Grinding noise coming from engine - sound clip

[simmoyo]

Hi Renntech Experts,

 

 

Please pepper my situation with your wisdom...

2001 Boxster S

118,000 Kms
LN ENGINEERING double row bearing installed 1 year ago

last service: 105,000 kms

minor mods e.g. pod filter and cold air intake

 

 

A grinding noise started coming from the engine bay this morning while parking the car (warm engine, low rpm)

 

I turned the car off just after it happened hoping it was nothing

 

 

I came back 8 hours later, started the car and the noise was there from the start (recording is from inside)

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-lg21ZsNUmnSzFyQmpBd3lqS1k/edit?usp=sharing

 

 

 

The noise changes sometimes (in a bad way), it gets higher pitched for a few rotations then goes back to normal, so maybe its a bearing.

 

No noticeable change when I turn on the AC

 

 

 

Please share the love if you can 

Edited June 25, 2014 by simmoyo

[timbo]

Sorry to hear this, it doesnt sound good and I wouldnt run any more just in case its something like an intermediate shaft bearing. i presume there are no water leaks. If it is the bearing and it hasnt completely collapsed you might be lucky, in a manner of speaking, in that it could be replaced rather more cheaply than if it fails completely . Good luck, hope it doesnt turn out to be too costly.

[san rensho]

Take off the serpentine belt and run the car briefly.  If the noise goes away, the noise is from something being driven by the belt.  Check all pulleys for noise and play, it should be pretty obvious.

 

If the noise persists with the belt off, then its something more serious.

[timbo]

Problem is the more you run it, if it is the IMS, the more chance it could fail completely totalling the engine, so what ever you do, do in short bursts and keep the engine revs low.

[simmoyo]

Thanks everyone..

 

 

I looked into the IMS bearing and turns out it's been changed with the LN Engineering bearing a year ago thank goodness! :)

 

I'll try take off the belt and see what happens

[simmoyo]

Sorry to hear this, it doesnt sound good and I wouldnt run any more just in case its something like an intermediate shaft bearing. i presume there are no water leaks. If it is the bearing and it hasnt completely collapsed you might be lucky, in a manner of speaking, in that it could be replaced rather more cheaply than if it fails completely . Good luck, hope it doesnt turn out to be too costly.

 

 

Actually, there is an intermittent water leak from the water pump (barely noticeable) but I was told it was a sign the pump was on its way.

 

The temperature light did not come on which would indicate a failed water pump or low water level so I didn't think it was that at first.

 

 

Hopefully the plastic hasn't broken off the pump and caused grief somewhere else now...

[Jager]

Been there... Done that... Heard that sound before... Water pump is bad.

[simmoyo]

Boom thanks Jager!

 

 

What are your thoughts about the low temp thermostat (may as well replace it while there).

 

 

Some people say the low temp thermo is worse for the engine if you don't track it often...

[flyingpenguin]

My first thought, even before listening to the sound clip, was water pump or serpentine pulley bearings because recent IMSB upgrade. Noise comes from a bad shaft bearing on the water pump. Not necessarily from the blades. Water leak should not come as surprise either.

 

Replacement on Boxster is relatively easy. Easier than on a 996 as you don't have to get the engine carrier out of the way. Get a new gasket as well. Most kits come with gasket though.

 

Climate in Melbourne can get hot in Summers, so the low temp thermostat seems like a good idea too.

[Jager]

Boom thanks Jager!

 

 

What are your thoughts about the low temp thermostat (may as well replace it while there).

 

 

Some people say the low temp thermo is worse for the engine if you don't track it often...

I don't track my Boxster and I don't have the low temp thermostat... I have 264k miles on my Boxster. BTW I have changed the water pump twice, a 10mm deep well socket, 1/4" drive, will be your friend.

[timbo]

Wow, 264 k miles, thats amazing, original block etc?

[Jager]

Wow, 264 k miles, thats amazing, original block etc?

Yep, no major work on the motor other than replacing the water pump twice, IMS bearing twice, AOS four times, flywheel, clutch, motor mount and rear main seal. Motor going strong and no oil leaks! I change the oil every 4k to 5k miles and drive it pretty hard every day.

[simmoyo]

These things are solid!!

 

Thanks guys, much appreciated

Edited June 30, 2014 by simmoyo