks ago, so from Oct. 2008 to beginning of Feb. 2009 we were cruising great except for the power steering is broken. I had a new p/s pump installed but AFTER the mechanic installed it, he told me I needed a new steering rack (a $1,600 part). So I’ve been driving without power steering for 3 months. As for the tires, they are ok. Newer ones on the front. But as for the dates, I have no clue. Sorry I can’t offer any solid info on the tires. The car did lay up for a year or maybe longer. The ex-owner said he would start it occasionally and drive it up and down the street, he had no insurance or plates. After I bought the 944 he told me he ragged the car but in his opinion it was still in good shape. Hmmmm….
5. The shifter is a bit sloppy sideways. I don’t have any trouble shifting into any gear.
I hope that answered some of your questions. Again, thanks so much for your help. Please be patient with me. You guys are awesome and amazing and my only hope of getting my baby back on the road.
I wanted a Porsche since I was 12 years old, I’m 50 now. I’m not giving up on this dream yet. I know I’m in way over my head but with a little luck and you guys, I might have a chance. (and a bit of time and money, huh?)….

[SuperXRAY]

Depending on how you drive the car....it's hard from this standpoint (not physically there) to determine if it is from engine RPM or vehicle speed.

If it's vehicle speed related, that would be a very good indication of a driveline issue, and being that the tranny is rearward, it rules out driveshaft and clutch (unless it's just a harmonics thing). So, check your CV joints/shafts.

If it's engine RPM related, check that balance belt before things get worse...it's an easy thing to do.

sooooooooooooo, is it speed related or engine RPM related?

[marzie944]

Hi,
I still haven't found anyone to check out my problem. Sooo I guess I will have to drive it to the mechanic. My questions is, if its the TT or the balance belt, can I drive it at least 10 miles? or should I have it towed?
BTW, John_AZ , what are the test for the TT? just wondering??
Thanks...

[John_AZ]

The torque tube has 4 bearings inside. You will usually hear or feel the bearings go bad before the TT fails.
http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/924-931-944-951-968-forum/465869-mechanic-says-my-new-torque-tube-will-be-noisy.html

If the mechanic says rack & pinion bearing-WALK AWAY and get a used.
Cost for bearing:
http://www.944online.com/cgi-bin/ASI_Store.cgi?Product+skukey_1001185+9442+transmis sion-9442

And $1600 for a steering rack? Go to an independent shop and have them put in an AutoZone rebuilt for under $200 plus labor with a LLT-limited lifetime warranty>
www.autozone.com

We still need to know if the noise is at a certain speed MPH or certain RPM.

GL
John_AZ

[marzie944]

Thanks John, you rock! But it's all over, I'm doomed. I took it for a short test drive to see if it was the RPMs or MPH. It was MPH but I heard some clicking, then a loud clunk! I barely made it home, good thing I was only a few hundred yards and coming down a hill. Gotta say I shead some tears. Thanks to all of you that helped me. Not sure what my next step will be.

[ColoradoSteve]

It would be nice to sneak a peek at the underside of your car before you throw in the towel. Unfortunately, part of 944 ownership is unless you can do the work yourself, it's going to cost more than the car is worth to get it done. Would be interesting to know what happened, though, don't give up until you find out . Might not be as bad as you think.

[marzie944]

Thanks Colorado Steve for your encouragement. I’m still every emotional right now. I knew I was getting in over my head, I had a few “friends” that said if anything went wrong they would help me. But when the time came, well, they ran like cockroaches when the lights are turned on. If you get my drift.
I hope you guys that own and can work on them yourself know how truly lucky you are. The 2 months that I the 944 running was the best 2 months of my life. After I calm down some, and save some money, I might be able to fix it. Thanks again!

[John_AZ]

Originally Posted by marzie944

Thanks John, you rock! But it's all over, I'm doomed. I took it for a short test drive to see if it was the RPMs or MPH. It was MPH but I heard some clicking, then a loud clunk! I barely made it home, good thing I was only a few hundred yards and coming down a hill. Gotta say I shead some tears. Thanks to all of you that helped me. Not sure what my next step will be.

OK,
Did you check the rear axle CV Joint for loose bolts? Check by transaxle and wheel.

One step at a time...
John_AZ

[elirentz]

There's never a better time to start learning how to work on your car than now IMO. With the help of the friendly people on this site and sites like clark's garage you'll be surprised at what you can do with a little work and elbow grease. You may need to get some tools but they will more than pay for themselves quickly if you plan on keeping your 944.