mrandell

When I start the car after 3+ days, it sounds the same as a PS pump (or any fluid pump) running dry. It's loud for 1-4 seconds and then quiets down. Consistent with a pump starting dry. I've topped off oil, coolant and PS fluid (needed 0.5 liter!), but still get this noise on start up. I had this happen on another car, ignored it, and ended up paying $2,500 for a new steering system (pump, rack, every hose and reservoir).

I rationalized this for a while but can't anymore without some reassurance or a way to fix it, so here we are (and thank you for helping).

I drive my car about twice a week. It gets opened up now and again but no racing and nothing all that jerky. I'm a wimp on the clutch, and at this rate, I'll bring it with me to use on my next car I'm in Austin where the temperatures are over 100 in the summer so I don't drive as much unless it's early or rained the day before.

Do all these cars start loud? I'm out of fluids to check (oil, PS Fluid and Coolant...am I forgetting anything?) but this is also my first dry sump car, so maybe it's oil circulating but my guesses are unproductive at this point.

Carlo_Carrera

Can you post an audio clip of the sound? Is this different than the normal Mezger timing chain rattle?

QwikKotaTX

I would say the engine ramping up on cold start is loud compared to most cars and when previously warmed up but it's engine noise, not specific pump noise.

vtec_

The timing chain goes dry if you let it sit for more than a day in hot weather and it will rattle until it gets oil on it again.

Sounds normal to me.

Mind posting a video or sound clip of it?

Bernard IV

Post a video to YouTube and we will check it out.

mrandell

Thanks everyone for the heads up. Been working all day but I started it up and of course it didn't make the sound but for a second....but here it is.

Carlo_Carrera

Sounds normal to me.

Bernard IV

I think I maybe faintly hear the power steering pump cavitating or something.

Carlo_Carrera

Three was a recall on steering pumps back these car were new but that was due to a tea kettle type sounds.

mrandell

Thanks everyone. I'll remember to record it when it's been more than a few days of non-use. I'll go with the timing chain for now.

jpflip

At start, look at the oil pressure gauge if the noise stop as soon the pressure rise, welcome to the club! I live with this "growling on start" since I bought the car in 2008.... It happen only after a couple of days sitting in the garage.... I also tried all kind of oil and viscosity and could not stop it from happening.... Good luck....
See post#34: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-turb...tart-up-3.html

Kevin Reilly

See 4:40 in this older YT video about the sound at start:

mrandell

This is really helpful. I'll keep an eye on the oil pressure gauge. It's usually at 2 during idle and goes to 4-5 under throttle.

Still going to keep an eye on everything but no longer afraid to start it up. Thanks everyone.