Newbie says hello... and can you help?

Just a quick hello from a newbie user on the forum! I've been lurking around for a while but I thought it only polite to make myself known and say what a great forum this is. I'm currently the proud owner of a 996C4 after two Boxsters (2.7 and 3.2) and loving (almost) every minute. I've got a couple of items on the list I'd like to upgrade but want to get one or two small issues sorted first. And I'm sure I've come to the right place for help Firstly, I have a creaking noise coming from the front windscreen. I've done a search and it appears that fitting a piece of rubber cord fixes this - mentioned in TSB 6420. Please can someone tell me what TSB means and where I might get this information? Secondly, I've heard mention of Pedro's ice wax. What exactly does this fix and where do I get it from? Many thanks in advance for your responses. Andy

Welcome to the board, Andy! Our brothers and sisters from across the pond are always welcome here. However, shame on you for not posting pictures of your car -- you said you have been lurking so you should have known the cardinal rule: new members MUST post pictures. A TSB is an acronym for Technical Service Bulletin. Your OPC would have it or you can join www.renntech.org and access them online (you have to be a contributing/paying member of Renntech to get access to the TSBs). I have never heard of Pedro's Ice Wax before, although it sounds like something you would use to treat the side effects of eating some really hot jalapeno peppers -- hot going in, even hotter coming out! I'm just kidding. I think I have a pretty good idea what it is. I have used a product called Krytox (I think it is a silicone based gel) made by BMW that you sparingly dab on the rubber seals around the windows and where the convertible top meets the windscreen in order to reduce the squeaks. Again, welcome to the forum and we hope you will continue to post -- with pictures next time.

Thanks programmatore... Yes, I must apologise for not posting the pics - I've had a few "issues" with my camera recently but I'll do my best to get some posted up here soon I went to my local OPC yesterday and bought the rubber cord to go around the glass, so as soon as it stops raining (which in Manchester may not be for some while) I'll get it fitted and let you know how I got on. Cheers Andy

Andy - Contrats on getting the 996 & Welcome the the Prosche Phunny Pharm! Can't wait to see pics of your P-car.

Pedro's Ice Wax is a bicycle chain lube that doesn't leave a film that will pick up dirt. Maybe that will fix the creak? I don't know.

This is a common problem that seems to have affected many 99-2001 996's. The rattle comes from the windshield coming in contact with the body when you hit a bump in the road or when the car flexes when it goes up an incline like a driveway. The TSB number you want is 6420. You can get it over on renntech.com, but access to the TSB's is restricted to paid members. Its a very good site and Loren, the moderator is one of the most helpful people you'll ever "meet". The part number for the cell rubber rope is 996-541-903-00. Its about $15.00 US for about 20 feet. The fix is a snap. Max 15 minutes. I've done two so far and it works like a charm. Jim

Well, it stopped raining for the required 15 mins so I did the fix and what can I say? Massive improvement and I'm very happy. I can still hear the creak over the worst bumps but I can live with that and I think I may try and fit an extra length in there over the weekend. Overall though, I can't believe how such a simple fix can be so effective and how much it improves the "experience". Oh, and I'll get those pics up over the weekend too! Cheers Andy