How difficult is it to remove the door panel without ruining the side airbag? I read the instructions on the RennTech.org page - about disconnecting the battery etc. but is this really a DIY job? The rattle is driving me crazy - sounds like a bolt or bracket or something that is loose. The noise is consistent at around 1900 rpms or when traveling on bumpy roads.

As the car has 31K miles on it (16K on the engine due to a replace) I'd like to keep it around a while longer.

Also, does anyone know how much it would cost to have the front end re-painted? I do a lot of highway driving and the hood and fenders are quite dinged up. How difficult would it be to match the colors? Any one have any suggestions on a shop to have this done? I live in N/Central Jersey.

Thanks,

 

Wow, we have the same color car and similar issues. I had my engine replaced, I have a rattle in my drivers door. I took my drivers door off but could not find the rattle. It is a pretty easy job. I was a little nervous when I started, but it turned out to be cake. Just follow the directions and you will be fine. I had my front bumper and hood resprayed because of stone chips. Cost around $800.

 

What happened to your engine?

I purchased my car from a wholesaler and three days later the car just died. I called manhattan motor cars (where the car was originally purchased) and had them fax me all of the service records and nothing stood out. I had the car towed to Paul Miller and they determined that a "new" engine was needed. Since then no problems other than a loose pulley assembly which was replaced.

The rattle appeared about six months ago and appears to be getting worse by the day. Its very noticeable and appears to be coming from the center of the passenger door. When you pulled your panel did you use the instructions from RennTech? They mention something about replacing certain portions of the membrane etc. Did you really do that? I'm curious because I'd really like to tackle this over the labor day weekend.

Also, where did you have your car painted? For $800 I'd love to have the hood and fenders re-done. Did you put anything on the front end to protect it afterwards?

 

if your car is still under warranty have the dealer do it. It could be a speaker clip. It has happened on both my 996 and boxster.

 

Thanks for the tip about the speaker clips.

Unfortunately the car is out of warranty - I have an extended warranty but I don't know if that would be covered. This morning I pressed against the carpeted section of the door just beneath the arm rest and the noise seemed to stop or at least was reduced.