manny_g

have you guys experienced this..? at idle you can hear a distinct knocking/rattling noise coming from the engine compartment. sounds like it may be a pulley/belt..?? any feedback appreciated...thanks

Dock

It's (generally) normal.

C DeVito

Unfortunately it seems normal. I've had people tell me it's too bad you can't hear the exhaust over the engine noise.

ltc

Intermediate shaft perhaps?

tdub

yep

manny_g

can you please elaborate...?

ltc

Do a search in this forum for "intermediate shaft".
There is a thread from PorschePhD of a 996TT engine assembly that shows it in one of the many excellent pictures.
Other search results describe the noise.

mmmmmm

The noise on mine is louder by the passenger side of the engine.

T2

Not the power steering reservoir is it?? T2

TT Surgeon

Sounds like the IS to me, they have a lot of slop, common.

Dock

Get a LWFW and it will mask the engine noise.

tdub

I had a guy pull up next to me at a light the other day on a new ducati crotch rocket
and the clanging it was making at idle was unbelieveable. Made my TT sound like silk.

TW

vyper340

LOL

roadsterdoc

If it were driven by a chain or belt it would not be as noisy...but it would also not be as reliable or accurate. There is no slop in gears...just noise. Ever hear a hotrod V8 that had the chains replaced with a gear kit? Sounds like doomsday!

TT Surgeon

The 'slop' I'm refering to in the IS is the amount of anterior /posterior play built into the setup, as it wears, the bolts loosen, the noise gets louder. If it has enough play it will snap.