Annoying "rattle" from dashboard/base of windscreen area

[AJOHND]

My 993 Carrera 2 has recently developed a (most annoying!) constant rattle, from what seems like the base of the windscreen and the dashboard. I don't think it sounds like the 'windscreen creak' that often affects 993s, but it is certainly speed/road condition dependent. (The windscreen was removed about 3 years ago when some surface rust around the base of the A pillars was removed.) I would welcome any and all thoughts as to what the problem might be, and what might be done to fix the problem? Many thanks.

 

[PeterABrook]

Hi John
How odd, I have the very same problem suddenly started in the middle of the first run of the year [about 50 miles from home] last Wednesday. I think it is coming from within the dashboard, not ahead of the windscreen, but I can't decide on its location. It doesn't seem to be causing a problem, just irritation. My concern though is that it could be a wire or component that has come loose so I intended to have it looked at as soon as I can.
When I discover the cause I'll let you know
Peter

 

[MoC2S]

Not a leaf in the heater / air vents ?

 

[AJOHND]

Thanks both, for your thoughts and suggestions. I agree that the sound appears to be coming from inside of the car as opposed to ahead of the windscreen - and Peter, I would be pleased to hear the results of your investigations!

I shall try and establish more myself, but if it potentially involves removing dashboard panels etc, it may have to wait until the car is in for its annual service and MOT (late May).

With best wishes, John

 

[AJOHND]

Peter/Maurice - one of my Porsche pals thought that this noise might be as a result of a 'dried out' rubber internal windscreen surround, and suggested a targeted squirt of silicon lubricant. It looks as though I might be able to access such surround by removing the dashboard capping that appears to be held on by a few self tapping screws. Worth having a go, would you say?

Cheers, John

PS : I've established that the noise is definitely not caused by a leaf or similar in the heater/air vents

 

[Johnny C]

Probably a red herring but I had this a few years ago, then the cold air fans blew and were replaced. Not had it since then, I assumed it was the noise of the fans failing being channelled through the vents.
One thing I've learnt owning 911s for 23 years... Weird noises are usually caused by something totally random, usually the front tyres being worn which creates all sorts of apparently unrelated noises.

 

[AJOHND]

Ref my 5 post above, the problem has been resolved by removing the small dashboard cover nearest the screen and applying a liberal squirt of "Gummi Pflege" (I'm sure other brands are available) to the inner surface of the windscreen rubber surround. Apparently, some of the rubber had 'hardened' and attached itself to the base of the windscreen. A good result!