Waybo

Hi all,

I recenly acquired a 1985s with 31,000 original miles. It was garaged and maintained its entire life - and it shows.

The car has one issue - it has a vibration that seems to be coming from the front end, and more so when under load.

I took the car to a local Porsche dealer and they think it may be the torque tube, which they wat over $3000 for. Frankly the $3000 doen'st kill me, if it would fix the issue, but they seemed non commital. They also thought it could be a wheel out of balance, or that the engine was running a bit rough. I certianly would rule those two items oput before spending the 3 grand!!

I also know motor mounts can be an issue, they checked this and said they were fine. Obviously, I am going to research this further with some other mechanics or dealers, but would love any advice from the group as to what we should be looking for.

I also have a couple of dopey questions about keys. What was the logic about the non-alarm red key? Also, does anyone know a source for an OEM wheel lock key blank?

Many thanks!!

Wayne

Airflite40

Not mean to be rude, but have you read the new member FAQ????
Add your location to your profile so other members in your area can chime in on a trusted 928 shop. Most members can tell you why they would never take their 928 to a dealer.

Oh yeah, and become a member if you haven't already done so, the best $17.95 (or whatever it is) I ever spent on my car!!!

IcemanG17

Wayne
It does sound like a torque tube bearing gone bad...I also thought motor mounts...but thats not it? Its a safe bet to change the TT and replace the torque convertor bearings while your at it. Assuming its an automatic.

It could be a wheel bearing...but that would be consistant with speed....since the noise changes with engine load....it sounds more like the TT.... Try this: (car parked of course) put the car in neutral and rev the engine...do you feel the vibration? Does it get worse with RPM's.....if the answer is yes...thats the TT

The non alarmed red key was the "valet" key? Wheel lock keys are harder...but try 928intl!

Jim R.

Wayne,

Welcome and good luck with the new car.

Keep the car away from the dealer/stealer at all costs!

My first guess is worn out and collapsed original motor mounts which will transmit a lot of vibration to the car(oilpan basically resting on crossmember). The torque tube should be fine with those low miles. A tune up may be in order, as well as looking at when the TB service was last done for preventative maintenence.

Jim

Jim_H

First you need to state what town or city you are near - maybe someone will know a legitimate 928 mechanic or knowledgable member is nearby.
Is it an auto or manual?

Seems 30k miles is real early for TT failure.

Jim_H

What Jim R said

Waybo

No offense taken Airflite....My location is Long Island, NY. By the way, I did already join, but haven't recieved the details yet. The "instant membership" is not available at this time.

In response to the other posters, the car is an automatic and I would love some reccomendations for mechanics. I live in the Smithtown area, and work in Syosset....

Thanks again!

Waybo

By the way the Timing Belt servie was performed at 30,000.....

deliriousga

What Brian & Jim R said.

Even if it's not the mounts, I'd look at replacing them unless the PO has done it recently. For comparison, if you had a set of tires you bought 20 years ago and didn't use, would you put them on the car? Rubber is not the same 20 years later so I'd consider replacing them if they are original with 928 Motorsports' solid mounts ($90/pair) or the Anchor 2698 solid or hydraulic mounts ($36/par + hardware) if you want to save a few bucks but spend more time getting the hardware.

Since it has been sitting a lot, there are many things that could be giving you trouble.

Jim R.

Waybo,

Try SM Motorsports in New Hyde Park. 516-775-8655. They just did MM's on a local S4. I have never used them, I prefer to do my own work.

Also, I have used Rudner's European Auto, Freeport. 516 378-8769. They did my inspections, dyno tuning, and AC work. They are not cheap, but do good work. They do not specialize in 928's, but do have the 928 factory shop manuals and are not afraid to use them. Bill Rudner is the owner and a good guy.

Jim

Airflite40

Nice Pic, WELCOME!!

Green Goblin

How old are the tires on this baby, could be flat spots.

AO

First thing is to take it to your car local tire shop (Not the P-car dealer) and have them inspect the tires by looking at the date codes - and make sure they aren't over 6 years old. If they are, REPLACE THEM! You don't want to drive 100+ on old tires, trust me. If the look okay have them rebalanced - preferably road force balanced on a Hunter machine. If they are balanced (and you can determine not flat-spotted) then start looking elsewhere. I'll bet a case of suds it's not the TT! If it's not tires or wheels, then it's most likely suspension components like loose ball joints, busted drop links, etc. But before I list off a 100 other reasons, get the tires and wheels checked out.

I bought my GT about 6 months ago and it had 2-year old tires on it. Sure there was tread, but they had only been driven 2k miles in 2 years! Flat spotted like hell! New tires was the cure (road-force balanced of course). BTW, did I say to get them road force balanced? World of diference!

Oldtee

Read, find out about and ask any Porsche 928 shop about the flex plate issue. It is pretty easy to check. Have the "loc tite" treatment.

Daniel Dudley

If you do have your local Porsche dealer work on the car, make sure they have a trained 928 mechanic on board. The dealer can screw up your car as well as anyone and most of the current crop of Porsche mechanics were still on tricycles when your car was made. Experienced 928 mechanics are worth cultivating.