More 997 suspension problems

[simonharrod911]

500 miles after new shock absorbers have been fitted there's a new distinct knocking sound with lock, acceleration, braking, and bumps in the road. So all the time.

It's off back to Nottingham again today.

Anyone else had problems like this with a 997?

Anyone know if the suspension is different to the 996?

[jjr1]

Not had any suspension problems but when i wanted to take my car into Nottingham yesterday because of a creaking noise from the dashboard it bloody stopped. TYPICAL

[simonharrod911]

jjr1 said:

Not had any suspension problems but when i wanted to take my car into Nottingham yesterday because of a creaking noise from the dashboard it bloody stopped. TYPICAL

Does this creaking noise by any chance start after rainfall, then eventually go after a few days of dry weather?

[Buffalo]

OK, so i spend my time knocking about with old bangers (well actually i tend to customise them...) but 500miles after a suspension change is about the right time for a check up underneath to make sure all is tight still. Often it all just needs a re-torque (have had this wobbly knocking noise after suspension changes before - around the 500mile mark). Granted i haven't the faintest clue about the latest 997 and i guess things are a bit more sophisticated however, the basic physics are still the same.

I'd be tempted to wander in to your dealer and ask one of the spanner wielding fiends to have a tighten for you - then take it out again and test it.

Buff...

[jjr1]

simonharrod911 said:

jjr1 said: Not had any suspension problems but when i wanted to take my car into Nottingham yesterday because of a creaking noise from the dashboard it bloody stopped. TYPICAL Does this creaking noise by any chance start after rainfall, then eventually go after a few days of dry weather?

No it is something to do with a loose bit that comes and goes according to how hard I hit a bump in the road. Hit it hard enough and it stops. Hit another one a few miles later and it starts. Really annoying is that when it is occuring I am never near the dealer but when I get close it stops !!!

[simonharrod911]

Buffalo said:

OK, so i spend my time knocking about with old bangers (well actually i tend to customise them...) but 500miles after a suspension change is about the right time for a check up underneath to make sure all is tight still. Often it all just needs a re-torque (have had this wobbly knocking noise after suspension changes before - around the 500mile mark). Granted i haven't the faintest clue about the latest 997 and i guess things are a bit more sophisticated however, the basic physics are still the same. I'd be tempted to wander in to your dealer and ask one of the spanner wielding fiends to have a tighten for you - then take it out again and test it. Buff...

Thanks for that Buff. You're the second person to mention that, I hope it's that straightforward. It's on the transporter now. Unfortunately I'm an hour from my nearest OPC.

[simonharrod911]

jjr1 said:

simonharrod911 said: jjr1 said: Not had any suspension problems but when i wanted to take my car into Nottingham yesterday because of a creaking noise from the dashboard it bloody stopped. TYPICAL Does this creaking noise by any chance start after rainfall, then eventually go after a few days of dry weather? No it is something to do with a loose bit that comes and goes according to how hard I hit a bump in the road. Hit it hard enough and it stops. Hit another one a few miles later and it starts. Really annoying is that when it is occuring I am never near the dealer but when I get close it stops !!!

You have my sympathy mate. First time they came to collect the car it had dried up and the noise went completely. I ended up throwing a bucket of water at the front end to re-create it.

[simonharrod911]

It's now hand new suspension mountings which cured the problem initially, but then it came back. Porsche say it needs new springs. None in stock at the OPC, non in stock in Reading, non in stock in Stuttgart.

Do you think this might be a common issue???

[jjr1]

Not heard of this on any other forum such as Rennteam.

[willr]

Any update on this thread - has anyone else noticed this clonking problem?

[mutt k]

Could it by any chance be the irresistable tick tock of depreciation you are hearing? Just a thought

[S1XXR]

Sorry to hear of your problems Simon. Totally unacceptable on a new car in this price range. I hope your dealer fixes the problem this time round.

[simonharrod911]

I know two other people with 997s, one had the same problem, and they changed the springs too. The other has not experienced it. Maybe it's something to do with Lincolnshire's tropical climate. Nottingham tell me that Porsche have now admitted they know about the problem. Now done 7500 miles in the car with no other problems whatsoever, other than getting power down in the ice! Terrific car.

[simonharrod911]

los angeles said:

simonharrod911 said: Nottingham tell me that Porsche have now admitted they know about the problem. I'll keep me eyes and ears open. Could be a small batch of cars delivered to one dealer, all with suspensions assembled on the same day in the same place, each unit or part of the unit faulty or badly fitted. Pleased to hear the car is great to drive.

LA have a look at this.

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=225458&f=48&h=0

Perhaps it is an issue with Nottingham cars? Surely the 'batches' of builds are not done by dealer?

I spoke to a delivery driver who commented that 'loads' of 997s had come back with various noises. I thought I heard the noise again this morning, but I'm probably being paranoid. Thankfully I spec'd the car with Bose!

[SteveJT]

The problem with noisy suspension is not specific to Nottingham. I live in Surrey and had to have new front springs fitted in the 997. Mind you I drove the car through Nottingham once - I wonder if that is where my car picked up the noise

[simonharrod911]

SteveJT said:

The problem with noisy suspension is not specific to Nottingham. I live in Surrey and had to have new front springs fitted in the 997. Mind you I drove the car through Nottingham once - I wonder if that is where my car picked up the noise

I suspect that Nottingham is a haven for witches and ghouls, dedicated to running Porsche into the ground. That's the most sensible explanation I can think of anyway.

[williamp]

I'm tempted to say you went through Nottingham. Why are you surprised the suspension is now shot....


But I wont

[simonharrod911]

los angeles said:

I checked with pals in Scotland as well as here (specialists and dealers) and no one had come across the phenomenon. Hmmm. Did you order you car with the stock wheels and tyres? I wonder if there's a connection there.

Standard wheels and tyres for the Carrera S.