Cowl *pop*

[blue2000s]

It's not unusual. There's probably nothing loose, as you mention, it only happens going up a curb.

There's motion between two bolted metal components, typically behind the dashboard, sometimes behind the console. There have been a couple of technical service bulletins on how to add a teflon shim between the two mating parts.

My advise is to become a paying member on Renntech.org and download the TSBs if you don't want a mechanic to do it.

[70Sixter]

I found the windshield problem/solution. Hard to diagnose sounds over postings!

Might help.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20612&hl=windshield

People have added a front strut brace and claim these annoying noises go away or lessen.

[Samson]

Originally Posted by 70Sixter

I found the windshield problem/solution. Hard to diagnose sounds over postings!

Might help.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=20612&hl=windshield

Thanks for the tip. I'll give that a shot.

About the strut brace - is there an additional one that some people add? Mine already has one (looks to be a 2-piece, but I didn't take off the cowl cover to look), and last night I put a wrench on the strut side mounts, and they were a little loose. I torqued them down, so we'll see what happens.

[70Sixter]

Not sure if I understand, but if you have a front brace somebody added it.

And if torquing down the mounts was required, then let's hope that got 'er dun.

Samson, be careful torquing the bolts on the strut tower bolts. I am not sure what part you did. But the torque requirments for the stut tower bolts is pretty low. Too much, and they can snap off.

Do a search on "strut brace" and you will find the proper setting.

[Samson]

Thanks for the information.

I was a bit careful when tightening them down, as I'm a veteran of the temperamental Neuspeed nutsert from my VW days. The bolts on the Boxster were a hair over hand-tight, and I more or less snugged them down.

I'm going to take it out for a drive tonight, so we'll see if that was the culprit.

Samson,

The torque setting is 26 ft. lbs. The bolts are 13 mm (could be 10 mm on the 986).