996 "Structure Creaks"
03-17-2003, 07:34 PM
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996 "Structure Creaks"
So I've had my '03 C4-S for about 2 weeks now.
Now I have read a bunch about creaks and rattles here on this board and I think I have one coming from somewhere behind the front seats. I suspect it's in the headliner behind the sunroof.
HOWEVER, yesterday I noticed a much more troubling sound. My driveway is long and made of stone. The surface is more hard than soft and has some irregularities to it. Because of the stone I drive very slow in 1st gear down to the street. As the car slowly goes over the mild bumps it sounds like the entire body is creaking! To me it sounds like the the windshield moving in its frame or the back window or both! I noticed it also happened when going up a driveway apron at a 3 quarter angle. I'm not happy with the prospect of more squeaks and rattles than average but having the feeling that the structure is flexing is not sitting well with me. Especially when you consider being a coupe, a Porsche, a sports car, and no hatchback I would expect the 911 configuration would provide one of the stiffest structures around just by virture of design.
Has anybody heard this type "creaking"? Creaking is the right word for the sound. It doesn't sound like some of the minor interior pieces that might have a TSB issued.
Now I have read a bunch about creaks and rattles here on this board and I think I have one coming from somewhere behind the front seats. I suspect it's in the headliner behind the sunroof.
HOWEVER, yesterday I noticed a much more troubling sound. My driveway is long and made of stone. The surface is more hard than soft and has some irregularities to it. Because of the stone I drive very slow in 1st gear down to the street. As the car slowly goes over the mild bumps it sounds like the entire body is creaking! To me it sounds like the the windshield moving in its frame or the back window or both! I noticed it also happened when going up a driveway apron at a 3 quarter angle. I'm not happy with the prospect of more squeaks and rattles than average but having the feeling that the structure is flexing is not sitting well with me. Especially when you consider being a coupe, a Porsche, a sports car, and no hatchback I would expect the 911 configuration would provide one of the stiffest structures around just by virture of design.
Has anybody heard this type "creaking"? Creaking is the right word for the sound. It doesn't sound like some of the minor interior pieces that might have a TSB issued.
03-17-2003, 07:39 PM
#2
Yup, I have the same in my MY2003 Coupe. I think it is the back window, the same thing was common in the 993. My local dealer will hopefully be fixing it soon
Gary
Redhill - England
Gary
Redhill - England
03-17-2003, 08:23 PM
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Did the dealer confirm it was from the back window? Is there a known fix or TSB?
I haven't mentioned it to my dealer yet. I wanted to make sure it wasn't temporary and I wasn't going crazy! I really can't tell where it's coming from. One second it sounds like the windshield and the next the back.
I haven't mentioned it to my dealer yet. I wanted to make sure it wasn't temporary and I wasn't going crazy! I really can't tell where it's coming from. One second it sounds like the windshield and the next the back.
03-18-2003, 10:18 AM
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I don't think it's temp related.
It has been mostly very cold here 30 degrees on average. But when I noticed the noise Sunday it was about 55 or 60. If anything I think the warmer weather makes things more pliable and less likely to make noise? Am I correct in assuming that?
It has been mostly very cold here 30 degrees on average. But when I noticed the noise Sunday it was about 55 or 60. If anything I think the warmer weather makes things more pliable and less likely to make noise? Am I correct in assuming that?
03-18-2003, 02:19 PM
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There is a TSB for creaking/rattling front windshield. It's a problem I have but mine sounds more like a vibration rattle. It is caused by the plastic dashboard rubbing on the windshield. The fix is to stuff some material in the gap to keep them apart.
I get a creaking in the roof when the car frame flexes first thing in the morning.
I get a creaking in the roof when the car frame flexes first thing in the morning.
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03-18-2003, 10:51 PM
#8
I have an '03 Coupe. I also have a couple of squeaks and rattles, but none that sound like the structure or the windshield. Mine are the glovebox, the driver's window air vent, and somewhere in back of the driver, sounds like a seat back or the back seat belt.
They are all temp related.
They are all temp related.
03-18-2003, 11:08 PM
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>> The fix is to stuff some material in the gap to keep them apart.
> Kind of dissapointing....
What, you buy a brand new $75,000-$100,000 car and you don't expect you'll have to jam some stuff in a crack or two to keep it from creaking?
Just kidding
> Kind of dissapointing....
What, you buy a brand new $75,000-$100,000 car and you don't expect you'll have to jam some stuff in a crack or two to keep it from creaking?
Just kidding
03-19-2003, 12:29 AM
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I have a similar annoyance on the 993, it is for sure temperature related to the window glass seals.
I wonder how much the roll-over bar/half cage improves structural integrity with the 996?
I wonder how much the roll-over bar/half cage improves structural integrity with the 996?
03-17-2005, 12:20 PM
#11
Three Wheelin'
Originally Posted by Kerry
There is a TSB for creaking/rattling front windshield. It's a problem I have but mine sounds more like a vibration rattle. It is caused by the plastic dashboard rubbing on the windshield. The fix is to stuff some material in the gap to keep them apart.
