S2 box knocking noise
- Thread starter chris7676
- Start date
JamesO
New member
944's are known for transmission noise. No clue as to costs/diagnosis from the other end of the internet, noise level is a subjective thing.
On my car the first gearbox whined badly then let go. I fitted a second hand s2 box and its fine although it does rattle in neutral to a degree.
If its your first 944 it may be helpfull to get a 2nd opinion/inspection
On my car the first gearbox whined badly then let go. I fitted a second hand s2 box and its fine although it does rattle in neutral to a degree.
If its your first 944 it may be helpfull to get a 2nd opinion/inspection
shammy1971
New member
James, you are absolutely correct noise level is subjective.
Chris is actually speaking about my car, a car I've used daily for the last four years without really noticing a sudden increase in or an excessive amount of gearbox noise - i'm not discounting Chris's opinion on this it's just not something i expected to come up during the sale. When I bought the car it compared favourably with other 944s I looked at and I did have the opportunity to compare it directly to another S2 and a '86 Turbo at the supply dealer, 911 Virgin, and it didn't really stand out as being noisier.
Promax installed a KW V3 kit last summer and the gear change did feel noticeably different afterwards, if there is a problem, I wonder if it could relate to the suspension kit or the work done? The only other thing I can add on this is that the car does have a relatively weak 2nd gear synchro and you need to take care when it is cold but other than that the gear change feels fine, it's not quite as sweet as it was before the suspension work but not in any way bad just not as slick/tight. JZ Machtect replaced the gearbox oil 2 and half years ago to help improve the 2nd gear selection problem and at the time they never raised an issue with the gearbox and they are in general incredibly thorough.
Chris is actually speaking about my car, a car I've used daily for the last four years without really noticing a sudden increase in or an excessive amount of gearbox noise - i'm not discounting Chris's opinion on this it's just not something i expected to come up during the sale. When I bought the car it compared favourably with other 944s I looked at and I did have the opportunity to compare it directly to another S2 and a '86 Turbo at the supply dealer, 911 Virgin, and it didn't really stand out as being noisier.
Promax installed a KW V3 kit last summer and the gear change did feel noticeably different afterwards, if there is a problem, I wonder if it could relate to the suspension kit or the work done? The only other thing I can add on this is that the car does have a relatively weak 2nd gear synchro and you need to take care when it is cold but other than that the gear change feels fine, it's not quite as sweet as it was before the suspension work but not in any way bad just not as slick/tight. JZ Machtect replaced the gearbox oil 2 and half years ago to help improve the 2nd gear selection problem and at the time they never raised an issue with the gearbox and they are in general incredibly thorough.
Diver944
Active member
All 944's have an idler gear that rattles to some extent when stationary and in neutral. It goes away when you press the clutch in but can be heard easily when you let it out again.
It shouldn't sound like a diesel, but there will be a definate rattle. Have you tested and/or listened to other 944's to compare?
It shouldn't sound like a diesel, but there will be a definate rattle. Have you tested and/or listened to other 944's to compare?
JamesO
New member
Thats why I mentioned the coupler bolts, when one of mine backed out it sounded just like a clapped out non turbo diesel ford escort van on a cold mourning (bought back terrible memories). 5 secs with an allen key solved that one.
I would agree that most 944 boxes I have heard rattle in neutral to some extent.
I would agree that most 944 boxes I have heard rattle in neutral to some extent.
pauljmcnulty
Active member
I'd always second that. Unless you've driven a good number of cars it's hard to know whether a noise is normal or not. Chris, if you're anywhere near me I'm happy for you to listen to the various noises my gearbox makes for comparison! [&o]
shammy1971
New member
Andy from JZ Machtect is looking at it on Saturday. Like I said it hasn't really changed (noise wise) since i bought the car and Tom from 911 Virgin thought, at the time, it was one of the best he'd seen.
Here is my car. it's not perfect but i've tried to be dilligent with maintenance.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/990547.htm
I have driven this car every day for the last four years and i've never thought the gearbox was particularly loud.
Here is my car. it's not perfect but i've tried to be dilligent with maintenance.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/990547.htm
I have driven this car every day for the last four years and i've never thought the gearbox was particularly loud.
pauljmcnulty
Active member
I'd always respect Tom's opinion in my experience. I'm sure that JZ will provide an decent inspection, albeit at a price!
shammy1971
New member
JZ have offered to do a road test and inspection for free but for peace of mind and if you could spare the time I'd be happy to compare my car with yours, I live on the Bucks/Herts border.
PS. I've been a member for 4 years almost, do you know why i still appear as a guest?
PS. I've been a member for 4 years almost, do you know why i still appear as a guest?
pauljmcnulty
Active member
Second one is easy - you don't any more!
I'm in Rickmansworth, happy to compare cars. I'm getting mine back early next week from it's second home. [&o]
shammy1971
New member
There is a misunderstanding with my membership which is being sorted by the club office - i've been a happy camper for the past 4 years and i appreciate all the effort you put into the register.
I'm quite proud of my '44 and i would appreciate a second opinion on the transmission and on the car's overall condition (love is blind as they say).
I live near Tring so I would be happy to meet up next week.
I'm quite proud of my '44 and i would appreciate a second opinion on the transmission and on the car's overall condition (love is blind as they say).
I live near Tring so I would be happy to meet up next week.
shammy1971
New member
FYI Chris,
Andy from JZ tested the gerbox this morning. He thought the gearbox was fine on the test drive, no noise in any of the gears and he thought the noise level was pretty normal. After the test drive and when the car was stationary he could hear a noise in neutral when the engine is revved and he diagnosed an internal bearing but thought the problem was relatively minor and didn't need immediate attention.
Does anyone have experience of this problem? I have some options, JZ can replace the gearbox for about £350 or I can have it rebuilt at more cost. I'm thinking I should get it rebuilt and get a new ZF limited slip diff installed (JZ are pricing this up for me). I've decided to keep her, it doesn't make a lot of economic sense to sell her for much less than I've advertised and if i'm going to spend money I'd rather get more use out of her.
Andy from JZ tested the gerbox this morning. He thought the gearbox was fine on the test drive, no noise in any of the gears and he thought the noise level was pretty normal. After the test drive and when the car was stationary he could hear a noise in neutral when the engine is revved and he diagnosed an internal bearing but thought the problem was relatively minor and didn't need immediate attention.
Does anyone have experience of this problem? I have some options, JZ can replace the gearbox for about £350 or I can have it rebuilt at more cost. I'm thinking I should get it rebuilt and get a new ZF limited slip diff installed (JZ are pricing this up for me). I've decided to keep her, it doesn't make a lot of economic sense to sell her for much less than I've advertised and if i'm going to spend money I'd rather get more use out of her.
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