Noise from starboard side just infront of front wheel

[coffeetime]

Hi all,

I've been a long time reader, have the 101 book etc but I'm usually the quiet one who doesn't like to ask questions, however...

I have a weird noise coming from just in front of the front wheel on the starboard side of my 986 boxster 's'. I say starboard as it's a RHD car, and nearside/offside totally depends on which side the steering wheel is on!

The noise sounds like a pump, it's virtually a beeping noise - high pitched and whines on/off. It's not an alarm as a) it's too quiet (i can only hear it when I get out of the car to open our gates) and b) although the whine cycles on/off it's not regular...i.e. sometimes it's off for 1 second then on for 2, other times it can be off for 2 and on for 1. It sounds like a pump on its last legs...but I have no idea what pump (or anything else for that matter) is behind that panel that could be making that noise.

I have never heard the noise when cold, only after a journey when she's warm. This might just be coincidence though.

Can anyone give me suggestions as to what it might be? Even if you only know what's on the port side it may be that in RHD cars they've switched it over?! Any idea of likely costs would be appreciated too!

Lastly, I noticed yesterday that the starboard side headlight washer was leaking, this is probably a crack somewhere from the frost we've just had but could this be related? Any ideas what causes a headlight washer to slowly drain the entire screen wash tank? Likely costs?

Thanks everyone!

Tom.

[jwgn777]

Worn cooling fan motor? Maybe the impeller is loose on the shaft?

[coffeetime]

Could be...there's three air intakes on the Boxster S (port side, center and starboard), however it's further back than the starboard side air intake...unless of course the fan is set quite far back?

The sound literally comes from right infront of the wheel...where the indicator is. There is the petrol/fuel/gas tank cap there, but I don't know where the fuel pump is physically located on the car?

[jwgn777]

Is it like a whistle sound? There is a little vent (hole) when you open you fuel door and it is controlled by a switch that is located in front of it in the fender. If that is is not switching correctly it might make a whistle sound there. The fuel pump is located in the tank as you know. When you here that sound again open the cap and place your ear at the filler neck to see if the sound is coming from there.

[very~worn~944]

In my professional opinion JWGN is on the right track,,.
There IS a coolant fan literally RIGHT in front of the wheel, but I assume you know what a fan sounds like, even with a failing bearing.
The tank vent system is also on the right fender. With the right failing conditions you can get a whistle that fades in and out from the front right fender area. A couple things can cause this- start with loosening the cap while its making the noise and see how it is effected! Good luck!

[Hatzenbach]

Originally Posted by very~worn~944

In my professional opinion JWGN is on the right track,,.
There IS a coolant fan literally RIGHT in front of the wheel, but I assume you know what a fan sounds like, even with a failing bearing.
The tank vent system is also on the right fender. With the right failing conditions you can get a whistle that fades in and out from the front right fender area. A couple things can cause this- start with loosening the cap while its making the noise and see how it is effected! Good luck!

Agreed, there's a whole thread about this noise either here or on 986form

[coffeetime]

Originally Posted by jwgn777

Is it like a whistle sound? There is a little vent (hole) when you open you fuel door and it is controlled by a switch that is located in front of it in the fender. If that is is not switching correctly it might make a whistle sound there. The fuel pump is located in the tank as you know. When you here that sound again open the cap and place your ear at the filler neck to see if the sound is coming from there.

I think that's a brilliant idea - just to check it is safe to remove the filler neck cap to the fuel tank whilst the engine is idling?

Thanks for the suggestion, going to test this later today, will report back after.

[BerneseMtnDog]

I had that whistling sound from the failed carbon canister valve but the sound only came while in motion at a steady speed. If you step on the throttle or stop the car so does the sound. If he hears it at a stop when he gets out of the car I'd be much more inclined to think it's the fan motor or something else. I think the vent valve whistle is a result of air passing over an open orifice.

Steve

[jwgn777]

Originally Posted by coffeetime

I think that's a brilliant idea - just to check it is safe to remove the filler neck cap to the fuel tank whilst the engine is idling?

Thanks for the suggestion, going to test this later today, will report back after.

It is safe as long as don't smoke a cigarette while doing it. And don't use a standard drop light near by ether. If your in you garage and want to check all the suggestions that the members has offered then use a flashlight or fluorescent drop light.