worn auto tranny noise from rear of 2000 996 with manual tranny

[moondoggy]

Car is 2000 carrera2 cabrio manual trans w/54k miles. Since last year have noise that sounds like an old worn out automatic tranny when I accelerate. When coasting and at stop, no noise. Noise most heard during winter when hard top installed as obviously keeps noises in cab better than with soft top up. One local dealer couldn't hear nor find a problem; other local dealer says to flush tranny, which I did, but still the noise. PCA site suggested ask the dealers. Intermediate main and rear main seals/bearings, routine 996 problems, checked out when new clutch installed this summer (and I forgot to have the garage check the noise during the clutch fix). All other scheduled maint up to date. Friend who is ex porsche mechanic suggests something in the tranny but if can live with noise and no problems operating the car, then continue to live with it. Any suggestions? thanks.

[fpb111]

Is it a clunk? If so maybe trans mount is worn. If whine/howl then maybe pinion bearing.

Read this thread:

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/996-forum/708796-so-your-996-transmission-is-starting-to-howl-or-whine.html

[moondoggy]

No clunks so what's a pinion bearing; located in tranny?; and, is it a DIY fix? Thanks.

[fpb111]

Probably not a DIY unless you have access to a 60 ton press.

Read this thread. |/

http://forums.rennli...l-or-whine.html < this thread has much info in it, read it.

/|

This thread talks about pinion bearings read it for more info.

These folks have a good rep on trans rebuilds.

http://www.gboxweb.com/

Edited November 28, 2012 by fpb111

[moondoggy]

Thanks for the insight.

[moondoggy]

Dealer confirmed pinion gear/bearing but not a major problem in that as long as I can deal with the noise (which is louder with the hard top on but radio at normal volume eliminates it), drive the car, and that's what I'm doing. Dealer's mechanic referred me to an Oklahoma company, name I forgot, for used trannys. Anyone have experience with an OK company for used trannys?

[moondoggy]

Update on the "noise" in the tranny, notwithstanding what the dealer thinks. (They found a used tranny with 97k miles on it and will install it for $5.5k--no thanks anyway.) Still driving the car and am coming to conclusion that there's no problem afterall. Thanks for the input. I'm simply going to continue to enjoy driving the car and not worry about it.

[moondoggy]

Update on the tranny. REconfirmed from dealer and local porsche garage that it's the tranny pinion bearing and other research led me to believe I shouldn't wait for it to get louder before fixing it. Found to my pleasant surprise brand new tranny from factory at DCautomotive (owner, Robert), in Rocky Mount, NC. Bought it, they installed it and new LN IMS bearing. Driving the car with more confidence now and that leads into a more enjoyable drive also. DCautomotive did a great job and I have no problem referring them to you. He has a hugh selection of porsche parts and carcasses, to include my used tranny that's for sale.