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2100 rpm rattle

Rob Edwards

Rob Edwards

PCGB Member
Member
Hi
My 987S is now 1100 miles old and has just developed a strange buzz-rattle which seems to be emanating from the left hand side of the car. It manifests itself at almost exactly 2100 rpm in 2/3 rd gear (mainly). I have taken it back to the OPC but typically behaved itself (it seems worse when engine is cold) so they had a look but could not see anything out of place. I have had a cursory look myself and cannot see anything obvious. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, suggestions for a cure would be gratefully received, as it does get rather loud, which is a bit embarrassing!
Thanks![&:]
 
Rob,

It may be that the heat shield over the exhaust is slightly loose. This will cause a resonance at a certain frequency and be more prevalent when cold.

Del
 
I agree - once everything is warmed up I find that the vibration disppears. Good to know that they've retained a characteristic of the 986!
 
Thanks for your feedback chaps (Del/Ivor)
I had my suspicion about the heat shields, but the OPC said everything was fine underneath - best I get them to take another look, as I'm beginning to sound like the samba played on an oil drum along these lanes!
Still, everyone gets out of my way at least!!
I'm sure it's just a case of simple spannerwork....
Cheers![:D]
 
I have the same rattle since they did the RMS a few months back. Last time it was in they 'fixed' it. Obviously their definition of fixed is that it doesnt rattle on the forecourt - just when you leave it. I blame all these laptop mechanics [:D] Might need to find one who knows what a socket set is....
 
Rob,

As the resonance disappears when the car is warmed up then it is unlikely that the OPC will find anything unless you leave it with them to cool down. However, if you search this and other Boxster forums there is a great deal of information on this issue. In summary, though, a few scraped knuckles and a spanner will resolve most of the problems!

Del
 
I had this problem on my 986S. Heat shields had three bolts each side two of which fell out on each side by around 14K miles. Bought new bolts and fitted myself. The bolts had been modified (should be so on a 987S I would have thought. The access to the bolts is difficult even from my inspection pit. The heat shileds then needed a bit of bending flexing to get clearance all round. Now been rattle free for about 12K miles.
 
Rob,

I've just started getting exactly the same problem - 987 with 2000 miles, 2100 rpm, cold engine, etc - and was thinking about taking it into the OPC to get it looked at. They never managed to sort a similar problem on my previous 986 (2400 rpm on that one, I think) because they couldn't hear it, but I don't fancy tinkering myself as experience shows that this always works out very expensive in the long run [:(]

So, please let us know if you manage to get this sorted, and if so, how. Hopefully it won't involve leaving the car at the OPC for days whilst they try it from a cold start.

David
 
Hi David
The car is booked in next wednesday, and I will be taking the rep for a ride with the window down so he can hear for himself. According to previous advice I have received, this is not a DIY matter as the shields are located in some pretty inaccessible areas.
I'll let you know how I get on, and the OPC are being very helpful, so I'm confident that this is just some simple spanner work. Fingers crossed!
Rob
 
Hi all
Just a quick update on the mystery rattle (the OPC have finally heard it for themselves and agree something's not right!) and after a day of trial and up on the ramp, the concensus is that it is not the heat shields after all.
The vibration seems to be emanating from the general location of the rear diff (although apparently it's not that itself) so the Porker has to remain for another day in the workshop. I'll keep you updated with the actual cause/cure as David at least seems to have the same problem, and no doubt there will be others whose cars develop the same fault (unfortunately).
Still, the salesman at the OPC has been brilliant, even lending me his own audi TT company car and today bringing a 987S demonstrator to my home as courtesy wheels. Top bloke!
Rob
 
Hi Rob,

Thanks for the update - let's hope they get it sorted for you quickly. Very generous to lend you the demo, but what's a Porsche salesman doing driving a TT?

Mine doesn't seem to be making the noise at the moment, but I'm sure it will be back as these things don't usually cure themselves...

David
 
Hi David
Well, I don't know quite what to say - my car has been with the OPC now for 10 days and I am still awaiting the car! I know they have been swapping components from a new 987 to try and eliminate the cause (apparently not heat shields) but still no news. I have been off on holiday for a week and expected it to be fixed but so far, no joy. I phoned the dealer principal today and he said he would phone me straight back. That was 2 hrs ago. Still, I'll keep you posted on progress - lets hope that isn't some intrinsic fault with 987's![&o]
The Audi TT loan car is due to the same dealership being an Audi/VW one as well - it was the 3.2V6 with DSG and very pleasant it was too (although not a patch on the porker, of course!!)[;)]
Anyone else out there had this problem??
Rob
 
David - finally some progress! I called at the OPC today after waiting several hours for them to phone back, and spoke with the technician.
It would seem there are 2 cars on the OPC network with the same problem (presumably yours and mine) and the boffins at Porsche say it is the oil pump. They suggested a thicker grade oil would cure it, but I have declined this as it is not a proper cure and in a high performance engine such as this, I don't want them spooning in lawnmower oil - they use the high grade Mobil 1 oil for a very good reason presumably! The OPC agree with this, and are now liaising with Porsche to sort out a permanent fix which is the result I want.
They will hopefully have sorted out the car by Tuesday - thankfully I am away to the UK tomorrow on business and won't be back until then. If not I guess it's back to the Audi until it's sorted![8D]
I'll keep you posted, but presumably your OPC is now telling you the same as mine, if indeed we are the 'only two' on the OPC network with this problem!
I have to say that the OPC here has been pretty decent about it all though, and as long as it's a fix, then I'll be as happy as Walter Rorhl on the Nordschleife![:D]
 
Hi Rob,

I have a 987 which has covered just about 2000 miles now and I to am hearing what I would describe as a " Tinny" rattle at around 2000rpm. It might appear from the previous threads that my heat shields need checking?

