cockpit noise - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

f3nd3rman · 02-16-2013, 08:24 AM

I am a new Porsche owner as of a month ago. I bought a 01 box, black on black.59k miles. I immediately noticed the road noise was bothersome. I chalked it up to bad tires. So, I just put on a new set of RS-903 wheels from Wheel Dynamics in California with Michelin super sports on them and the noise is still there. All be it a little better.
zzz..zzz..zzz..zzz..zzz..zzz..zzz about 35miles an hour up. Like the tires has a rough and smooth side.
Definitely wheel associated. it doesn’t change with gears or clutch. the sound does change a bit steering side to side. I am replacing all four wheel bearings next week and will post the results.
my question is never being in a box before how quiet can I expect the car to be?
what is normal for this car? Anybody ever measure the decibel level in these cars?
I can’t believe what I hear is normal or that Porsche would put anything like that out.
I am not sure what’s normal or abnormal for noise. Any tricks to making these cars smoother and quieter?

Thanks

MarkOfZero · 02-16-2013, 08:34 AM

You could get a hardtop. They help cut the noise a good bit.

Mike D · 02-16-2013, 08:34 AM

Sounds like a wheel bearing. I had the same problem on the rear drivers side. Replacing it solved the whirring sound.

It's still a noisy cockpit. I'm thinking of getting a Cayman for mostly that reason. I love my car when the top's down. I almost hate the car when the top's up. I'm sure I'm in the minority here on that point, though.

mountainman · 02-16-2013, 08:40 AM

put the top down and you won't hear it. If it is a wheel bearing it will decrease when you turn the steering wheel one way and increase when you steer the other. This is at speeds above 65 or so. The road surface can make a big difference also. I have 2 boxsters with different type tires and both have different noise levels on different road surfaces. Doesn't bother me because I almost always drive with the top down.

mountainman · 02-16-2013, 08:44 AM

You may want to rethink all new wheel bearings as the dealers get about $500 per wheel. If it is bearing noise, it is probably only one bad bearing.

Chuck W. · 02-16-2013, 09:19 AM

Just had my rear ones replaced and it fixed the whining. It would start at 30 MPH. Independent was $400 per wheel. I bought the wheel bearing from Sunset Porsche for $57.16 each plus $5.15 each for the lock nuts

f3nd3rman · 03-10-2013, 10:54 AM

just got my car back with all four bearings replaced--smooth as silk -- all the road noise gone.
I love this car!!

BruceH · 03-10-2013, 11:22 AM

Glad to hear (pun intended)! I really like those wheels, they look great! What kind of package price did you get with the super sports?

WheelDynamics · 03-14-2013, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f3nd3rman

Wheels look great...

Any other photos to share?

-WD

lifeisgood · 03-14-2013, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f3nd3rman

just got my car back with all four bearings replaced--smooth as silk -- all the road noise gone.
I love this car!!

You don't mind tell us how much is the Cost?

lavagate · 03-19-2013, 04:17 AM

Road noise at low speeds from the cockpit area are most likely control arm or track arm bushings wearing. Had my track arms replaced at 56K Road bumps and those damn lane dividing speed bumps made the rear clank. No noise at higher speeds. New track arms ......no more noise.

f3nd3rman · 03-19-2013, 04:46 AM

all four bearings replaced $866.00 Wright Motor Sports Milford Ohio.
Wright Motor Sports | Race Preparation, New Race Car Builds, Track Support, Setup Consultation, Professional Instruction, and Installation Services. Whether you're ready to step up to Pro Racing, need support for your Porsche Club race, or just want

wheel dynamics rs-903 wheels with mich super sports 2800 i think for all four