997.2 C4S : Cold weather, "squeaking" noise from front wheels when turning sharp
 

Lately it's been around 0-5C (32-41F) where I have my car parked and I have noticed that when I reverse out of the parking booth and turn to the left (or right for that matter) at very low speeds, the front wheels are making a squeaking noise almost like they are not turning at a different speed than that of the opposite wheel (makes sense?). This is not only when reversing but also when in Drive and again only at very low speeds.

Is this something I need to have checked out (still under warranty but will extend for a year) or is it (as I think I have read elsewhere) a design flaw from Porsche and nothing but an embarrassment... Again, this is only at very slow speeds and sharp turns.

Anyone have something to share on the topic?

It's still a 2009 997.2 PDK C4S...

Most AWD cars do that when they are cold due to the tires crabbing, Audis do it really bad. Car has been sitting and tires are cold, and you make sharp turns in the wheel at parking lot speeds. Don't worry about it.

Thanks for your reply DC911S... I just don't recall having the same sound(s) with my old 996 C4S back then but I believe what you're saying... Again, it's not a "something-is-seriously-going-wrong" sound...

Not only does the inside wheel turn at a different speed than the outside wheel, the insides of the tires turn at a different speed than the outsides (of the same tire). Somethings got to give. When cold, summer performance tires "squeak" when they give. These tires are generally specified for higher ambient temperature. Winter tires tend to eliminate the noise.

The above is a very partial explanation. There is a lot of previous discussion on this topic on this Forum. Try the search key for additional reading.

BTW, this is not limited to only AWD cars.

Do a search for Ackerman effect and you'll see it's completely normal and has to do with the design of the front suspension geometry. Usually it's described more as a clunk or pop than a squeak but I'm sure it's the same thing. Backing up with lots of steering angle at low speed when it's cold out. Nothing to worry about.

Normal

Cold weather 0-5C?? Was -33 here last week.

Wimp :thumbsup: