Need help - SSK & tranny probs

[Lizard1]

Just got a call today from the guy I sold my '03 986S to last March. He said 2nd gear has been grinding to get into and now pops out whenever he drives it(he's put ~20K miles on it since last March)

Took it into local dealer and they said that he needs a new transmission because the B&M SSK was installed improperly. They want to charge him approx $300 for reinstalling it correctly and have ordered a new tranny for him from Germany. He doesn't know or not if they are going to stick him with the bill for the tranny.

He called today wanting to know who installed it and I told him that I did with the help of a Porsche technician.

I vaguely remember something about other people having their cars pop out of second gear - but never heard of it blamed on the SSK? I installed it on the car shortly after buying the car in 7/03 @ ~ 1500 miles. Worked fine for me and never had any probs?

The biggest worry I guess is if they stick him with the tranny bill can I be held liable for it??? The buyer knew that it had a SSK installed in it and at that time the Porsche SSK was not out then.

I am calling the Service Mgr tomorrow(who I have a good relationship with) to get the exact story but am worried nonetheless....

Any thoughts???

[Tool Pants]

A lawsuit against you would not go anywhere, but I am curious.

Exactly how was the B&M installed improperly. And I assume you know the short shift sold by Porsche is a B&M clone.

I also remember 6 speed transmissions poping out of gear. The turbo for sure. I forget if it was also the 986 and 996.

[Lizard1]

I also just called my friend who is a Porsche Tech at that dealership and he & another guy just happened to be working on the car.

He said it has an RMS they are going to replace so they will go ahead and put a new tranny while they're in there. He said the Svc Mgr is just trying to do a favor to the customer by having them "reinstall" the SSK. This way the customer will be covered under warranty saying that the SSK was installed by a Porsche technician. Sometimes they said they like to blame SSK's for tranny probs as the driver does not fully allow time for the synchros to line up and you get a semi-grind.

alls well that ends well....let's hope!

[LVDell]

I am still puzzled why somebody you sold your car to called you after over a year and 22K miles. Not like you offered a warranty on it.

[Loren]

LOL... I have gotten phone calls from the last two owners of my 1976 911S. Both were polite but I have no idea how they tracked me down....

[LVDell]

Maybe it's because they found out you are the "keeper of the truth" over here on Renntech. You mean you don't have answers for everything??????? :)

[Loren]

Maybe it's because they found out you are the "keeper of the truth" over here on Renntech.  You mean you don't have answers for everything??????? :)

I assure you there is plenty I don't know...

[LVDell]

Say it ain't so........

[Stefan]

It is possible to install the SSK in such a way that damage to the transmission happens. The cable that adjusts the length could be too long or too short and that would cause the shifter to not put the transmission all the way in gear.

[LVDell]

Stefan, you are correct. But........liability in a used car transaction like this does not fall to Lizard1 after over a year and 22K miles on the clock. He sold the car in goof faith without deciet or witholding anything. No way to verify if the new owner has done anything, the driving styles, upkeep, etc........

[Lizard1]

I am still puzzled why somebody you sold your car to called you after over a year and 22K miles.  Not like you offered a warranty on it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He was trying to find out who installed the B&M SSK since the Svc Mgr told him it was installed incorrectly leading to tranny failure. I have installed about 10 of these and always mark on the cables with nail polish so I know where to "reallign" them. I think it's just the new owner's driving habits :(

[LVDell]

Sounds like the dealer is trying to pass the buck.