Strange noise coming from my '06 Boxster (video)
09-26-2013, 10:55 PM
#1
1st Gear
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Strange noise coming from my '06 Boxster (video)
I own an ’06 Boxster with 16,000 miles. It recently started making some strange noises. I am curious if anyone may be able to recognize the noise and point me in the right direction in terms of fixing it.
The first video shows a noise that comes from the engine compartment when the engine is cold. To reproduce, I start the vehicle after having been off for a couple hours. Either driving or parked, I rev the engine to about 3,000 RPMs for approximately one minute. Then, I slowly lower the RPMs until I get to exactly 2,200 RPMs, at which time this whiny noise starts. If I can hold the RPMs steady at 2,200 RPMs, the noise will remain prevalent. If I continue to lower the RPMs, the noise will fade by 2,000 RPMs. It always starts at exactly 2,200 RPMs. The noise occurs regardless of whether the vehicle is in gear or not, regardless of whether the vehicle is in motion or not, and regardless of whether I am on the clutch or not. After about five minutes of operation, the noise disappears not to be heard again until the next time I start the engine cold. It has been doing this for about 3 months now, though I only drive the car about twice a week on average. The sound seems as though it is coming from the engine compartment, though I cannot pinpoint whether it is stronger on the left or right side. For what it’s worth, it seems as though the noise is exterior to the engine though I’m not an expert so don’t take this as fact.
Video #1:
The second video shows a more recent noise that started coming from the engine compartment. It happens all the time, regardless of whether the engine is hot or cold. It happens whenever I hit the accelerator with a fair amount of force. As the engine begins to rev up, it makes this high pitched sound for a split second. It also happens regardless of whether the vehicle is in gear or not, regardless of whether the vehicle is in motion or not, and regardless of whether I am on the clutch or not. All I have to do is quickly hit the gas pedal at any point and it will make the sound, whether I’m stopped at a traffic light or accelerating while already in motion. Again, the sound seems as though it is coming from the engine compartment, though I cannot pinpoint whether it is stronger on the left or right side. And again for what it’s worth, it seems as though the noise is exterior to the engine though I’m not an expert.
Video #2:
Thank you in advance for any insight you may be able to provide!
The first video shows a noise that comes from the engine compartment when the engine is cold. To reproduce, I start the vehicle after having been off for a couple hours. Either driving or parked, I rev the engine to about 3,000 RPMs for approximately one minute. Then, I slowly lower the RPMs until I get to exactly 2,200 RPMs, at which time this whiny noise starts. If I can hold the RPMs steady at 2,200 RPMs, the noise will remain prevalent. If I continue to lower the RPMs, the noise will fade by 2,000 RPMs. It always starts at exactly 2,200 RPMs. The noise occurs regardless of whether the vehicle is in gear or not, regardless of whether the vehicle is in motion or not, and regardless of whether I am on the clutch or not. After about five minutes of operation, the noise disappears not to be heard again until the next time I start the engine cold. It has been doing this for about 3 months now, though I only drive the car about twice a week on average. The sound seems as though it is coming from the engine compartment, though I cannot pinpoint whether it is stronger on the left or right side. For what it’s worth, it seems as though the noise is exterior to the engine though I’m not an expert so don’t take this as fact.
Video #1:
The second video shows a more recent noise that started coming from the engine compartment. It happens all the time, regardless of whether the engine is hot or cold. It happens whenever I hit the accelerator with a fair amount of force. As the engine begins to rev up, it makes this high pitched sound for a split second. It also happens regardless of whether the vehicle is in gear or not, regardless of whether the vehicle is in motion or not, and regardless of whether I am on the clutch or not. All I have to do is quickly hit the gas pedal at any point and it will make the sound, whether I’m stopped at a traffic light or accelerating while already in motion. Again, the sound seems as though it is coming from the engine compartment, though I cannot pinpoint whether it is stronger on the left or right side. And again for what it’s worth, it seems as though the noise is exterior to the engine though I’m not an expert.
Video #2:
Thank you in advance for any insight you may be able to provide!
09-27-2013, 09:21 AM
#2
I'm far from an expert, but sounds like something in the accessory drive- water pump, alternator, PS pump. My 04 started making some noises and it turned out to be the water pump bearing. It was also seeping coolant. If it were something internal to the engine, like in the valve train it would be more likely to give you a CEL. Do you have a good indy mechanic nearby? Good experienced guys can often get a good lead on the problem just from listening. Best of luck.
09-27-2013, 12:13 PM
#4
Race Director
Someone's going to have to get his hands dirty. A cheap test is to remove the serpentine belt -- noting its routing and direction of rotation so it can be installed back exactly the way it was -- and starting the cold engine and noting if the sounds are still present.
In this case I suspect they will not be.
The first noise sounds like an accessory drive.
If the belt has a sharp edge that's a sign it is not tracking properly and that's due to a bad accessory drive with bearing play that allows the pulley to move out of position. Often the water pump is the source of the tracking problem and the noise.
If no sharp edge then the idler or tensioner roller bearings come into question.
I'd try to id the source of the first noise then fix this then see if the 2nd noise is still present and if one can derive any better sense of what it is where it comes from.
Ideally the car needs to be on a lift with someone able to listen underneath with a stethoscope if necessary to pinpoint where the noise is coming from.
In this case I suspect they will not be.
The first noise sounds like an accessory drive.
If the belt has a sharp edge that's a sign it is not tracking properly and that's due to a bad accessory drive with bearing play that allows the pulley to move out of position. Often the water pump is the source of the tracking problem and the noise.
If no sharp edge then the idler or tensioner roller bearings come into question.
I'd try to id the source of the first noise then fix this then see if the 2nd noise is still present and if one can derive any better sense of what it is where it comes from.
Ideally the car needs to be on a lift with someone able to listen underneath with a stethoscope if necessary to pinpoint where the noise is coming from.
