My 997 Broke Down - Page 1 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

Yesterday, I had my first break down in 7 years and nearly 40k miles of ownership of my beloved 2004 manual C2 997 I drove back from a journey with my little daughter and on the way home. Drove for 60 miles and stopped quickly to pick something up and started the car again. Drove around two blocks and came to a halt at a junction. When I stopped the car, there was a ‘clonk’ noise to be heard and I couldn’t drive off again. The engine was running fine all the time. It was like the hand brake was engaged, which it was not. Trying to get going the car would want to move, but the rear wheels were like glued to the floor. I managed to stall the engine trying to give it more revs. I managed to reverse the car to a safe spot away from the junction and called a tow car. After standing for an hour, the tow truck driver managed to move the car foreward unlike I did before. But the car got winched on the flatbed and we left it at my mechanics place. The tow truck driver said it might be the driving shaft but of course he couldn’t possible be certain. My mechanic (not a Porsche specialist but very good and nows the car for 5+years) suspects either the gearbox is broken or best case only the clutch. I know, crystal ball reading, but what do you recon could be the fault? Clutch would be a relatively small issue, and because I have all the water hoses that go over the engine/gearbox already at home to renew, it would actually be easier if the gearbox gets dropped. Sachs clutch kit (standard, not performance) is only about €300. The car/gearbox are 20 y.o. And have covered 215k miles (engine only 115k miles). According to the documents, 9 years/50k miles ago the gearbox oil was last changed. I checked ebay already for a second hand gearbox for the worst case scenario. Would a G97.31 from a C4 fit in a C2? Can output to the front driveshaft be blanked off? Thanks for your thoughts and inputs!

Could just be something insignificant like the gear linkage has popped out. Fingers crossed its not gearbox.

Could it be as simple as the gear selector cables? Could you select a gear but had no drive? No experience, just wondering. Hope it's not too bad!

Could be as simple as handbrake shoe retaining springs snapped? But we all like to fear the worst first

Brakes master cylinder?

Did the gear lever feel the same as usual when going between ratios? I snapped a gear cable and ended up with the box stuck in 1st (luckily), but the gear lever was then moving without any resistance forwards/backwards They usually snap near the box and can be seen from under the car If doing the cables then it’s worth considering if you want a short shifter since it’s all apart anyway (you might not want one) If you’re luckier then the cable can pop off the gearbox and just need clipped back on. A tie wrap can help prevent this

Problem with gear linkage? Same happened to me

Thanks for the replies so far! TBH, I think it is something minor as well. I don't suspect a gearbox fault (although this is not uncommon on these cars). My mechanic, who I saw briefly on Saturday, advised me that he has basically no time for the car, which I knew and agreed to. So as of now, he hasn't looked at it in the last two business days. I will keep you updated!

Just got a text from my mechanic. a new set of handbrakes and the car is running again Thank you all again for all the comments!!

A pleasing thread conclusion

Mine fell apart and were rubbing - seems I dodged a bullet there. 70K 2008 C4s Glad it wasn't anything more serious.

Nice one, looks like they were due a change.

Both sides simultaneously is impressive! Mine was only one side so a bit of drag and a warm wheel was the only indication. When i replaced them i reused the old springs and either disturbing them or i didn’t quite get the spring seated right resulted in it snapping on the test drive and a horrible crunching sound from the wheel as i limped it back home. I definitely recommend new springs if not done already.

i know a pain it happenned but only new hand brake shoes is a huge releif to your wallet Keep enjoying your car

Just picked up the car. My mechanic used a new set of Brembo brake shoes and replaced the springs as well, along with some small items on the way. According to the box, the Carrera GT uses the same brake shoes Car drives perfectly again But he showed me where the car begins to rust Nothing major und just surface rust (probably/hopefully), but I need to pull the whole arch liners on the rear (and the front as well) to inspect and rectify. Also the rear PS4S are close to legal limit. Will change for winter wheels in November and get new rubber in the spring Or is this the moment to get some Fuchs / replica sport classic wheels I have been contemplating

Good news it was only brake related