Squeeky 997 suspension

[simonharrod911]

After about 1000 miles in the 997 the car developed a noticeable(understatement) squeeking noise which sounded like the suspension bushes were dry. the noise continued for about another 800 miles, after which I called my OPC and they immediately offered to pick the car up.

Literally as I put the phone down the noise completely disappeared and I can't recreate it even with PASM on over speed bumps(although my teeth have fallen out).

I know it's impossible to comment without seeing/hearing the problem, but has anyone experienced anything like this with a 997/996/Boxster? Service manager thought it might have been a stone temporarily jammed in the suspension.

Many thanks.

[wax lyrical]

...more likely to be a stone trapped against a brake disc. Causes a horrible sqealing noise (when the car is in motion of course)!

[simonharrod911]

wax lyrical said:

...more likely to be a stone trapped against a brake disc. Causes a horrible sqealing noise (when the car is in motion of course)!

It only happens with lock on.

[silver993tt]

simonharrod911 said:

wax lyrical said: ...more likely to be a stone trapped against a brake disc. Causes a horrible sqealing noise (when the car is in motion of course)! It only happens with lock on.

Maybe a slightly slack belt forthe power steering? The effect would be more pronounced at near or full lock. The car is new so this sort of thing can happen.

[simonharrod911]

It disappeared for about a week, then returned after being out in heavy rain! This reminded me that the problem first came about after it's first run in the rain.

[cyrus1971]

I experienced similar in my 996 and my garage discovered it was the rear parcel shelf unit flexing. Points of contact greased and screws tightened and it has disappeared. 996 and 997 probably have the same structures in this location.

[sundeep]

time for that "WD40"

[SteveJT]

Hi Simon, I have exactly the same problem with my 997 when going over speed humps. It sounds as if it is coming from the front nearside suspension. Funnily enough since doing the Le Mans run last week the noise has disappeared. I will keep monitoring this and will keep you posted.

[jjr1]

Do you guys both have PASM?

[SteveJT]

Yes I do have PASM.

[simonharrod911]

SteveJT said:

Hi Simon, I have exactly the same problem with my 997 when going over speed humps. It sounds as if it is coming from the front nearside suspension. Funnily enough since doing the Le Mans run last week the noise has disappeared. I will keep monitoring this and will keep you posted.

Hi Steve,

The car's back at the dealers. Typically when they came to pick the car up the grinding sound had gone, so I just hurled a bucket of water at it and it immediately returned. They reproduced it back at the dealer with a jet wash. As yet they have no idea what the problem is, so they're taking the thing apart as I type.

I like talking to the dealership drivers, they're so honest! I asked the guy if he'd ever seen anything like it, he replied "God I see so many noise problems with so many of these cars, I couldn't remember if I had!". The dealers had naturally "Never heard of this problem.".

[simonharrod911]

jjr1 said:

Do you guys both have PASM?

Yes, it's the same on or off.

[jjr1]

I wonder if the components which are peculiar to a PASM car might be the reason? Purely speculative as mine has been through some very wet weather and never a squeak (if you don't count the one from the steering column)

[simonharrod911]

jjr1 said:

I wonder if the components which are peculiar to a PASM car might be the reason? Purely speculative as mine has been through some very wet weather and never a squeak (if you don't count the one from the steering column)

That's a good point. Hopefully I'll find something out today.

[SteveJT]

Simon, please let us know what thay find out - I might then get mine looked at. BTW great car otherwise.

[simonharrod911]

SteveJT said:

Simon, please let us know what thay find out - I might then get mine looked at. BTW great car otherwise.

Will do Steve. Agree 100%, best car I've ever had. Did you spec the sports exhaust? If not retro fit it, it'll be the best money you've spent. Switchable with the 'Sport' button.

[simonharrod911]

The problem is faulty shock absorbers. They're being replaced tomorrow and I should get it back late in the day. It's going to be tough handing back the keys to the BMW 118 diesel.

[SteveJT]

Are these front or rear shocks that need to be replaced? I am very tempted to fit a sports exhaust. Is this a factory fitted version?
You must be gutted having to return the BMW today

[simonharrod911]

SteveJT said:

Are these front or rear shocks that need to be replaced? I am very tempted to fit a sports exhaust. Is this a factory fitted version? You must be gutted having to return the BMW today

Yes, factory fitted. It's the business. The front shocks are to blame, but they don't stock them so it's going to be tomorrow now. Get to keep the 1 series for another 24 hours

[simonharrod911]

Back in the 997, problem completely solved. Service at Nottingham Porsche Centre absolutely fantastic, including a service advisor delivering the car to my house (an hour from the centre) in his own time because I couldn't get back in working hours. Great Job.