996 C2 Spoiler Grinding noise and light.

[01slvr996]

Hey all,

My 2001 C2 cab has the dreaded spoiler warning light that comes on when the spoiler deploys at freeway speeds. The thing is, when i'm stopped and operate the switch, it goes up and down and makes some horrible noise. I'm not sure where to start; I saw a few tutorials for bleeding the system, but does that only apply to turbo's? I have a durametric but it doesn't seem to see any codes..... Any insight as to where to start or what to checkout? I assume it's something with the pump, I have pentosin on hand; just not sure how to go about the bleeding process.

Thanks!

[Ahsai]

Most likely it just needs some lube. Mine was squeaking. I just sprayed some lube in the small hole on the black tubular hinge and worked the spoiler up and down and that cured the squeaking.

[01slvr996]

would that cue/affect the light too?

[Ahsai]

I never had the light but if you hear horrible noise when manually operating it, the problem is mechanical for sure. It doesn't hurt to try some light lube anyway. Btw, our spoiler is not hydraulic. It uses a simple motor and some cables to move the spoiler

http://www.autoatlanta.com/porsche-parts/hardparts.php?dir=996-99-05&section=803-07

There's a small hole on part #17 you can spray the lube.

[01slvr996]

oh wow, i had no idea we had electric wings.... I'll try some lube. I assume there's no rebuilding these? they just have to be replaced?

[Ahsai]

I surely hope you can rebuild it if lube doesn't work. The whole mechanism is $1600 ! Maybe a used one makes more sense.

[01slvr996]

Thankfully ebay has the entire decklid for around 300, I'm hoping it's just the motor and nothing else, I'll dig in tomorrow.

[Ahsai]

Good luck and pls let us know what you find.

[Ahsai]

FYI, Mitch is selling his spoiler mechanism here http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic/46170-996-parts-for-sale/#entry251319

[01slvr996]

Funny, I just bought and replaced mine today, 150 on Craiglist and 2 hours of work to find out my passenger side strut was completely shot. No more noise, spoiler goes up and down, and best of all; no more light. Thanks for the help everyone!

[Ahsai]

Sounds like a bargain. Glad you get it sorted.