After first few days with my 996tt I started to hear a noise - wonder if any of you guys experienced anything like this.

It sounds like a whine, maybe kind of a lower whine, not really high pitched, maybe a bit similar to a faulty bearing, coming from behind. It is not there at all when I am coasting or just cruising at around 2k rpms, but when I gently press the gas pedal and try to accelerate it appears in the back and can be heard all the time up to the red line or till my exhaust gets louder than that noise.

It is much louder and more noticeable in 4th, 5th or 6th gear, especially when the speed is a bit on the low side for these gears.

It totally dissapears when clutch is engaged.

Clutch seems to bite fine, no signs of slipping, no problems changing gears, car drives nice - it just produces this noise!

Should I start to prepare myself for a gearbox job?

Any ideas?

 

Well known issue...power steering whine
see here

 

Hmm I have checked my Pentosin fluid level today and it is way below the correct level, only like 3-4 mm of the dipstick is wet - does it confirm the diagnose you think?

I would actually expect a higher toned whine from power steering, this really sounds like something in the transmission.

Of course I'd prefer it to be power steering related

 

I hope is the power steering and fixes fulling with Pentosin,otherwise sound expensive.

Good luck

 

Sounds like the PS reservoir valve. There's a TSB on it. The solution is a new unit.

 

I have this too though mine doesn't sound as pronounced as yours. Once I start moving it goes away. Anyone know the cost of replacement? Or would it be covered because there's a TSB on it? I don't know how it works once the warranty is over on a vehicle.

Edit: nvm answered my own question. Tsb isn't the same as a recall so if you're out of warraty you are sol unless you get a hookup from the dealer. May have to try this diy.

 

So I guess I will try to refill it with Pentosin on monday and see if it helps.

If not do I need to change both the pump and reservoir or just the reservoir?

 

I had this a few years ago after I took my car out to the drag strip. I beleive it was a transmission seal of some sort that I had repaired. It definitely was related to the transmission though.
The shop did say it wasnt anything that would change the or hurt the drivablity of the car.

 

Thanks for replies guys.

I tried to video the noise today, please see if you can hear it, this particular vid shows nicely how you cannot hear it in 1st and 2nd and then it starts in 3rd.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVLadSphDNc

You can hear it best at around 0:26-0:28

 

One more vid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsKBZRKKkfQ

 

Can you cut and paste that power steering reservoir fix? I can't get the link to work.

BTW, Thanks to all who contribute. I am new to my 996 TT and the wealth of knowledge here is better than any mechanic.

 

Here's the reservoir TSB.

And to the OP- that is NOT the reservoir noise. Sounds like a bearing in the gearbox to me.

 

Exactly what it sounds like to me...as well.

 

Got it diagnosed guys, thanks.

It is a thrust bearing in the gearbox.

It will soon be replaced.

 

Thanks!!!