Driveline "slack" when on/off throttle (944S2)

[gac]

Just bought a pristine 1989 944S2. Car is absolutely perfect inside/outside/underneath. Looks and drives like new with 110K. Included all records and has had all the necessary belts, etc. I've been looking for awhile and was very pleased to find such a nice one (and very reasonably priced).

There are only 2 things not perfect on the car. Wondered if anyone has experience with them:

1 - When driving down the highway, if I lift off the accelarator, then back on again there is noticeable "slack" in the driveline.

Is this rear end? U joint? Driveshaft? Or just normal?

2 - Power height adjustment on driver's seat doesn't work. Fortunately it's set where I like it, but wonder what the most common problem here is. Just old contacts somewhere that need to be cleaned? Or do the motors go bad? Fuse?

Thanks!
Grant

[Harp]

I have a 1988 N/A. The driveline has no play in it at all, perfect.. I know what you mean though, I had a Camry with lots of play and it was annoying as Hell, felt like I was hurting the car unless I applied gas slowly until the slack got taken up. Your S2 has a lot of different parts than mine, and I'm sorry to say I don't know where you should start.

[gac]

Thanks - at least I know that it's not normal and something is wrong...

By the way, forgot to mention that it's a manual tranny.

[Britwrench]

It's new clutch time; the rubber center of the clutch is breaking up and therefore there is excessive play.


Try playing with the switch. sometimes they start working again or spray some contact cleaner in there. You might end up needing a new switch, if so; replace them both.

[DennisR_944]

Get ready to add about $1500 US to the price of your great deal. (If you have it done.)
This is a perfect example to why one should *ALWAYS* have a PPI done before buying a 944.
PPI=about $100US
New clutch=$1500US parts and labor.
Anyone familiar with these cars would notice your symptoms as being a clutch getting ready to go. You are driving in "Limp home" mode. It *will* let go completely soon (and it will be at the worst possible time.). Have it fixed immediately or you'll end up with a tow bill (Flatbed) and a walk home.

[85944na]

heh, I drove my car in "limp home mode" for a year...oops

[wolfrpi]

If it is the rubber donut you are in for it ($$$) unless you know how to work on these cars. Make sure and get it fixed quick to prevent potential damage to the tranny (when you have to force gears in and out without a functioning clutch). May be another problem but sounds like the typical rubber center crap. I thought the S2's had the spring center but I guess Porsche's rubber clutch fascination extends deeper into the model line.

BTW - nice of the prior owner to let you in on this minor issue. Maybe he'll foot part of the bill if you make him feel guilty enough.

[gac]

Not as dumb as I sound - the sale is (in writing) contingent on the driveline slack issue being investigated. Deal is not final - I can get out of it based on this if I like.

I think I am going to offer to split the cost with him.

A 2-owner S2 in excellent condition with records, tight as a drum, is probably worth, what, $12k ? Even with the entire clutch added in I am way, way under that.

Thanks for all the info everybody. Helps me a lot.

[wolfrpi]

Depends what options. If M030 yes. Without the LSD or sport suspension that sounds like a lot of cash for 100k+.

[Z-man]

To give you an idea: I bought my 1989 944S2 last year for $8k. It was always dealer maintained, and in 2000, the previous owner put $4000.00 worth of maintenance/repairs in the car (new exhaust $1600, new clutch $1000+, new alternator-not rebuilt, new windshield, new brakes...and the list goes on.)

Keep in mind the following things that will also need attention soon:
1. Timing belt will probably need to be changed at 120k miles, or sooner, and the rollers/bearing may need to be replaced as well.
2. Cam chain guide/tensioner should be replaced at 100k miles to prevent catastrophic damage to the head/valves.
3. You will probably need to replace your gaskets/seals (cam seals, valve cover gasket, oil cooler gasket...etc).

These maintenance items at an independant Porsche mechanic can cost up to $1000.00 each.

So, no matter how old, or how 'prestine' these cars are, there is always some form of maintenance that needs to be done.

BTW: A 944 with a shot rubber clutch hub is by no means in prestine condition.

Just my $0.42.
-Zoltan.

[Scott R]

WOW, you guys sure hate this clutch repair. The clutch is $500. DIY. The 944 clutch is probably the easiest clutch I have changed in a long time. Granted the turbo is a bit harder, but the NA is a piece of cake. The job is a bit time consuming, but simple. I would not let the cost of clutch replacement effect the sale of the car. Everyone on this board will jump in and help during a clutch replacement, and you would have no problem doing it.

[AFJuvat]

I wouldn't say the process of changing the clutch is difficult, just time consuming and a bit tedious.

AFJuvat