Boxster - noise from front following air-con work
Discussion
I'd be really grateful if any of you could shed some light on a problem I've just noticed after my Boxster was delivered back to me following replacement of the air-con pipes. I started the car up to put it back in the garage and I immediately noticed a high pitched whining/buzzing noise. On opening the drivers door the noise became much louder and I was able to determine that it was coming from somewhere under the front right wheel arch. The noise is intermittent but regular. I'm guessing they would have had to take the wing off to do the air conditioning repairs and it seems something has been disturbed (fan?). I will have to return the car to them tomorrow but it would be very helpful if I could have some idea of what the problem might be before I go back. The car did not have any problems prior to sending it in for repair - I also noticed on getting into it that the temperature gauge was sitting higher than normal. If anyone knows what this noise is likely to be I would really appreciate your view. I'm very surprised that nobody noticed this at their end, it really is quite loud!
Edited by Photogirl on Tuesday 19th June 15:38
Thanks to both of you for the responses. My suspicion is the fan purely because I can't think of anything else. The condensers are fine (they were done a couple of years ago), it was just the pipes which were found to be leaking. The noise is so prominent I'm amazed they didn't notice it. It's about 15 miles to the garage so hopefully nothing will go horribly wrong on the way - I don't want to overheat. It's a 1999 Boxster and it's been extremely reliable, which is why it's quite annoying to get it back with a problem.
It's the fuel valve, which sits on the carbon thing just under the wheel arch, next to the aircon pipes. The garage said it is not related to the work they carried out and is a common fault, just a coincidence apparently. So I have another bill to look forward to tomorrow. I really must drive my car more to make all this expense worthwhile!
I can't Mike, the car is in the workshop. It is definitely the fuel value, I had the chance to inspect it when the wheel was off and it was making a characteristic high pitched buzzing - it sits half an inch from the pipes which were replaced. I thought maybe it had been bumped or something while they were doing the work, but the garage said there would be damage to its casing if that had happened (not necessarily, in my view). I will have to give them the benefit of the doubt and suck up the bill. I hate to sound suspicious, especially as this is a very reputable garage who have done good work for me in the past, but it does seem like an unusual coincidence.
A few years ago I had my M3 serviced and two days later the coil on one cyclinder went (and you have to buy a replacement matching set). I think sometimes when you work on a car it can disturb parts and lead to issues. I was skeptical re the coincidence, but I think it probably was just a coincidence and still use them (two subsequent services have been fine).
I'm sure you're right. However a number of years ago I had a (VW) garage behave fraudulently (ended up almost going to court) which has left me suspicious of pretty much every establishment sadly. I absolutely dread having to take my car anywhere for this reason, there seems to be a presumption that a blonde female will be clueless and/or indifferent to what is or isn't done or billed for. I stress that the garage I'm talking about in this thread has never been anything other than completely professional. It's good to get all your opinions though, it helps me to remain educated and well informed about my car. Having just been through my Bentley manual (and on Google) I've not had much luck finding the process for replacing the aircon pipes though - purely so I know what's being done and how long it might have taken.
Well having just had a brief conversation with a techie, I'm told that fuel valve failure on the 986 is not a "known fault", and certainly I have not been able to find any reference to it in the various forums or Porsche advisory. I was also told that the air con pipes are sods to get in and out and it is likely that the valve got bashed in the process (given it's only about half an inch away from the pipes). Ultimately I took my car there without this problem and the problem developed whilst the car was in their care. I am now feeling far less inclined to give them the benefit of the doubt. But as with most establishments it is highly unlikely they'll admit to causing the problem. That's a shame, because I'm now left with some niggling doubts about returning there.
They are Porsche experts, well known and respected, I've not seen any bad reviews on them. But the technician really should have put his hands up on this one - having thought about it I don't think it can be a coincidence given the nature of the fault. The valve is (I think) £88+VAT then there is the labour - I'm not sure what that will be. I'll find out tomorrow.
Replacement of the aircon pipes, plus re-gassing etc was £450.
Replacement of the aircon pipes, plus re-gassing etc was £450.
True Mark - it's not a huge job, I'm just annoyed at having to find more cash this week. At least I know they won't overcharge me, their pricing is fair and the work they do is of a high standard (bar this upset). Despite being quite assertive I often wish I didn't have to go to garages on my own, but very few of my male friends are into cars!
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