996 turbo whine
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Discussion

911944

Original Poster:

186 posts

172 months

Saturday 4th October 2014
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Hello.

I have a manual 996 turbo and I have noticed a whine in 1st gear, it is only noticeable at around walking speed (when manoeuvring) or when you accelerate/quickly decelerate at low speeds. Kind of like the whine that happens if you drive in reverse.
The gearbox/diff is silent once moving at speed.

Just wondering if this is normal or something to be concerned about?

The gearbox oil has been changed about 5000 miles ago, apart from this whine in 1st the gearbox feels perfect.

Car has done 60,000 miles and has been very well looked after.

Many thanks in advance for any input.

Storm996

122 posts

142 months

Saturday 4th October 2014
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My experience of reading forums over the years says that the 996 turbo is a little 'tractor like' and 'slightly unrefined' experience which is to be expected from a raw performance car.

It isn't a lexus or rolls royce. More of a drivers car.

Rockster

1,515 posts

176 months

Sunday 5th October 2014
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911944 said:
Hello.

I have a manual 996 turbo and I have noticed a whine in 1st gear, it is only noticeable at around walking speed (when manoeuvring) or when you accelerate/quickly decelerate at low speeds. Kind of like the whine that happens if you drive in reverse.
The gearbox/diff is silent once moving at speed.

Just wondering if this is normal or something to be concerned about?

The gearbox oil has been changed about 5000 miles ago, apart from this whine in 1st the gearbox feels perfect.

Car has done 60,000 miles and has been very well looked after.

Many thanks in advance for any input.
If it is normal I can't recall hearing it from my 03 Turbo (with over 120K miles). However, I may just be so used to the noise I don't pay it any attention.

The Turbo is a bit raw in some respects and there is going to be some noise. The transmission is pretty close to the cabin and there is a front diff too. The thing has some big old tires, too, and worn tires can make some noise at various speeds and on various road surfaces.

There can be some noise from the power steering system, a high pressure relief valve can develop a high pitched squeal that could be to some ears I suppose a whine. I used to hear this noise after rolling up to a stop light with the clutch out and the tranny in neutral. Depressing the clutch pedal though makes this go away pronto. (The power steering hydraulic system also provides fluid and power assist to the clutch.) But it will come back the next time the same circumstances are encountered.)

My best advice is to have an experienced tech give a listen and advise you. It is probably nothing but you should hear that from him.

Err Indoors

909 posts

203 months

Sunday 5th October 2014
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perfectly normal to get a bit of transmission noise from a 996 Turbo.
Nothing to worry about.

911944

Original Poster:

186 posts

172 months

Sunday 5th October 2014
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Thank you all for your advice,

I have done around 200 miles in the car since yesterday and it drives fine, the whine just puzzled me.

It is definitely not engine/steering related. To me it seems related to the lash between the diffs at very low speed, if I 'jar' the throttle on and off it makes the noise quite noticeably but goes once moving and can't be replicated in any other gear but first?? Does this ring a bell with any 996 turbo owners?

Edited by 911944 on Sunday 5th October 21:47

RB_987s

134 posts

217 months

Sunday 5th October 2014
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Can't say I have noticed anything like this when driving mine. I'd get it looked at ASAP - better safe than sorry (it won't be cheap if something big goes wrong)