996 turbo engine sound under load

[pkoc]

Hi all. Haven't been on here for a while but whilst I was using my 2004 996t the other week, when under load (either gentle driving or hard acceleration), I can hear a slight pinking sound from the right side of the rear of the car. There is no loss of power, as it still pulls like Concord.

When at standstill you can't hear anything. My instant thought was maybe a blown exhaust or a loose bolt, or loose turbo shield.

Have had a small tinker underneath without getting the car jacked up and tried a few bolt heads. Nothing loose from what I can see. And I can't see any holes on the underside of the exhaust.

Any thoughts or opinions?

BTW - after almost 4 years of ownership, it still makes me grin when I see it lurking under the car cover in my garage, or it makes me grin like a Cheshire Cat when I take it out.

[Onetrackmind]

Could be a heat shield. They will make a tinny rattle that might sound similar

[StuB]

Get it on a ramp.

[medieval]

Heat shield as said or loose fixing bracket would be my guess.

Careful though as once you get under there you will find it hard to not make some improvements.

Just going through this now with new fixings etc and it all gets rather expensive

Regards

[Pope]

If the noise is like a tinkling / chuff noise I have seen corroded turbo housings crack and cause the same; if you blip the throttle and hear the noise have a look closely around the turbo housing.

[pkoc]

Thanks all. And apologies for the delay in saying thanks. Will SORN it at the end of the month and get it up on ramps 'and whip the bumper off for a look.