1985 Porsche 944 Clutch Grinding / Not Engaging

[youvegotwood]

I did a lot of searching on this topic and couldn't find anyone with a similar post or issue. I believe that the linkage is good (feels good anyhow) and that the clutch master / slave are working ok (clutch pedal feels and sounds good).

I have a 1985 Porsche 944 with 78k miles on it and I was driving along rather spirited (running to redline and shifting) first to second was perfect but then second to third as soon as I let the clutch out it doesn't grab and starts making a grinding / clacking noise. I pull it out of gear and roll to a stop.

The car is still running perfectly so I try to put the clutch in and select 1st gear, more grinding noise. I can feel the linkage going in to gear (or at least it FEELS like it) and now there is a constant grinding / clacking / gears grinding sound when the car is running (clutch in or not).

The clutch will not engage at all. Push the clutch pedal in and the grinding noise stops. Put the car in gear (any gear) no grinding. Let clutch out while in gear grinding and no movement forward.

Was working perfectly and now not at all.

There were no signs of the clutch having any issues previously to this. Is there anything I can fix / check before pulling the transaxle and looking at the clutch? I've done some homework on replacing the clutch and I don't really feel like spending 12+ hours on it. Any ideas before I start tearing in to it?

[wvicary]

Chances are the rubber mounted clutch disk has failed. Rubber bits tear out under load conditions and get caught up in the pressure plate and such. You need to replace the clutch assembly and also inspect the clutch master cylinder where it mounts to the firewall for any cracks.

[magcuda]

I agree, the clutch center hub has come apart

some guys will say go to standard spring model clutch but that does take some modification

this isn't a job you want to do on jackstands