944 intermediate shaft and CV axles

[OzJustin]

Hi all

Seeking advice from members on the best supplier for a new or rebuilt RHD steering intermediate shaft (the one with U-joints on each end). My joints appear worn out and I’m getting some steering knocking so looking to replace the shaft.

I came across this rebuild service from JMG in the UK and find it interesting that they say RHD shafts suffer more than LHD due to the proximity of the exhaust manifold i.e heat kills the bearings. JMG apparently install higher temp bearings. I need to email them to see if they still provide this service though.

https://www.jmgshop.com/rhd-944968924s-steering-shaft---all-models-259-p.asp

Any experience or local suppliers you would recommend?

I’m also looking to change the clutch on my car shortly so will probably replace or repack the CV axles ‘while I’m in there’.  From my research it looks like the OEM GKN axles are the best new replacement short of the beefier Lindsey Racing items (which are pricey and I doubt I would need unless I was to turbo the S2 at a later date).

https://www.paragon-products.com/Axle-Assembly-p/pp951.332.038.02.htm

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/porsche-axle-shaft-assembly-gkn-95133203806

Again I’m seeking any first hand experience on whether new GKN axles or repacking my existing axles (including workshop labour) is the way to go?

I have read that the polyurethane gearbox mount mod does a decent job of preserving CV axles. I have no problems with my current axles but am curious if any members have performed this mod?

https://rennlist.com/forums/944-turbo-and-turbo-s-forum/728661-any-diy-for-the-transmission-mount-3.html

[TINGY]

Justin i know that @Port 911has just done this job so maybe send him a PM i am sure he will let you know what he did, i do know from what he told me those shafts are hard to get hold of.

[tazzieman]

3 hours ago, OzJustin said:

I have read that the polyurethane gearbox mount mod does a decent job of preserving CV axles. I have no problems with my current axles but am curious if any members have performed this mod?

https://rennlist.com/forums/944-turbo-and-turbo-s-forum/728661-any-diy-for-the-transmission-mount-3.html

I did this (to reduce backlash) and it worked quite well...for a few months.

The axles are preserved by taking care of the boots so grit doesn't get in.
I just cleaned , repacked and reversed mine. There was virtually no wear, because they had been cared for.

As for the U joints on the steering , yes heat does ruin them. On my 924 I found VW U joints worked(924s being full of VW/Audi parts) , but the 944 version is hard to find. Maybe a UK wrecker if all else fails.

 

[Timm]

Keen to see what you find about the re-manufactured RHD steering shaft, I'd be up for combining an order and sharing postage if you like.

Regarding the axles, a good option is to keep the axles, and just upgrade the CV joints with new boots. I just did this with these forged chromoly EMPI CV joints. Seems it's about the same price as whole replacement axles. https://www.v-dubstore.com/product-p/e98-5084-b.htm

I also highly recommend filling the transmount with poly, the stock mount lets the box swing side to side a couple cm which is no good! I have some poly left over from doing mine which you are welcome to use.

 

 

 

[OzJustin]

11 hours ago, tazzieman said:

I did this (to reduce backlash) and it worked quite well...for a few months.

 

When you say the poly worked well ‘for a few months’ what happened after that?

[tazzieman]

1 hour ago, OzJustin said:

When you say the poly worked well ‘for a few months’ what happened after that?

Went back to the old backlash (that they all have to some degree)
I used the good expensive poly as well.
Next time I'll stump up for new mounts.

[OzJustin]

14 hours ago, Timm said:

Keen to see what you find about the re-manufactured RHD steering shaft, I'd be up for combining an order and sharing postage if you like.

Regarding the axles, a good option is to keep the axles, and just upgrade the CV joints with new boots. I just did this with these forged chromoly EMPI CV joints. Seems it's about the same price as whole replacement axles. https://www.v-dubstore.com/product-p/e98-5084-b.htm

I also highly recommend filling the transmount with poly, the stock mount lets the box swing side to side a couple cm which is no good! I have some poly left over from doing mine which you are welcome to use.

 

 

 

Thanks for the link Timm. Any driveability or NVH issues with the VW forged CVs? Are they a direct bolt-on to the stock axle setup but are just stronger?

I might take you up on the leftover poly (thanks!) What hardness rating did you go and any longevity issues like Tazzie describes above?

Will keep you posted re intermediate shaft options. I wonder if somewhere like Universal Driveshaft Services Qld could rebuild it with better bearings..

[Timm]

1 hour ago, OzJustin said:

Thanks for the link Timm. Any driveability or NVH issues with the VW forged CVs? Are they a direct bolt-on to the stock axle setup but are just stronger?

