PCA SDR

Anyone have any idea why the cost of changing the timing belt on a 944s is over $600? I have read the shop manual, and looked up the cost of the belt...
I also realize how important it is to get this right, but is it really that difficult???
Thank you,
Terry

my87944s wrote:Anyone have any idea why the cost of changing the timing belt on a 944s is over $600?

With labor rates running $70-85/hr. in most Porsche repair shops, it does not take long for a job to add up to $600. 4-6 hours labor plus parts and you're there.

TT

Also note that to replace the timing belt on a 944 requires a special belt tensioning tool that sells for ~$500 if you can find one. So if you attempt to do it yourself then the first time it will cost more then paying for it.

Terry,
That is about right for a 944S, the belt is different and a bit more expensive than a 16V car. Your car is a 16-valve "S" correct?

Do anything wrong in this job and you will damage the engine and turn your car into a parts donor.

These are very expensive to do top end work on, and the cost would far exceed the value ofthe car.

Now if you need rollers...you do, add 300 dollars.

If you need water pump or front engine seals???

What you are paying for in not just a guy to drop some belts into your car. You are paying to have it done correctly with a warranty in writing.

I won't even go into the stories of do-it-yourself belt replacements.

Steve Grosekemper wrote:
I won't even go into the stories of do-it-yourself belt replacements.

Please, please, please, these should be GOOD!

Jad wrote:

Steve Grosekemper wrote:
I won't even go into the stories of do-it-yourself belt replacements.

Please, please, please, these should be GOOD!

Jad;

You're either a morbid fan of horror stories , or you want to see how many people made the same mistakes as you, in the past .

Terry: the 944S is extremely sensitive to proper timing belt issues. Pay the cash and have someone do it right. Dieter's, Black Forest, Extreme, Mirage Int'l, All German Auto ... any of these will steer you straight. For the "little" extra, do the water pump, rollers, seals ... the whole enchilada ... now.

If you try it yourself and get the thing wrong ....

.... let's see ... cam chain and chain guide screwed-up, valves bent / head ruined (and good luck finding a new head .... they don't exist! A Used one will cost more than the car is worth) .... balance shafts wrong (vibrate your molars loose) .... in other words,

you're scre#ed!

Pay now, you won't be able to pay later.

Just my thoughts.

Well the car is at Brads Foreign... I have a friend who knows them very well and have been assured they know the 944s in and out. I have been quoted right at $600 with belt and roller replacements.
I sure tryed to convince myself to just sell this car before I get any further into it, but I cant do it...
Anyway, if all goes well it will be back in my garage tomorrow with all the repairs done.
Thanks for talking me out of attempting this myself...

Ok, I got the car back today with a few additional items fixed... The timing belt cover needed to be replaced, the ditributor cap was replaced, and the timing belt guide was replaced.
The car runs great, dles better than ever BUT... there is a new noise... The tech who did the work claims that the belt was tensioned to factory spec and will make a buzzing or humming noise for a few days. It sounds to me like a turbo spooling and changes with rpm.
I was further told to bring it in Monday and they will retension and adjust (after I drive it this weekend)
Is this normal??? I intend to come down to the auto-x tomorrow (to watch), any input would be welcome.
Thanks,
Terry

Terry:

Your new belts will tend to make a "turbo" or spooling sound when new. And, if they used certain types of belts, they can be louder than the more expensive belts Porsche certifies for use. I use Continentals (I think) and they make that whirring/spooling sound a bit. Not to worry.

You should have the tension re-checked and adjusted after about 1000 to 2000 "new" miles ( I do mine around 1000 becasue I track the car and the temps go up a bit). The thing to remember about the belts and tension is, when the motor gets hot, it expands a bit and puts additional tension on the belts. New belts stretch during this time. When it cools down, the belts loosen. Sometimes new belts seem to sound louder when the motor is cold .... that's because the tension on the belts is ever so slightly less than when the motor is hotter, and they may have had an initial "stretch." Normal stuff.

Also, I tend to have mine checked every time I tune up the car. It's a little extra cost, for a lot of engine insurance , and peace of mind.

If you hear really loud belt noises, or click-clacking-tapping coming from your belt covers, get it all re-checked immediately. They may be way too loose, and you could seriously damage your valve-train if they jump or skip. Otherwise, some whirring/"spooling" sounds from new belts is okay.

These are my personal experiences with my car. I'm no expert, just a 944 owner. Talk to some of the local shops for additional info.

Good Luck!

Dan thank you VERY much... I took the car back to Brads today and they also assured me that the belts were tensioned properly. The blets are Continentals...
I also agree that it is much louder in the am when i first start it...
I was out at the auto-x watching on Saturday, your car was out there wasnt it??? I took a bunch of pics of the 944s i saw out there.
Thanks again,
terry

Terry:

You're welcome!

My car is a white 944, #1944. Yep .... the loud, blappy one (don't buy Dansk Exhausts unless you like noise!).

Glad to see you so in to the driving of Porsches. Come out and have fun!