Removing Diff cover?

fossum_13 · 01-17-2006, 01:50 PM

I have a '87 NA 944 and think I broke my spider gears in the tranny does anyone know how to get it off? I got a lot of tools but don't wanna buy a slide hammer...

944 Ecology · 01-17-2006, 03:43 PM

1) Remove the allen bolt holding on the output flange. Have oil pan ready in case you didn't drain the oil first.

2) Remove the 13 mm bolts that hold the diff cover in place.

3) Using a brass hammer, tap off the diff cover.

4) After seeing the metal chunks in the bottom of the diff, swear and start looking for a replacement.

Britwrench · 01-17-2006, 05:16 PM

You forgot step 5, George.

5) Call 944 ecology and buy another transmission.

fossum_13 · 01-17-2006, 05:23 PM

Ok so I did all that already my real problem is that the cover wont separate at the top the bottom is a little but i cant seem to get at the top to dislodge it any suggestions

944 Ecology · 01-17-2006, 05:51 PM

The cover has to come out fairly evenly, or it won't come out.

fossum_13 · 01-17-2006, 05:57 PM

ok so I got it off and theres no broken gears or metal pieces do you think it'd be the torque coupler clutch or the tranny input splines? It goes forward but if theres any torque it slips and makes a noise kinda like gears grinding...

944 Ecology · 01-17-2006, 06:20 PM

Dunno, you should probably take the coupler loose and look for broken splines.

Zero10 · 01-18-2006, 09:25 AM

Check your stub axles.
I saw this once. The car would move at a crawl, but any faster and it would just grind. If the CV's move, then this is the most likely cause.

fossum_13 · 01-18-2006, 12:38 PM

How do I check them one looks like the grease needs to be changed but niether of them can be turned with the parking brake on

Zero10 · 01-18-2006, 04:06 PM

No, the little splined stubs that go through the hubs. There are splines on the outside, and I've seen them shear off before, then grind almost smooth.
If the parking brake is on, and you are turning the wheel, that is to be expected even if the splines are stripped.

fossum_13 · 01-18-2006, 11:53 PM

I know that I'm not turning the wheel I have the E-brake on to hold the wheel while I turn the (disconnected) CV to check it but I dont think thats enough to really test it

Eldorado · 01-19-2006, 01:19 AM

Zero explains exactly what happened to my car...
and it somewhat resembles what's happening to your car too...

the teeth on my stub axles were shaved right down to nothing practically...

remove your wheel and get a good look... it's only 5 bolts - everyone has a lug wrench kicking around somewhere...

Britwrench · 01-19-2006, 08:24 AM

Problem here is that part of the car was taken apart before finding out what was actually wrong.

There are numerous faults causing lack of drive. As the trans is now not fuctioning it's tougher to track the cause.

Did the clutch function? I've seen clutches work, in other words, gears can be engaged, but either no or little drive. Usually caused by the friction surfaces being ripped off the center plate.

If either of the axles or stub axles were were faulty, there would usually be noise as the part that is driven rubs against the broken part. Again, that can be seen if the drivetrain is examined before pulling it apart without knowing why.

With the trans is apart it's going to take longer to find the problem.
I would put it all back together and go through the possible causes one by one.

Zero10 · 01-19-2006, 11:42 AM

To test the stub axle, put a socket wrench on the axle nut, and a prybar through the wheel studs on the hub. Brace one of them, and try turning the other.
Not a big deal that it's partly disassembled already.