Anyone...I have a 2004 996 Turbo Cabrio with X50 option.
Bought used in Oct 2006 noticed a high pitched whine (like a kettle!)coming from engine compartment in the summer of 2007 (only noticeable when top is down)
Local dealer/specialist baffled. Searched online for others with same problem, found suggestions that it was to do with hydrolic pump as noise stops when clutch pedal depressed twice, apparently system builds up enough pressure for 20 gear changes then resets ? so depressing pedal makes it reset sooner ? Changed valve in said unit, stopped noise for 6 months, but is back now ?
Anyone shed any light ?

It is the power steering reservoir.

See here

Interesting...wross is correct most likely... look for the TSB in the link he posted.

Dealer baffled? Hmm

You mention "Changed valve in said unit"... the valve can only be changed with the whole reservoir. What did they really do back in 2007? If it is still the same issue, they need to repair it under warranty if you documented in the records back when the car was still under warranty.

Don't let this go- a leak due to the fluid can cause an engine fire.

GL

A

+1

Same issue I had......Get it taken care of immediately.

I get a whiny noise also.
I have an 02.. I thought it was the diverter valves going bad??

i had the same issue....the power steering was somehow linked to the clutch. don't know the technical aspect of it

I have the same whine as well. I took mine to the dealer and they "fixed" it. Amazingly - I've still got the same whine! The dealer replaced the wrong piece and didn't want to call the warranty company back for the same problem that they had just supposedly fixed. It's disappointing how inept the dealers are at reading TSB's (or diagnosing problems in general).

Take it to an independent shop - especially if the dealer is stumped.

yup..had this problem 2 years ago..i would hear the whine only in my then large indoor parking lot.. (had a fabspeed loud so hearing anything aside for exhaust was impossible).
the problem was the power steering reservior. was replaced under warranty. take it to a good independent shop thats familiar with the car and they will fix it.

Thanks to all for your replies/advice. Local Porsche specialist have looked into existance of official bulletin (thru old friend at dealership) and it does appear to be the valve in the power steering reservoir (not a separate part 'ard'), Porsche themselves recomend replacement with 997 res. ? @ about £750.00 !! non-warrantable... but not critical either so will ignore for a couple of months before replacing !!!!

I would get it taken care of immediately......I believe a member on this board had his 996tt burn to the ground because of this problem.

I had a mysterious 'whine' while cruising at freeway speeds. Turned out to be wheel bearings. Replaced the bearings and noise went away.

If it can cause the pump to leak fluid then it is critical. Pentosin is HIGHLY flammable.

You previously said that they did some repairs for this specific problem. Were those repairs under warranty? If so, this current issue is the same problem and is (at least here in the USA) under the warranty that was in effect when the complaint was first documented.

GL


Oh, they said it was "fine to drive"??? Read this:
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-last-oct.html

Not sure I'd trust your P dealer on this...

A

Has anyone every replaced this part themselves?
any instructions on how to?

+2

I had the identical problem, and could replicate it on demand by reving to 3k and slowly easing off down to idle.

Interesting supply stories from the dealership on the fix part, but ended up just using a 997 part and all is well.