Porsche Enthusiasts Club Forum

A week or so ago my wife and I took part in a classic car regularity rally. Driving to the lunch stop there was a bang and then a rhythmical rumble noise. It sounded like a puncture and a flat tyre. Returned home curtesy of RAC.
I can turn one rear wheel about 2 revolutions before it engages with the other rear wheel with a clonk and turns that in the opposite direction. That should begin happening immediately I think.
Would that be the ring and pinion broken or is there another part of the transaxle that can break? And maybe is repairable? I’ve drained the oil which was clear and without any debris?
I know nothing about transaxles. Engines and other mechanical yes, gearboxes no. Transaxles definitely no. I can’t find much on transaxles on the Internet other than problems with broken ring and pinions.
Otherwise from my research I think I need to find a low mileage transaxle to swop out or a better/stronger s2 transaxle axle, or turbo transaxle which I understand are bullet proof ( but also hard to find) or is there a repair option that doesn’t seem to appear in my searches on the Internet.
Thanks for any help.
Brett and Sam.

Don't get hung up on it being a transaxle. It is a gearbox & diff combined. My guess is that one or more of the sun gears or its carrier is broken. Especially as no bits came out without bits in it. It is unlikely to be crown wheel & pinion given the symptoms. The diff loads in from one side of the transaxle so from memory should be easy enough to strip. You'll need special tools and a shim pack if you rebuild it. Probably easier to find another box & swap than pay to fix it.

I have a transaxle from my S2 going spare no leaks and still filled with Swepco, it wines a bit and 2nd syncro a bit stiff when cold but yours cheap if you can collect from Bolton area.

PM sent. Thanks.

Hi just a quick further question on the subject of a transmission swap I think the s2 transaxle is a gearbox Code AOS is a straight swap for my 1986. (5Y Code) but slightly different ratios and stronger box.
Mine has the electronic Speedo sensor on the box and only the 1 central transmission mount but I saw this on ebay (search - Porsche 944 AOS gearbox) and it appears to have 2 side mounts which I thought were pre 85.5 mounts ?? Am I missing something? (I’m not actually interested in that box as it appears it’s been left outside for a long time but I’m still looking for a good s2 box)
Thanks Brett

I really need some help please.
Bought a replacement gearbox and part fitted it but have come to a bit of an impasse.
I can not get the 2 bolts in, that tighten the sleeve that joins the splined shafts coming out of the torque tube and the splined shaft from the gearbox. See attached pictures. I think what’s happened is that the splined shaft from the torque tube has moved back a few mm and the slots in the splined shafts that accommodate the bolts do not line up with the bolt holes in the sleeve any more. There is some wiggle room but not enough to get them both lined up.
I had supported the torque tube with a piece of wood but I knocked that out when removing the gearbox and it dropped by an inch or so onto the support below. This may have pulled the splined shaft back ??
I have no idea if that’s true or I’m talking rubbish!
Does anyone have a view because I’m now completely stuck.
I’ve attached photos showing the separation of the 2 splined shafts, the slot on the splined shaft where the bolt goes past (similar on the other shaft) and a picture of the splined impinging on the joining tube hole.

The answer turned out to be that you push the grey sleeve across onto the splined shaft from coming from the torque tube and connect up that bolt, then use a leaver to gently pull the shaft back through its bearings in the torque tube until the other bolt hole lines up.

https://youtu.be/AO9RWEo6TKE

I eventually managed to source an excellent S2 gearbox from Berlyn Services in Gloucester. They said they had driven the car and knew it was in good condition and so it was. My car is now back on the road with the stronger S2 gearbox code AOS 02030. (the 02030, I think translates as 2nd of March 1990)
Thanks

Nice job and great video - I've saved that in my 944 list in case I get stuck when I eventually get the torque tube rebuilt.