Hi - I just bought a '96 993 C4 and am getting used to the car's character. The brake booster pump runs for about 20 seconds most times I start the car after it's been sitting 8-12 hours. The warning light goes out when it stops and I can hear the pump occasionally cycles during normal vehicle operation, without the light coming on. Is this normal or a sign of impending financial doom? Thanks.

 

Totally normal, & it will kick on as you drive.

I have yet to hear of any pumps or system failures, mine are both rock solid.

 

Cool thanks. Whew!

 

Anything major I should be looking for, in general? The car's in great shape with all records. New clutch just installed before I bought it. Underside inspection showed nothing except rear CV boots that look like they're just barely starting to crack. Fabspeed exhaust sounds great. Thanks again

 

Stock shocks wear out fast, as low as 20kmi.
Watch oil consumption.
Windshield can creak
Motor mounts can leak (fluid filled), or just elongate.
Fan/alt bearing (where the belts are) can seize, blowing out the belts.
They EAT rear tires, expect around 10k out of the rears.

 

The abs pump should indeed run from time to time. If the light stays on for about 20-30 seconds everytime you start the car(after an overnight rest) then you may(most likely) have a leaky pressure accumulator. The pressure accumulator stores pressure for use in the abs system....and it should store pressure for months let alone hours. If yours is leaking down overnight, it'd be a good idea to have it replaced sooner or later. It's not too expensive.

 

Great thanks!

 

Stealth - thanks for the tips. I should have paid more attention to your 'watch oil consumption' comment. I just had to add three quarts after about 5k miles to fill reservoir completely. I thought the level gauge had broken. Still sounds like a lot of consumption, though.

 

That's a lot of oil! Time to find out if it's leaking, or going past the valve stems.