Humming coming from my 01 Boxster, any suggestions on what to look for

[Jasper7821]

Thank you, I’m hoping it is the wheel bearing. I don’t have access to a lift, nor do I have the tools to change a wheel bearing. The dealer wanted $1,500 to change the front and $1,500 for the rear. Maybe just have to take it in and let them see what it is.
And the tires are fairly new so I’m pretty sure it’s not that.

Side note, from your username, are you a pilot. I used to have a 76 and 77 Arrow and miss it dearly.
Thanks again.

Originally Posted by piper6909

Doubt it. A bad throw out bearing only makes noise when your foot is on the clutch. When your foot is off, the bearing has no pressure on it. So that rules that out.

I doubt you'd hear a bad pilot bearing. Even if you could, a pilot bearing would make a noise relative to RPM. You said the noise relative to speed, not RPM. So that rules that out as well. So much for the Stealer's opinion.

Also, CV joints usually make a clicking noise at low speeds, so I'm ruling out CV joints as well.

I'm still going with wheel bearing. And just because you don't hear a change when you steer in different directions, it doesn't NECESSARILY rule out the front wheel bearings. It's a general rule of thumb, but there are exceptions to the rule.

BTW, it could also be a bad tire, but I doubt it.

If you can, try the methods I outlined earlier. Otherwise take it to an indy for diagnosis.

Here are a couple helpful videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvKWGjmPKoc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nl7cU2wHBXg

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by Jasper7821

Side note, from your username, are you a pilot. I used to have a 76 and 77 Arrow and miss it dearly.
Thanks again.

Yes, I used to fly a Warrior II. N6909T was the tail number of the plane I learned to fly in. It has been a few years, I need to get up again!

[Jasper7821]

Originally Posted by piper6909

Yes, I used to fly a Warrior II. N6909T was the tail number of the plane I learned to fly in. It has been a few years, I need to get up again!

Very nice, I really miss it. My 76 was N9644K and had a really nice leather interior/new plastics. I work with 747’s in the desert so at least I’m still around aviation.

[blue62]

Jasper
If you suspect a wheel bearing and you don't have the means to change it out yourself.
Take the car to "ANY Reputable" shop that does suspension work.
Have them test the car for bad wheel bearings.
There is nothing secret or complex or Porsche specific about wheel bearing issues or fixes. No need to take it to a "Porsche" dealer or Porsche garage.
Wheel bearings can be changed out by a school boy with minimal knowledge.
$1500.00 to change a couple of wheel bearings out is theft.

[Jasper7821]

Originally Posted by blue62

Jasper
If you suspect a wheel bearing and you don't have the means to change it out yourself.
Take the car to "ANY Reputable" shop that does suspension work.
Have them test the car for bad wheel bearings.
There is nothing secret or complex or Porsche specific about wheel bearing issues or fixes. No need to take it to a "Porsche" dealer or Porsche garage.
Wheel bearings can be changed out by a school boy with minimal knowledge.
$1500.00 to change a couple of wheel bearings out is theft.

Ya, I should just try it myself and get a bearing press kit and whatever else is needed. It is my 2nd car so not a big deal if it can be driven for a bit. I changed control arm bushings by myself on my old BMW many years ago so maybe I just need to try it.

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Jasper7821

Ya, I should just try it myself and get a bearing press kit and whatever else is needed. It is my 2nd car so not a big deal if it can be driven for a bit. I changed control arm bushings by myself on my old BMW many years ago so maybe I just need to try it.

The Bentley Porsche service manual describes the procedure (with pictures).
IT is pricey around $95.00 but for general service and maint. it is about all that is available. It describes the process and tools well enough that even a novice should be able to do the task.

I suggest that as a first step you purchase the Bentley service manual.
Then you have a means of reference for not only wheel bearing replacement but many other service maint. procedures.
Then after reading,up on an issue (such as wheel bearing replacement) you will have a better idea of if you are capable of doing the job or if you need to hire it out.

The other thing is to be sure it is a wheel bearing you are hearing and not something else. Sucks to spend money and do work and replace parts to find out you didn't fix the problem.

[Jasper7821]

Thank you, I watched a few YouTube videos of 986 wheel bearing changes. But yes, the service manual would’ve great.

Originally Posted by blue62

The Bentley Porsche service manual describes the procedure (with pictures).
IT is pricey around $95.00 but for general service and maint. it is about all that is available. It describes the process and tools well enough that even a novice should be able to do the task.

I suggest that as a first step you purchase the Bentley service manual.
Then you have a means of reference for not only wheel bearing replacement but many other service maint. procedures.
Then after reading,up on an issue (such as wheel bearing replacement) you will have a better idea of if you are capable of doing the job or if you need to hire it out.

The other thing is to be sure it is a wheel bearing you are hearing and not something else. Sucks to spend money and do work and replace parts to find out you didn't fix the problem.