pontoon944

Apologies if this is a "oh no not again" question. I've recently bought a 1988 944 and today I've noticed an odd noise towards the back of the car when the car is idling - sounds a bit like something turning which, when I put the clutch in, slows down and then stops. It's driving as beautifully as ever. Can anyone solve the mystery for me please?

zoltan944

not sure exactly but definantly sounds like noisy clutch. how loud is the noise?

pontoon944

Its just above normal engine noise but obvious when it stops and it definitely slows to a stop when you put the clutch in - it doesn't stop immediately. It's not at "sounds too scary to drive" levels. Hope this helps.

JimV8

I wouldn't worry too much these cars make noises like that. Sort of a rattle, maybe the heat shields bumping the torque tube.

pontoon944

Thanks for your help. I was a bit worried as I hadn't heard it before today - I've only had the car a couple of weeks and I want to keep it forever!!

Tom R.

pilot bearing?

JimV8

I doubt it could be the pilot bearing as that would likely cause noise when the clutch is pressed. It possibly could be the TT bearings though. If it makes noise in neutral with clutch engaged then it points to the throw out bearing. Ask me how I know. Just wondering out loud. Does the transaxle leak at all. If so it may be low and needs a refill.

yellowline

5th gear is known for having a high tolerance set from the factory. It sometimes makes a little noise at idle. Porsche dismissed this as normal after having too many warranty repairs and owner complaints.

I would also second the torque tube bearing diagnosis. Would also recommend changing trans fluid. There's plenty of discussion and information on that if you search here.

It is tricky to diagnose drivetrain noises because the TT amplifies everything.

bjzorn

Yup I agree with Joel. 5th gear has a high tolorance and it does rattle. I wouldn't worry to much about it. These cars do amplify sounds alot.

pontoon944

Car has no leaks whatsoever - it definitely sounds like something going round and round that slows down to a stop when I push the clutch down. Takes a few seconds after the clutch is fully depressed to come to a complete stop. Had an expensive experience with a previous car (not porsche) - turned out the fact it was cutting out on full lock meant the engine was on its way out... so now if I hear a strange noise I worry! Thanks for all your help - I'll take a look at the torque tube bearing info.

FRporscheman

So you're hearing these noises while the car is stopped?

I say it's either 5th gear or the TT bearings. Either way, it's not a huge problem and you can just continue driving the car. The TT bearings are a PITA to replace, possibly the hardest job on the whole car! And the old bearings will work OK they just make noise. If you haven't done so recently, go ahead and change your trans fluid. It's good for the car, cheap, and might reduce the 5th gear rattle. Use a 75w-90 oil of a brand of your choosing. Redline MT-90 and Swepco 201 are the popular "favorites", and usually improve noise and feel immediately. People who have actually found and paid for Amsoil say that it's the best out there.

pontoon944

Thanks to everyone for your help and advice - it's really appreciated

Wilz951

I have the exact same noise in my 951 here in germany, i have 177,000km on mine, and it gets worse when the car is colder. I put Synthetic Royal Purple 75w90 in it and it quietend it down for about a week or two, but now it is back. I does not sound terminal, but yes it sounds a little worrying.
My 83 NA did not have this noise.