Suspension /transmission / engine issues

[shmirsh]

So, my beloved 996 of 11 years (2003 tip cabriolet and 87k miles) is starting to feel unwell. It's a daily drive, never let me down but did let go of the water pump when my son borrowed it the first time. I recently started to have a 90 mile round trip on M25 twice a week and a few issues have raised there ugly head.

There are speed humps/bumps near the house but the car feels compliant and solid, no crashes from the front or rear end when leaving the house. Arriving at the office, there are semi circular road wide humps and both ends of the caR jar as I drive over them, even at 10 mph! What's the likely cause; bushes, dampers or ...?

Idling when in gear is lumpy and a slight judder from back / transmission when taking off. There's also also a metallic clunk, nothing dramatic but certainly there. After that it's fairly smooth. In addition, there's a slight snatch when the gearbox is cold and when going up from 2 to 3. Remaining shifts are seamless.

The engine has also started to make a noise. First thought that it was an idler pulley but not so sure. Sound is more tappets? Do 996 have tappets? Am I looking at a major engine issue?

What's the likely cause(s)? Am I looking at a 2nd mortgage? Can anyone recommend a specialist for investigation. I'm based in Hornchurch, Essex.

Shahid

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Difficult to say, but it could be engine or gearbox mountings. Again, engine noises are difficult to diagnose without hearing them, but it could be a tappet, or something as simple as a loose spark plug (yes, it is surprisingly common). A couple of specialists I have heard of with good feedback in the general area are HP Motorsports (Ilford?) or Autostrasse at Coggeshall.

 

[tim92gts]

Any recent service history?

Ours is at about 90k miles and we've recently had a few bushes worn out, coffin arms and a few other bits I forget the names of. Left hand side worse as we have loads of potholes in our lane spreading from the verges. Speed bumps are very harsh on suspensions.

The gearbox could just need an oil change, we've done ours twice and it certainly needed it; the oil change intervals are always too long for uk imo. Stop start is far far harder on the oil than a steady 100mph on the autobahn.

Very hard to diagnose the engine, you can set off all sorts of rattles, we've had a few exhaust problems but nothing too expensive.

I'd recommend Terry at Autostrasse Coggeshall, he looks after the 996 and i'm calling him soon for a major 928 service too.

He's not into replacing everything and presenting you with a vast bill!

 

[shmirsh]

Cheers Richard.

 

[shmirsh]

Thanks everyone. Appreciate your time to. reply.

Had IMS replaced back in 2008 and no drips since then.
Gearbox was serviced about 35k miles ago so probably due for another. Water pump was replaced around same time. No other mechanical issues except for usual discs and pads.

I've taken to servicing it myself with the help of my son over the last 5 years. Always use Mobil 1 and change all filters every 4k-5k. Replaced plugs and coils 10k miles ago. Generally check and clean things but useless at diagnosing issues. Not a mad driver but have found that I drive with more 'enthusiasm' as I grow older!

Looks like it need a visit to the specialist!

Shahid



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