03-17-2005, 03:09 PM
#13
[QUOTE=LanceK]So I've had my '03 C4-S for about 2 weeks now.
Now I have read a bunch about creaks and rattles here on this board and I think I have one coming from somewhere behind the front seats. I suspect it's in the headliner behind the sunroof.
Lance...
Be patient and tackle them one at a time.
I had the same problem with sounds and rattles in my car and it really pissed me off...then I took them on one at a time. My car's interior now is as quiet as a baby's bedroom.
The rear sound MAY be coming from the sunroof area or it may be coming from the long trim panel which is either covered in leather or vinyl depending on your car's configuration.
The trim panel is directly under the rear window resting on the rear shelf. The piece is easily removed. It is held in place by 5 clips. One is dead center and two more on each side of center evenly spaced.
Gently pull the piece out and set it aside. Drive the car a day or two and see if that noise you speak of goes away. if it does, the fix is very simple. Wrap each clip (male part) with some felt tape that you can get at Porsche for abot 2.00 a roll. Wrap the male ends once or twice with the tape. Re-install the trim pice. it should fit tighter now stopping the noise.
If the problem is in the sliding roof behind and toward the rear of the ceiling you may have a power cable that needs to be wrapped or re-fitted. Unless you feel comfortable taking the slider out take it to Porsche for warranty repair.
The windshield rattle is the easiest fix in the world and I am surprised that Porsche hasn't done it. The windshield is bonded to the car's frame. Between the glass and the frame, Porsche inserts rubber rope. Sometimes this rope needs to be replaced or a second row of rope needs to be added. I did the fix myself in 20 minutes with the rope called out in TSB 6420 and costs about 15.00 and a cheap plastic spatula that you can get in the paint depatment at Home Depot for 1.00. This TSB applies to earlier models, but I have done the 'upgrade' in newer cars as well. It also applies to the rear windshield. Two strands of rubber rope packed into the channel does the trick.
Send me your email and I will send you the TSB. I also have a TSB somewhere on sounds coming from the sliding roof area which may or may not apply in your case.
Buy an inexpensive stethescope as well and have a friend drive your car while you go hunt for the sounds. People will stare at you when you drive buy, but hey, everyone knows P/car drivers are nuts anyway.
Jim
Now I have read a bunch about creaks and rattles here on this board and I think I have one coming from somewhere behind the front seats. I suspect it's in the headliner behind the sunroof.
Lance...
Be patient and tackle them one at a time.
I had the same problem with sounds and rattles in my car and it really pissed me off...then I took them on one at a time. My car's interior now is as quiet as a baby's bedroom.
The rear sound MAY be coming from the sunroof area or it may be coming from the long trim panel which is either covered in leather or vinyl depending on your car's configuration.
The trim panel is directly under the rear window resting on the rear shelf. The piece is easily removed. It is held in place by 5 clips. One is dead center and two more on each side of center evenly spaced.
Gently pull the piece out and set it aside. Drive the car a day or two and see if that noise you speak of goes away. if it does, the fix is very simple. Wrap each clip (male part) with some felt tape that you can get at Porsche for abot 2.00 a roll. Wrap the male ends once or twice with the tape. Re-install the trim pice. it should fit tighter now stopping the noise.
If the problem is in the sliding roof behind and toward the rear of the ceiling you may have a power cable that needs to be wrapped or re-fitted. Unless you feel comfortable taking the slider out take it to Porsche for warranty repair.
The windshield rattle is the easiest fix in the world and I am surprised that Porsche hasn't done it. The windshield is bonded to the car's frame. Between the glass and the frame, Porsche inserts rubber rope. Sometimes this rope needs to be replaced or a second row of rope needs to be added. I did the fix myself in 20 minutes with the rope called out in TSB 6420 and costs about 15.00 and a cheap plastic spatula that you can get in the paint depatment at Home Depot for 1.00. This TSB applies to earlier models, but I have done the 'upgrade' in newer cars as well. It also applies to the rear windshield. Two strands of rubber rope packed into the channel does the trick.
Send me your email and I will send you the TSB. I also have a TSB somewhere on sounds coming from the sliding roof area which may or may not apply in your case.
Buy an inexpensive stethescope as well and have a friend drive your car while you go hunt for the sounds. People will stare at you when you drive buy, but hey, everyone knows P/car drivers are nuts anyway.
Jim
03-17-2005, 03:14 PM
#14
Originally Posted by Kerry
There is a TSB for creaking/rattling front windshield. It's a problem I have but mine sounds more like a vibration rattle. It is caused by the plastic dashboard rubbing on the windshield. The fix is to stuff some material in the gap to keep them apart.
I get a creaking in the roof when the car frame flexes first thing in the morning.
I get a creaking in the roof when the car frame flexes first thing in the morning.
The TSB for the front and rear windshield is 6420. The rattling 'plastic dashboard' you are speaking of is the defroster panel that buts up close the windshield. This rattles in many P/cars. Its a fitment problem that is easily fixed by removing the plastic piece and then placing some thin cushioning tape (felt) at various positions around the panel. Works just fine and all is quiet again.
Jim