Regards,
Gary
 
Hi Gary
Went to my OPC yesterday for an update, and it would appear that this sound is being caused by a valve in the oil pump (of all things!). It would appear that the cavitating oil is causing a resonance/vibration in the pump which is causing the noise, and Porsche are aware of this problem now (although to be fair, I think it was just Davids and my car until now). They are awaiting the go ahead from Porsche GB to fit a new oil pump under warranty (apparently Porsche suggested thicker oil??!).
This really does seem to be a weird phenomenon, and I have to say that despite the lengthy stay of my car at the OPC (3 weeks now) at least they have been thorough, and have been good enough to loan me a V6 Audi TT to tool about in.
Hopefully once Porsche give them the go-ahead and it's done, all will be well.
It sounds like your car may have a similar problem, esp if it's definitely not the heat shields (as I thought mine might have been).
I'll keep you and David posted, and no doubt this may well be a 987 trait in some cars. Fingers crossed for a fix!!
Rob[8D]
 
I had a pleasant call from Porsche GB today concerning the oil pump issue, and it would seem that this is (unfortunately) not an uncommon fault in 987's, and there are several in the UK affected.

Porsche GB have informed Porsche Gmbh in Germany, and are awaiting a directive from them on how best to proceed.

I was informed that they expect a reply this coming week and my car should be fixed and returned by next weekend.

It seemed to me that Porsche GB are waiting for Porsche Gmbh to accept that this is a design fault and perhaps to accept liability for cost in fixing affected vehicles.
I am told that OPC's should now be aware of this, and thus anyone with an affected car should be dealt with quickly, and without the three week 'fault elimination' process that mine has had. I just hope they've screwed everything back properly!

I should get my car back just in time for the autumn gales and rain. How nice.[&:]

On a lighter note, I see that some lucky chap has bought a Ruf CTR, which brought a big grin to my face and in bright yellow nearly gave me a tan too!
Perfect for an island 7x4 miles and with a max 35 mph speed limit!
Lovely car and a lucky owner.[8D]
 
Hi Rob,

Just catching up after getting back from holiday. Seems like you've made good progress in the last few weeks, although it sounds like a bit of a long, drawn out process. Let's hope Porsche GB and Gmbh can agree quickly on who's going to pay so that you can finally get the problem sorted. Fingers crossed.

I took mine out today for the first time in two weeks (so engine definitely cold) and listened carefully as it warmed up. I found that the noise did not occur immediately, but it did start happening after a few minutes (temperature gauge indicating about 60 degrees) and then stopped again after a couple more minutes, presumably as something (oil?) got warmer. As usual it was at 2100 rpm.

I haven't reported the problem to the OPC yet (waiting to see how you got on [;)]) so mine is not the other case on their network. If the problem is something as fundamental as the oil pump, I'm surprised that more people are not suffering with it.

Good luck this week.
Regards, David.
 
Well, yet another week has gone by, and the OPC STILL has my car - it's now been over a month at the garage, which is highly frustrating.[:mad:]
I did receive a letter from Porsche GB stating that the rattle would not have any detrimental effect on the engine, and that the matter had been referred to Porsche Germany, and that I would receive a further update by Wednesday.
I'm not sure what the heck is going on, but I'm now in serious danger of forgetting what my car looks like! Worse still, friends and colleagues think I've sold the Porsche and bought the TT loan car[&:]!
What I have learnt is that this phenomenon is not isolated to just a few cars, so some this may become a larger issue for 987 owners.
I'll keep you posted on what actually happens and if the rattle is cured when I (eventually) get my car back.
Rob[:(]
 
[:mad:]Right, after 5 weeks at my OPC, this is what has transpired:
This seems to be a fault in quite a few cars, both in the UK and Germany (I have been told some of Porsche's own cars are afflicted with it) and Porsche are trying to find a solution.
I have made it quite clear to Porsche GB that I do not consider putting thicker oil in a cure - this is just a quick 'fix' and I reject this course of action. I have a letter from Porsche GB stating that they guarantee that this will not affect the engine in any way, but I am not convinced.
Today, my OPC has told me Porsche GB has instructed them to put a thicker grade of oil in my car while they try and find a more permanent solution.
My car will be returned to me tomorrow with the thicker oil in. I have told my OPC that I would like a 'proper' fix conducted as soon as possible, and my acceptance of the car back does not constitute and acceptance of the work carried out thus far, and I reserve the right to reject the car if no acceptable 'proper' solution can be found.
I have to say that my OPC have been sympathetic and supportive, and it would appear that the main bone of contention between Porsche GB and Porsche Gmbh is basically the cost, and who should foot the bill for the work to be carried out.
I will contact Porsche GB tomorrow for an update and report back.
Needless to say, I'm not best pleased with a car 1200 miles old and one that for over a third of it's time with me has been in the OPC workshop!
Rob[:'(]
 
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