2000 Boxster S whine howl after warmup at 2K rpm

[gutz]

I've a Boxster S 6 speed manual MY00 USA with 25k miles. I bought it with about 15k miles on it and have always had the following problem. I've researched it here, but have come to no solution. I think it's been alluded to, but not specifically addressed. Here goes:

No unusual noises upon startup at any speed/rpm, but after it's warmed up it starts making a howl or whine that seems to be vibration based. Here's the kicker. It does it at about 2000 rpm and will go away under 1900 or above 2100 rpm. I've changed oil and filter and thought I had it licked, but to no avail. But, methinks it's hydraulic pressure relief valve related Kind of like you can rattle or vibrate your water pipes in your house when you snub down your outside faucet. I'm almost thinking there was a tech note on this board on replacing some spring in the oil distribution system, but I'm old and could be wrong.

Any help would be much appreciated, since now I drive WAY over 2000rpm and the whine is coming from the passenger seat.

[pk2]

The fact that your vibration is only at 2000 rpm no less no more is (I beleive) called a harmonic imbalance. It's just like sometimes when a wheel is out of balance. It might shake only at 45-47 mph. I don't quite understand your diagnostics or analogy but it's just a vibration you have to hunt down. Nothing freaky.

Regards, PK

Edited July 31, 2009 by pk2

[RFM]

The pressure relief valve issue was 987 MY05/06 related, with engine cooling water temp. between 70C° and 80C° and approx. 2.000 RPM. I have never seen a 986 with the same issue, but it's not impossible.

[number9ine]

My '03 S used to make a low howling noise right in the low 2k RPM range when you held the throttle just right. It came from the air intake, and sounded like something a Foley crew would use to accompany a UFO in an old low budget sci-fi flick. I think it was just air being sucked in at just the right velocity, like blowing through a cardboard tube.

I kinda liked it. Rode in a few other Boxsters and none did the same, so it was unique. Maybe not so now.

Mark

[986JDD]

mine does this as well... starts at 2000 goes away at 2400. Only happens at very light continuous throttle, goes away as soon as you let off the gas or punch it. Dealer says it is normal. I never worried about it again until now.

[jrkauffman28]

I have a 2000 Boxster and it also does the same. If you speed up or slow down it goes away. Seems to come from the right side of the car.

[tommy914]

it's the engine stall indicator, you just need to go faster. optimum rev is 3000rpm.

:D

[paulo986]

I've a Boxster S 6 speed manual MY00 USA with 25k miles. I bought it with about 15k miles on it and have always had the following problem. I've researched it here, but have come to no solution. I think it's been alluded to, but not specifically addressed. Here goes:

No unusual noises upon startup at any speed/rpm, but after it's warmed up it starts making a howl or whine that seems to be vibration based. Here's the kicker. It does it at about 2000 rpm and will go away under 1900 or above 2100 rpm. I've changed oil and filter and thought I had it licked, but to no avail. But, methinks it's hydraulic pressure relief valve related Kind of like you can rattle or vibrate your water pipes in your house when you snub down your outside faucet. I'm almost thinking there was a tech note on this board on replacing some spring in the oil distribution system, but I'm old and could be wrong.

Any help would be much appreciated, since now I drive WAY over 2000rpm and the whine is coming from the passenger seat.

I have a 2000 boxster 2.7 and it makes the same howl. I have had the car for 3 years now and it is disturbing the irregularity with which this sound appears. Sometimes with top up -not aleays. Sometimes top down-not always. Sometimes if I turn on the AC it goes- you get not always.

I have asked numerous mechanics and one has given me a proper answwer. I believe it is a harmonic resonance from air intake. I am using a K and nfilter . But if you find out, I would love to know.

I am having a problem with a horn sounding when brakes are applied or if you push on the steering wheel?

[pk2]

Paulo986

I'm glad your mechanic agrees with me (2nd post), he must be brilliant (grin).

The bushings that float the horn push-pad on yout steering wheel are shot. There's probably a number ways described here in threads to fix it on the cheap. My favorite is one withe black silicon rubber.

Search lad search...

Regards, pk

[Eddiem1]

I have a 02 Boxster 2.7 and I have the same issue as everyone else, I hear the Howling when applying gentle throttle at about 1900 - 2100 RPMs, usually if I just drop the RPMS of flick the accelerator it stops.....I'm also puzzled about what this noise is....I do not think is related to the Air Filter at all, I think it is some sort of resonance from something vibrating most likely in the intake side...but CAN'T figure it out....one of the mechanics here in Hawaii thought it was the serpentine belt which has been replaced and still makes the darn Howling noise...this noise is driving me nuts...I can make it happen at will....If anyone finds out what it is it will be great.

[harryrcb]

Just guessing here because I can't hear the noise you are describing but it could be the AOS failing or just a pin hole int the breather tubes to the aos. These things fail all the time .

[wvicary]

Remove the serpentine belt and run the engine to be sure it's not a failing component such as the belt idler or P/S pump. I have also heard the P/S flow control valve located inside the pump make some noise on these units. You can run the engine at speed when the noise occurs ( belt on of course ) and turn the steering wheel slowly off centre to see if the noise changes or goes away.

[logray]

SAI pump whine?

Wheel bearing?