944 Guy. Clutch Replacement on 99 996 3.4

Hello. A friend asked me if I could help him do his clutch on the above car (1999 3.4 996). I have done a few searches (from a few sources) and have accumulated a good parts list with part numbers. Thank you for that. However, I was overwhelmed by the amount of info to sift through about doing the job itself. So, any information would be most appreciated as well as some questions I have. The only Porsche clutches I have done are on a 944 and a 951. The degree of difficulty on those two are 9 and 10 respectively for me (book-time 16hrs. 944 and 22-24 for a 951). Is this something I could or should tackle? A few specific questions Is this something I can do in a garage with no lift? What special tools would I need? 944 folks have Clark's garage for how-to's, is there some reference site with instructions on how to tackle the job OR is there some documentation someone would be willing to share? Does the motor need to come out? Any other model specific issues with such a job? How much time should an intermediate person take? Thank you so much for your time and help. Michael

This was my response on a simular tread on Rennlist: Easy job and I would do it again.... few specific questions 1. Is this something I can do in a garage with no lift? Answer yes. Four heavy duty jack stands are needed and a transmission jack is recommended. 2. What special tools would I need? Answer See below. 3. 944 folks have Clark's garage for how-to's, is there some reference site with instructions on how to tackle the job OR is there some documentation someone would be willing to share? Answer You will need the 996 service manual as it will help and more specifically you need the torque requirements and tightening format for bolts. 4. Does the motor need to come out? Answer No. 5. Any other model specific issues with such a job? Answer No. 6. How much time should an intermediate person take? Answer I would have two people and give your self 6 to 8 hours. My friend and I changed the clutch on his 04 996 (3.6) and my 99 996 (3.4). Was not that hard. Neither car had an RMS problem although I ordered the seal just in case. We put the vehicle on 4 jack stands and dropped the trans. I would highly recommend you purchase a transmission jack (~$60.00). Also, make sure you have a transmission alignment tool. Also you need to jack the car as high as possible Pressure plate bolts are reusable. We bought all parts from Sunset. Also, there is an upgraded clutch fork (it is actually the 997 fork), which you should replace while you are in there. Make sure you get the replacement ball and retaining spring that the fork rides on. When I ordered mine it didn’t come with it. Also recommend that you have someone there to help you as there are many bolts, etc. Overall the job was not that bad and took about 8 hours with a lunch break and jacking up the car. Clutch release lever: 997-116-712-01 Ball Pin: 997-116-716-00 Clamp: 996-116-714-00 Sealing ring: 996-116-743-00 You can contact Performance Products ( www.automotion.com ) for the clutch alignment tool. We made one out of a wood using a lathe and the specific dimensions of the pilot bearing and the clutch disk. Worked perfectly. The first time we did the clutch we took the transmission off the transmission jack. This was a mistake because it took us an hour to get it lined up and back in. The second time we left it on the jack, changed all the parts and then replaced the transmission. It took five minutes to slide back in.

This link may be of some help. Let us know how it goes and what 'not to do' for those of us about to do attempt the same thing. Cheers. http://www.c-speedracing.com/howto/996rms/rms1.php John

Thanks gents. My apologies for the delayed response as I was OOT for the weekend. Sounds very doable. Will a 20" jack suffice? Since my friend is mechanically challenged and not into it, I will probably do this job myself over two half days in order to keep my head and back straight. I am routinely over at Performance Products and will pick up the alignment tool. Jon, I am sure I will have more than the fair share of what not to do's and will report back all of it; the good, the bad and the ugly. I may be back with a few more questions but you have done a bang up job of answering the ones above. Thanks again. Michael

BTW, that how to looks perfectly helpful. Thanks again. Michael

You should also replace the intermediate shaft housing with the updated one.

Quotes source post: 5713306

Thank you. Added to the list. Michael

Any updates on the replacement? - Have you done it? - I think I'll be doing mine as well and would love to hear any suggestions. Thanks. BTW, are you replacing the RMS to the updated one? - I'm told it is best to do it at the same time. Additionally, are there any pdf's available on the porsche instruction manual to help. I found these and wonder if there is anything else. http://www.cannell.co.uk/Manuals.htm

my996. Thanks for the reply. We have not done it yet. I am waiting for the word from him. Hopefully, next weekend. Thank you for the link. I will post results/questions when I get into it. Michael Edit: Where are you located?

I'm in Michigan or else I'd say I would come down to help you and learn a few things or two. In any event, I'm interested in your progress. As a favor, could you take any many pics as possible of any your progress. Also, here's another thread that might be helpful. ( for some reason I cannot link it but its title is "My DIY experience pulling the transmission"). Tony