My 997.1 Tip gearbox has developed an oil leak that my local Porsche service centre can't seem to plug.

They've replaced the sump gasket twice, but as you can see in the photos the oil is still finding its way out. I also suspect there's a minor leak between the trans and the torque converter.

My car is well out of warranty, so I'll be fronting the bill. The general consensus seems to be to get the box rebuilt, which then gives the options of upgrading clutch packs etc, although I don't plan on any major increases in power.

Would appreciate any guidance in this area.

Edit: The fix can be seen in this how to video I found on YouTube:

 

ask POrsche. they are usually pretty nice.

 

Thanks for the tip. I've had them try twice to fix it, hence reaching out for a second opinion.

 

I say that because porsche usually gives a good will ONCE.. SO they might give you a new one.

 

Sorry dude. Had the same thing happen to mine as well as my neighbor's (996 turbo tip) around 33K miles. Apparently there's some gasket that can't be repaired and the only way to fix it is to replace the entire transmission (that's what they told me). Seems to be the only Achilles heel (albeit a big one) for the tip. I was lucky mine was still under warranty. If you search this and other forums, I recall someone finding a vendor or mechanic that could actually repair it without replacing it. Good luck as I know the dealer charges $15K for a new tip

 

Do you have a reputable local repair shop you can reach out to, e.g. one that is familiar with Porsche and has years of experience working on these vehicles?

If the dealer has tried twice, that would be my next step before opting to replace everything. Can't hurt to get a second opinion.

 

Thanks. Found a local transmission specialist who I will get to take a look. They've sorted a 996 tip trans recently and did a decent job so hopeful. Not a major leak so no rush. Appreciate the feedback from everyone.

 

Hi,

The tip box in the 997 turbo is actually a mercedes gearbox, 722.6.

I think there is no reason it needs to be replaced unless you find copper coloured metal in the fluid.

The leak could be from the plug adapter for the cable to the TCU. Other than that look online for mercedes with the same issue and you'll probably find tons more information regarding the leak. As i said the gear box code is 722.6.

 

Thanks for the tip, will check out the plug. Was aware it was a merc box but didn't know the code. Appreciate your help.

 

Thanks so much for the tip on the plug being a possible culprit. Haven't confirmed but talk to the local merc trans specialist as a result and everything is pointing at this being the case. Find out Friday, fingers crossed!

 

This is good information! And agree to try the option.

I think one of the BIG misrepresentations/misundertsandings here is that these transmissions CANNOT BE REPAIRED... That is simply not true, and I think this belief was started from the fact that PORSCHE CHOSE not to repair under their warranties based on an agreement with their supplier. Their process was simply... - have problem - send back - get new one. But that was how they chose to handle these issues, not because the transmissions were not repairable...It is just Porsche's process they chose.

Again, great info.

Good Luck nzskater!

DC

 

What Rock says is true. Porsche would rather not fix them at the dealer. Probably because so few of their Techs are qualified let alone gold techs. Most leave after filling the silver blocks.
There are plenty of people that will fix or rebuild the tranny including a guy in arizona Havasu

 

Car is back in my hands. 5 hours of labour and $50 in parts, and the leak is no more. It was the connector as suspected. Thanks for the guidance!! Recommendation from Porsche was to drop the trans and potentially rebuild, which wouldn't have solved the issue and cost a ton. So glad I had a transmission specialist check it out. Appreciate everyone's help!

To anyone in Auckland NZ; if you have this issue, or any other with a tiptronic box, go to AutoTrans on New North Road. Highly recommended.

 

Glad it worked out. So valuable how people here rally to assist those in need

 

Glad to hear it, 5 hours labour is a bit steep thought...

Maybe you can be the first person to give me some rep power