My 2003 996tt manual with 20,000 miles has developed a high pinch whine when warm it goes away by depressing the clutch.
Any thoughts what it could be?

 

Is it related to engine speed? Possibly clutch component like the throw out bearing.....

 

If the sound is coming from the right side of the engine like a whistling sound, it is your power steering reservoir.

 

Check your power steering reservoir level. May be this help:

 

In the case of my 2003 Turbo it was the power steering tank, well, the pressure control valve mentioned in the Tech Info.

Tech replaced the tank and the noise was gone and has not returned. That was at least 50K miles ago and could be nearly 100K miles ago.

 

Thanks this is what it looks like,is the reservoir serviceable or has to be replaced?
quite expensive though

 

Had the exact same symptoms 2x. Once low on fluid... Once replaced reservoir. Problem solved ! Also low milage car at about 18k miles.

 

If the level is low, refill to top mark and try it! If the noise is still there you will have to replace the reservoir. The supersede number is 997-314-920-50 and yes it is expensive, around $600.00!

 

will this work??? Land Rover Discovery 3 L319 Power Steering Fluid Cold Clim Part# STC50519

 

Exact same symptoms on my 04 996tt with 27k miles. However, I found a used reservoir top from a 997 and just replaced the top, and replaced the fluid. No more noise after 2k miles.

 

TSB 4897 the legendary PS res WHINE and dealt with by most older owners lol.