Creaking Windscreen

Guest · Jun 1, 2004

The noise seems to be coming from all along the lower seal where teh windscreen meets the dashboard. It was like that when I bought the car but was told it was "just one of those things that 993s are known for". The rest of teh car blinded (or deafened) me to this problem for quite some time. As the months have passed though I've become more irritated by the persistence of the creaking, especially at low speeds when the engine isn't growling. As it's the only thing that spoils an otherwise wonderful car for me, I feel have to get this fixed and soon. Has anyone out there had this problem? And does anyone know:

(a) what the likely fix is?
(b) how much it might cost?
(c) who would be a good choice to rectify it (ideally in North or Central London)?

All guidance would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks.

Elliot Davies · Jun 1, 2004

Is it a rubber seal moving against something more solid ?
Id give it a little squirt of the old WD40 first, make sure you dont spray the screen though.

WD40 = Cheaper than an OPC in the first instance.
I had something similar to this, although i cant remember if it was my P car !

Guest · Jun 1, 2004

Many thanks for the advice Elliot - much appreciated. I'll certainly give the WD40 a go as I've got nothing to lose.

For the record, I'd describe the sound as more of a creak than a squeak (not sure how significant this distinction is!), and it seems to emanate from the full width of the screen.

38F3E1 · Jun 1, 2004

I have read about this problem frequently on different forums. It seems a common but minor problem on the 993. The fix involves PTFE tape or something similar I believe. You should be able to find a good description of the fix on the Rennlist forum.

911_turbo · Jun 1, 2004

I had this problem with my car; it is common with 993's but most people live with it as they don't realise that it is easy to fix:
1) DO NOT ask a car windscreen company otherwise they will suggest re-fitting the windscreen. These are sealed units and if you try to remove them there is a 80% chance that they will break!
2) Remove the rubber seal from around the windscreen and clean and dry it thoroughly.
3) Apply Vaseline liberally to the underside of the rubber seal.
4) Re-fit rubber seal, wipe away any excess and drive down a bumpy road with the radio off and notice the difference!
5) Repeat process as necessary (should last 9mths)

Elliot is right in that you can use WD40 where I have used Vaseline but it will not last as long and you will be repeating the process every month or two. For a permanent solution (and if you have the time and patience) add an extra step between 3) and 4):
3b) Apply Teflon tape around the windscreen to the circumference of the bodywork (ie. where the rubber seal meets the bodywork)

The creaking is caused by the friction of the rubber moving against the bodywork and so by adding teflon tape and/or by lubricating it with vaseline, you are creating a slippery surface and therefore reducing the friction. Some OPCs will do this but will charge an hour or so labour.

Hope this helps!

Guest · Jun 1, 2004

Barry / Ian

You are most kind. Many thanks for the advice. I'll no doubt need more when I have the seal off and can't get it back on again! Until then,

Regards

David

911_turbo · Jun 1, 2004

The seal is really easy to put back so don't worry about that. Getting it out is sometimes difficult so you may need to pinch it with a pair of pliers.
The vaseline only method will take half an hour whilst the teflon tape option will add an extra hour or so to the time.

vic cohen · Jun 2, 2004

Barry's always been too keen on vaseline.............................Teflon tape really is the permanent fix,even if main agent does it ..........less than an hours work honest!

38F3E1 · Jun 2, 2004

..... then the alloy window trims will bubble,

Maurice

Funny you should mention this as my passenger side door has just started at the top front. Everybody seems to go 'um tricky to fix' when you ask. Do you know how this can be fixed or who to take the car to?

Ian.

vic cohen · Jun 2, 2004

Forgive me butting in but after 4, 993 s had that too..........................either rub it down and try and match,or new frame very expensive ...........theres always a cost /return factor. From personal experience its under rear quarter windows that usually corrodes first, usually quite a while from small beginnings to get really bad ,if car not outside all the time ......................but it sure won t get better!

911_turbo · Jun 2, 2004

ORIGINAL: vic cohen

Barry's always been too keen on vaseline.............................Teflon tape really is the permanent fix,even if main agent does it ..........less than an hours work honest!

As funny as ever Vic! I have to say that I'm surprised that you know so much about creaking windscreens - I would have thought that at your age creaking joints would have been more your area of expertise! [

]

Guest · Jun 2, 2004

I can't remember the price but the window frames are not that cheap. I tried to get mine done under warranty but they are not classed as bodywork so no go. Although I have just had the bubbling caused by the front windscreen seals rubbing just above the windscreen wipers sorted under warranty (scuttle panel). They insisted on an Fully OPC stamped book though and as I am planning to go to JZ for servicing next month I got it sorted now.

I had a new windscreen put in under insurance too and Porsche are giving a bottle of the lube they use for the creaking with one of those red "WD40" style appilcation tubes to get under the seal.

Hope to get her back Friday.

Guest · Jun 14, 2004

Just got my 993 and it to has this creaking sound all along the bottom of the windscreen.

Can anyone tell me where exatcly to spray wd40 because it's spoiling the fun factor of driving the car. Is it from the inside or is it outside where i have to lift the rubber seal up ?

911_turbo · Jun 14, 2004

ORIGINAL: wtsim
Can anyone tell me where exatcly to spray wd40 because it's spoiling the fun factor of driving the car. Is it from the inside or is it outside where i have to lift the rubber seal up ?

From the outside under the rubber trim ...but as I mentioned previously WD40 will not last very long before it starts creaking again. Please see the previous posts for more permanent solutions.

Guest · Jun 17, 2004

Hi Jeddo

Tell me how to remove the seal porperly.

911_turbo · Jun 17, 2004

ORIGINAL: wtsim

Hi Jeddo

Tell me how to remove the seal porperly.

1) Go to one of the corners.
2) Pull the rubber seal slightly away from the bodywork.
3) Get a firm grip of it, pull hard (upwards) and it should come away.
4) If it doesn't, get a firm grip using a pair of pliers and try again.

Hope this helps

Guest · Jun 18, 2004

Hey Maurice

Does drilling the airbox cover do anything apart from produce more noise? I did see a tidy drilling job on a website for 964s; do you have a similar spec for 993s?

Guest · Jul 15, 2005

I had teflon tape put on and it improved the creaking but didn't stop it. I've found that smearing vaseline around the affected area quietens it down for a few months.