'04 2.7 tiptronic whining noise

[Coopstar]

For those who may be interested in this thread, I took the car in for its major service (local independent) a bit early, and explained the noise to the mechanic who has lots of Porsche experience. He agreed about the ATF level, but as I couldnt definitely say the noise was the auto box, he suggested that it could also be low power steering fluid.
During the service, he gained access to the engine and the power steering reservoir, where he found it almost dry!
He topped it up, finished service and left ATF alone. No noise yet, and fairly confident the problem may be solved.

I will update if not the case, but this may be a good pointer for anyone else. This fix cost 500ml of fluid. I gather, this level is not always checked at Porsche necessarily, due to the extra effort gaining access..

Thanks for advice received here, certainly helped me out.

Regards,

Martin.

[jcb986]

If the whining appears after the engine warms it maybe the AOS. What happens is when the AOS starts to go bad it will suck air around the front crank shaft seal...that's how mine did. I would suggest removing the front engine cover behind the seat and listen for the noise then disconnect the belt and if the noise is still there around the crank the it's the AOS.

[Coopstar]

Appreciate the input. However, still no more noise, so power steering fluid it was!

Cheap to try and eliminate if anyone else suffers the sound of doom!

[haz]

Sorry for major bump, but could you please listen to this and let me know if the noise is similar to what you experienced? What a relief for you that it was only a power steering top off that was needed..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_467gZomamQ

[97-986]

Coopstar - Just curious, can you recall if you noticed the noise was more pronounced while turning the steering wheel?
You're post has given me hope that I may not need major work ;-)