Working on Your 944: Reference Material and Recommended Tools
An overview of reference manuals and a list of special tools — with part numbers and suppliers — needed for DIY work on the 944 and 944 Turbo.
Reference Material
A good set of reference materials makes DIY work significantly more tractable.
The 924, 944, and 928 Models 1977–1988 Parts and Technical Reference Catalog is a valuable tool for ordering parts. Part number: PNA 000 147 A.
The 944 Factory Shop Manuals are the authoritative resource. The six-volume set and a turbo supplement (required for turbocharged models) are available in the United States under the Freedom of Information Act. Note that the manuals have historically been unavailable in most countries outside the United States.
The Haynes manual for the 944 is available at major auto parts stores and is a cost-effective alternative. It does not cover procedures the publisher considers beyond home-mechanic capability, but the procedures it does include have good detail and photographs. The Haynes manual is based on an early pre-1985.5 model, so differences will be apparent when working on later or turbocharged cars.
Recommended Tools
In addition to complete metric socket and combination wrench sets, several special tools are needed for 944 work. The table below lists key tools, their applications, and suppliers. See the parts and tool sources page for supplier contact information.
Sockets
| Tool | Used For | Supplier | Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8mm Cheesehead (Triple Square / 12-pt internal) | Pressure plate to flywheel bolts; CV joint bolts | Snap-On / Lisle | FTSM8E / — |
| 10mm Cheesehead | Camshaft sprocket bolt | Snap-On / Lisle | FTSM10E / — |
| 12mm Cheesehead | Flywheel to crankshaft bolts | Snap-On / Lisle | STSM12E / — |
| 6mm Long Allen Head | Cam housing / intake manifold | Snap-On | FAML6E |
| 6mm Long Allen Ball Head | Intake manifold / turbocharger mounting bolts | Snap-On | FABLM6E |
| 5mm Long Allen Ball Head | Throttle body / turbo air filter housing | Snap-On | FABLM5E |
| 8mm Allen Head | Cam housing plugs | Snap-On | FAM8E or FAML8E |
| 15/16" or 24mm medium/deep (optimum length 2–2¼") | Crankshaft pulley bolt | — | — |
Wrenches
| Tool | Used For | Supplier | Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15/16" or 24mm open-end bent thin head* | Timing and balance belt eccentric rollers | Baum Tool | T9A-24B |
| 1-1/16" or 27mm open-end bent thin head* | Timing and balance belt eccentric rollers | Baum Tool | T9A-27B |
| 15/16" or 24mm open-end (modified 6" long, thin head) | Oil pressure sending unit | — | — |
| 1-1/4" or 32mm open-end | Oil cooler lines (Turbo) | Craftsman / Snap-On | — |
*One or both of these wrenches may be needed depending on the type of eccentric rollers installed.
Other Tools
| Tool | Used For | Supplier | Part Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belt tensioning tool | Timing belt (pre-1987), balance belt (all), alternator belt, power steering belt | Sonnen / Baum | 00-721-920-10 / P 9201 |
| Balance shaft pin spanner | Removing balance shaft sprockets | Sonnen / Baum | 000-721-920-00 / P 9200 |
| Flywheel lock (engine in car) | Removing and installing crankshaft bolt | Sonnen / Baum | 000-721-920-60 / P 9206 |
| Flywheel lock (engine out of car) | Locking crankshaft with engine removed | Baum / Sonnen | P 9130 / 000-721-913-00 |