SHORT VERSION - 996 Tiptronic Noisy Gearbox/Diff - Advice needed

OK guys and girls, here's the short version..... I have a 996 C2 Tiptronic and there is an intrusive noise that appears to be coming from the rear of the car and is probably the gearbox/diff. The noise is a whine and is not evident when coasting but is when under gentle acceleration or driving on good roads at speed. Has anyone had this problem and what was wrong and what was the solution ??? Also, this noise was there when I bough the car from a specialist dealer with a warranty but I am being told that this is normal/acceptable but I dont agree. Any thoughts/comments? Thanks, Rob

Long time ago I know but mine has just gone in for almost the same noise but to the front, have also been told its a characteristic of the car!! Told them that I didn't like this certain characteristic of the porsche vehicle and please cancel my 997 order, now waiting for the next response.

Gary, Can you ( or, indeed, anyone else ) please be more specific about the noise you refer to. Is this noise peculiar to either C2's or C4's, or can both models be affected ? You say that the noise comes from "the front". Please explain in greater detail. Cheers, Steve.

A whine when under acceleration or driving at speed.... That'll be the wife then. Procedure is to stop, open passenger door, push wife to left, close passenger door, and continue. [ ]

Nice o see the presence of a sense of humour occasionally. This whine when under acceleration ( 996 Tips may be affected ). Have there been any other messages on this subject ? Steve.

At the dealer this moment three of us all have the same complaint, which will hopefully seal the final outcome. Two of them are TT's the other I am not sure but to say AWD. Mine is Tip the other TT is a manual. The noise is best described as a clicking/rattle under light load and over-run. Under heavy load it actually sounds like a loose exhaust baffle, but from the front!! eminating from the torque tube, but finally the front Diff. Still awaiting response, and think if mine was the only one doing it, no chance.

Thanks vey much for the detailed description of the "noise" you hear from your 996. I feel a lot better now having an understanding of what to listen for. One other thing, can anybody tell me what a TT is ? I am new to 996's. Steve.

TT = Twin Turbo as in 996TT

After chasing the OPC the latest update is that they were going to write to the others and myself stating it was a characteristic of the car, but have now changed their minds.. Not sure if this is good or bad. Too late for me as I have cancelled my 997 order in disgust, and falling down the list rapidly, they also have the cheek to ask if I would like to renew my warranty!!!

You guys do realise that PCA have a TSB out regarding tip transmission noises and reading it it sounds remarkably like your problem. I would hope that "our" dealers are aware of this TSB. But like many other TSBs put out by PCA they don't make them public for RoW. If you send me an email I will send it to you.

hi guys, no characteristic noises from my TIP, but on the motorway this week in `D` it refused to move out of third gear. happened again shortly after, but only following hard acceleration. could this be a problem, i ask myself. 1998 C2 tip ocean blue 21000 miles. 3.6 wanted probably end up wth an M3 though!!

My 996 C4 has a noise from the front like a whine at about 20-50. Faster than that and other issues take over. I assumed it was the front diff but was told by a specialist that many cars have these noises from new yet others don't. He suggested living with it. Its a shame because that is the only thing that irritates me about the car.