I might take you up on the leftover poly (thanks!) What hardness rating did you go and any longevity issues like Tazzie describes above?

Will keep you posted re intermediate shaft options. I wonder if somewhere like Universal Driveshaft Services Qld could rebuild it with better bearings..

Yep, the empi's are direct bolt on to the 944 turbo axles. No NVH issues at all, they are functionally identical to the stock CV's, just stronger materials and a better cage.

I did the trans mount fill with Shore A65 two part polyurethane elastomer. It's been two years since, with almost 20000 kms and many track days and no longevity issues to report. I inspected the mount when I pulled the box out to upgrade my clutch a couple months ago and it was fine.

[9fan]

When doing CV's I recommend this below - Bolts and locking kit to stop the bolts loosening which used to happen on my cars.

https://www.lindseyracing.com/LR/Parts/944AXLELB.html

[OzJustin]

2 hours ago, 9fan said:

When doing CV's I recommend this below - Bolts and locking kit to stop the bolts loosening which used to happen on my cars.

https://www.lindseyracing.com/LR/Parts/944AXLELB.html

Thanks for the recommendation 9fan. 👍

https://www.lindseyracing.com/LR/Porsche/LA-CVLB-085024.html

[OzJustin]

3 hours ago, Timm said:

Yep, the empi's are direct bolt on to the 944 turbo axles. No NVH issues at all, they are functionally identical to the stock CV's, just stronger materials and a better cage.

I did the trans mount fill with Shore A65 two part polyurethane elastomer. It's been two years since, with almost 20000 kms and many track days and no longevity issues to report. I inspected the mount when I pulled the box out to upgrade my clutch a couple months ago and it was fine.

That’s good longevity feedback. Thanks Timm.

Did you notice any NVH change after you surrounded the stock gearbox mount with A65 poly? Shifting more precise?

[Port 911]

Hi Justin, I got my steering shaft from O/S, it’s a reco one. Works great, the oe supplier for Porsche no longer makes the part, or not at the moment anyway. Porsche are still taking orders and I know there are a fair few on back order just for Australia. I left mine on back order, even though I found a reco one. Mine has been on order for 9 months, so would hold your breath waiting for a new one from Porsche. 

You will pay more for a reco one, but if you send yours back, they will refund your core deposit, though the freight could kill the effort.

[OzJustin]

37 minutes ago, Port 911 said:

Hi Justin, I got my steering shaft from O/S, it’s a reco one. Works great, the oe supplier for Porsche no longer makes the part, or not at the moment anyway. Porsche are still taking orders and I know there are a fair few on back order just for Australia. I left mine on back order, even though I found a reco one. Mine has been on order for 9 months, so would hold your breath waiting for a new one from Porsche. 

You will pay more for a reco one, but if you send yours back, they will refund your core deposit, though the freight could kill the effort.

Thanks Port. Can I ask which supplier you bought through? You didn’t have any luck with local driveshaft shops for a rebuild?

[Timm]

14 hours ago, OzJustin said:

That’s good longevity feedback. Thanks Timm.

Did you notice any NVH change after you surrounded the stock gearbox mount with A65 poly? Shifting more precise?

There is a very minimal increase in noise, but that's about it. I changed to an only944 shifter at the same time, so shifting was improved anyway. 

 

[Port 911]

14 hours ago, OzJustin said:

Thanks Port. Can I ask which supplier you bought through? You didn’t have any luck with local driveshaft shops for a rebuild?

I am not home at the moment, think it was the same place you are looking at, chose to go with someone that had been doing it for a long time. Instead of taking my chances. They also had them ready to go. When talking to my local steering specialist, even he said you would not muck around with what looks like a simple part, that can be critical to how your steering functions.

I can have a look and confirm the supplier when I get home on the 27th if you need.

[OzJustin]

12 hours ago, Port 911 said:

I am not home at the moment, think it was the same place you are looking at, chose to go with someone that had been doing it for a long time. Instead of taking my chances. They also had them ready to go. When talking to my local steering specialist, even he said you would not muck around with what looks like a simple part, that can be critical to how your steering functions.

I can have a look and confirm the supplier when I get home on the 27th if you need.

Would be great if you could confirm if it was JMG. How long has yours been installed and I take it yours has been performing well and nice and smooth?

[Port 911]

Just like the Genuine one

[OzJustin]

On 22/12/2018 at 09:30, Timm said:

There is a very minimal increase in noise, but that's about it. I changed to an only944 shifter at the same time, so shifting was improved anyway. 

 

Hi Timm

Keen to get in touch with you re the A65 poly but your PM box appears to be full/blocked. Shoot me a message when you get a moment.