Porsche 944 Transaxle Shifter Linkage Mod

thingiverse

This converts your transaxle linkage to a thrust bearing design. Has been installed on our rally car for over a year and has been perfectly fine (printed in ABS - see more info in printer settings section). The "V2" version is recommended as it is a tighter fit on the main linkage shaft. The original upload was looser, and most of the load was taken by the bearings on each end. The tighter V2 dimensions promote better load spreading. You can use a sleeve on the V1 model if you prefer, this is the "Axial Spacer" file that has been uploaded. Note that I have no long-term testing with that spacer and you may wear through it over time. You first need to remove the linkage from the car. Then carefully remove the snap ring on the main shaft. Undo the lock nut that holds it to the transverse shaft, so the plastic piece is free. To use the new part, you will need to order the bearings: * 2x thrust bearings for 15mm shaft diameter, McMaster-Carr P/N 5909K13. Include 2x thrust washers per bearing (28mm OD x 1mm thickness), P/N 5909K73 * 2x thrust bearings for 10mm shaft diameter, McMaster-Carr P/N 5909K11. Include 2x thrust washers per bearing (24mm OD x 1mm thickness), P/N 5909K71 * Optional but recommended: a new M8 lock nut. A new snap ring may not fit the groove that well: I have tried parts from McMaster-Carr and VW, using the OEM part number. Both popped loose during ordinary driving after a few months. The original snap ring seems to be the best fit (not sure what happened!) Assemble with some bearing grease. I included 3 coupler lengths, in case there is some manufacturing variance as far the location of the snap ring groove (it's common on these). You can add shims as well to take out some slack: see attached files for 2 sizes, maybe print one of each. Some linkages need a shim, some don't. Installation procedure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2udkwlIZRA