"02996ttx50

that, i couldn't say. i will say, that i imagine that people might tend to speak of problems they may have, rather than make mention of those they do not.

do you believe them to be ( relatively ) trouble free? or do you agree, they may be largely problematic? i never had problems ( or ever heard of ) with my c2 or 993 wings, which also deployed at speed.

Dock

Sure, over the years I've read of some owners having issues with the rear spoiler, some electric, some hydraulic. Some problems resolved on their own and some required repair.

But I'm not sure your sample size is large enough to come up with a "common problem" tag for the 996 Turbo series as a whole.

Dock

I don't have the data that indicates one way or the other.

"02996ttx50

i suspected that was where you were headed with that, but am still convinced otherwise. i have indeed heard of problems with the microswitches ( electric? ) and then the rams ( hydraulic? ) also leak or get stuck or don't fully retract or become "lopsided" when they do deploy and retract. i've had all those mentioned. all but the switches go bad.. then there's the motor that power the rams... and well.. also, i've never heard of the problems once they begin, resolve themselves? that's new to me. as to repair? as you probably know, the system is so robust, porsche simply replaces the entire mechanism/unit rams and all, and won't mess with component parts ( other than the microswitch ).

again, my experience, not anecdotal.

actually, i don't really believe you don't believe they are problematic.. but yeah, not a problem,.. ok sure.

SSST

In my sample size of 1, mine has been trouble free for 7 1/2 years.

One thing I know about hydraulic mechanisms in general, is that they last longer when used regularly and the area around the seals is kept clean. When not used regularly, the seals on the rams get dry and crack. Use keeps them lubricated and functioning properly. The clean part keeps dirt and grit from working between the ran and seal and compromising the seal.

At least that logic hold true on boats and tractors. I don't imagine Porsche hydraulics are any different.

wross996tt

No problems with mine...I have the Strosek blade with the stock mechanism...7.5 years not a single issue with it.

Letmebegus

Out of fears created from general superstitions, there may be a decent population that doesn't want to talk about their rear spoiler.

"02996ttx50

completely agree on use/non use as a factor.

i'm as diligent in my "care" of my spoiler, as one would expect of someone who checks all fluids on a near daily basis, i.e. obssessive. by "care" i refer simply to cleaning the stanchions, and lightly lubing them with a spray silicone, ( monthly or as it strikes me ) to ensure the seals are lubed, and yes, free of residue/dirt. this does seem to minimize the ( occasional ) uneven travel of the wing. i also do not allow the spoiler to deploy in outside temps lower than 45 or so, as my first problems occurred ( perhaps coincidentally ) at very low outside temps. but i'm told seals don't like cold weather. at least not on space shuttles.

as for leaky rams, which again i characterize as "common" ( and which thankfully this car has not *yet* exhibited )... any repair or maintenance of those is beyond my capability, though some have been successful in their repair of them, but that apparently, is hit or miss. in fact, many people ( and pcna? ) don't want to mess with them at all. yet, there are DIY spoiler repair/maintenance "how to's" that i've seen. many of us have been less fortunate than you and dock, clearly.

there is also ( as i'm sure we all know...) the "fixed wing solution" which removes the mechanism(s) altogether, and fixes the wing in a raised position, available for quite some time on ebay, and successfully sold to many.

i wonder why anyone thought this might be a salable item?

you guys are just lucky.

"02996ttx50

well, it could well be the automotive equivalent of erectile dysfunction, so reluctance to admit there might be a problem, is completely understandable.

but i have no shame.

Dock

I have never put any lube on my 996 Turbo's spoiler rams.

Dock

7.5 years, 7.5 years, and 10 years...all without a single issue.

Luck has nothing to do with it.

"02996ttx50

so,..using your numbers, out of four guys, we have a failure rate of 25%. yes dock. it's brilliantly designed and never prone to failure. laughable.

Dock

You said..."you guys are just lucky", and that's what I responded to; the "you guys" track record.

Get it?

"02996ttx50

i meant "lucky" relative to your experiences with your 996t spoiler's functionality. not as a fixed condition of being. lol. get it?

Dock

That's what I was replying to.