11 replies to this topic

[WYLDCTZ]

I just wanted to post some consolidated info on the pinion bearing problem that our cars have from time to time for the archives...

(Note: Much of this compiled from random sources, but heavily from
http://members.rennlist.org/martin)

What is a pinion bearing: the 968 has a transaxsle i.e. the gearbox, final drive and differential all in one unit. The gearbox output shaft has at its end a pinion gear driving the crown wheel. This shaft has a big 'pinion' bearing on one end and a smaller one at the other end. A pre-load is applied by way of shims and a nut at the smaller end of the shaft.

Who gets this problem? It is a manufacturing defect in some cars. Some people are guessing from 2% to 10% of our cars. It seems to happen anywhere from 0 to 80K miles, with very few instances over 90K miles.

How do you know you have the problem? The main indicator seems to be a noise similar to the whine of a jet engine. Common tests for the problem include running the car up to about 80mph on a smooth road to avoid road noise, coast, and listening for the jet engine noise coming from the rear of the car.

How much does it cost to fix? Anywhere from $1500 to $3000 it seems depending on where you get it done. It is a complicated procedure to fix so make sure the shop has good knowledge of the 968.

[perana302]

Thanks for that, i'm pretty sure i have this problem as i have the jet nosie and it stays when the car is coasting in neutral.
bugger! Any further tips or advice? Perana 302

[blue-968]

Is the bearing in the transmission???

[xrad]

I thought the jet engine noise made my 968 faster........

[94SilverCab]

Blue,

The bearing is in the transmission....

Regards,

Jay

[stewhatch]

I had my pinion bearing repaired twice - once between 90K and 100K, and then it went south again at 160K - at that time I decided to replace this transaxle with a used open diff unit. Next big job is to have the LSD unit totally rebuilt to better-than-new and reinstall in the next year.

Edited by stewhatch, 31 May 2009 - 07:27 PM.

[xrad]

'puttin' on the foil'....funny stuff!!!!

[Fox944]

its too bad Porsche never wanted to warranty or recall this issue.

[ds968]

its too bad Porsche never wanted to warranty or recall this issue.

the percentage of failures did not even come close to meeting the number for a mandatory recall campain .. so would
porsche just do the right thing for their customers, voluntarily .. ?? nooooooo

basta*ds ! unfortunatelly for me too, because my car was also "blessed" with that great jet engine sound

Edited by ds968, 01 June 2009 - 06:02 PM.

[blue-968]

Thanks Jay,
I was pretty sure it was in it but not positive

Thanks again

[stewhatch]

'puttin' on the foil'....funny stuff!!!!

Remember Slapshot?

IIRC wasn't there a N.American based group that approached Porsche about addressing this problem when this issue gained prominence?

[xrad]

I met an old Porsche salseman the other day. He saw my car in the lot and we started talking. Of course, one thing he recalls very well is the memory of 15 yrs ago when many 968 owners came back to his dealership with pinion problems.....Other than that, he said the car really did not have any issues.