I have no idea if those sizes would cause a problem or not. It sounds like somebody has used them without issue. Porsche never offered the 997 with a 20" wheel. So while these sizes may be "confirmed proper sizes" by somebody, they weren't confirmed by the manufacturer. The OE wheels and tires on the 997 TT were smaller.

I'm not trying to argue about whether they will cause problems or not; I just thought that this was important to mention.

 

I have further info on the front axle:

On the front left axle, the outer cv boot is torn open and the cv joint is worn and has excessive play. The front differential also has a lot of play and there is a lot of clunking noise coming from it internally.

Unlike some other board members - there are no leaks.

Hey Dennis, good to note for sure. But, nope - the wheel sizes were definitely not the cause. That I'm sure of.

 

Oh you are doing this on 20s? I thought you were doing it on 19. I wouldn't put a 20 inch rim on a 997.

 

That's good. The front differential can obviously fail for other reasons. I always ran the tire sizes recommended by Porsche on my C4S and I still experienced a failure. I also changed the differential oil on the recommended schedule, using the recommended oil.

Stuff happens...

 

Well it's Day 2 and no real good news.

The used Diff that arrived, and once unpackaged has been shipped damaged.
As you can see the mounting point experienced some sheering, probably from a front end collision.

The part itself seems to function OK. It doesn't have the excessive play that my original part has, but we will only know for sure once it's in and tested.

I've decided to take it to a welding specialist shop and have them weld it up - for a whopping $400! Clearly welders make more then brain surgeons. Oh and there's no guarantee on the weld. The parts distributor has agreed to refund 250 US, which made the decision easier, as opposed to shipping it back and paying duties again (I'm in Canada).

 

Hmmm...not sure how strong the weld can hold. It seems a lot of stress into those mounting holes. I wouldn't take a chance but good luck if you have to.

 

Mine didn't clunk, but it would whir whir whir whir that was audible at certain speeds. It got louder and louder over time. 2011 TTS with 17K on the odo. Stock (original tires) actually. No actual incident ever triggered it initially. I just started to gradually hear it. I thought it was the diff... took it in before factory warrantee expired and they told me metal shavings all over the inside of the diff. Got a new diff - was supposedly about 7.5K. Then right before factory warrantee expired, signed up for another 5 year warrantee.

They told me they never encountered this problem before... I guess I'm not the only one now.

 

So got it back and just went for a quick spin - everything seems ok.
Will thrash it around a bit harder tomorrow. So far so good.

Final result for repairing the mounting holes was just under 500. Crazy expensive. I'm guessing after the weld they had to re-drill and thread the hole, who knows!?

 

Yikes Dude, Good Luck.


I like the "Brain surgeon" reference. I think your right. Keep us posted.

 

Thanks! I'm hoping that this thread remains closed for a while...
I have a whole bunch of "go-fast" goodies to install, but holding off for around two weeks. Want to be absolutely sure this fix is good.

Two weeks from now, onto the fun stuff... (parts are sitting and gathering dust)

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ercoolers.html

 

I'm sure the dust from this tread will settle once your other parts are installed and verified.


I have seen a few guys try and beat the 997.1 trans controls or PCM on this topic. Still waiting for a concrete answer on a true "Delete."

 

I'm back to full AWD with a replacement (used and repaired) front diff. All working... for now

 

I already told guys how this works. Call trophy performance in Las vegas for details.
Most of my comments come from guys at the track every week that build their cars. Not from a dude that brings his car to X and has him do the work then becomes and expert on it.
In the past 6 months I have had front dif, engine and tranny out of my car, not on my own. You dont see me on here telling you how to drop it like some guys on here would. I mean if I did it to a 996 it must be the same on a 997? and a local street racer should have more knowledge on how to build a tranny than a guy who builds them for the NHRA right and won at all levels as a crew chief and ended as a designer for pro stock bikes.

You know this isnt at you elite1. I got my software fyi, wont have it installed for a few weeks.

 

Fingers crossed for you Pure.


How long did it take the guy to weld it (and take your $500, lol)? Brain surgeons in Canada aren't paid badly but not great considering what they are doing...but then again they won't offer any guarantee either, lol.

 

^



F'in LOL!!!! My eye's are even watering!!!!

I had a plumber come out to the casa to install a new pea trap and snake the kitchen sink after our daughter's baby sitter put all the pumpkin guts down the sink and then clogged the garbage disposal...he was there 1 hour and fifteenth minutes... $355 later....WTF... two hour minimum charge for after hour calls...