996 Tiptronic Transmission Fluid Leak and Noise Problem!

[bxtech]

Hello all,

I have a 2001 996 with 105K miles equipped with a tiptronic transmission. The transmission recently started making a "growling" noise and has developed a very bad fluid leak. Fluid is coming out of the hole on the bell housing right underneath the torque converter. The leak will worsen and get better at random when the car is sitting and idling in "PARK". However, when the car is being driven or has just come back from a drive, the leak is VERY BAD! It actually flows out and leaves a trail behind the car! The transmission also makes a fairly loud "growling" noise when put into gear and is topped/holding the brake. It sounds like a bad bearing or similar. Otherwise, the transmission shifts and drives normal. There is no leak when the car is off and parked overnight.

I am thinking that maybe the bearing for the input shaft going into the transmission has gone bad, causing excessive play in the shaft, hence damaging the seal and causing the leak? A bad bearing would also answer the "growling" noise too. What do you think??

Wondering if anyone might have had a similar experience/problem and can offer any advice? I know that removing the transmission is already a given......but I am hoping that this problem can be repaired without a complete rebuild or replacement of the unit!

Any help would really be appreciated! Thanks very much in advance!!

[Britwrench]

Have a 115,000 mile "99 Boxster here with the same issue. The torque convertor seal and bearing has pulled out, flexpate rubbing on the engine case, and with this car, no drive.

Needs a new trans.

[bxtech]

Originally Posted by Britwrench

Have a 115,000 mile "99 Boxster here with the same issue. The torque convertor seal and bearing has pulled out, flexpate rubbing on the engine case, and with this car, no drive.

Needs a new trans.

Thanks for the info. Is this a relatively common problem? Does the whole trans really need to be replaced? Can the old unit be rebuilt?, or does this problem damage the trans case (or similar) which requires a replacement?

Thanks in advance!

[Britwrench]

Replace with new trans is the answer. No experience on rebuilt units so can't comment.
Used is an option, your risk though.

Don't believe it's a common problem, in the life of the tip, (from the 964/968 onwards) this is only the fifth one I've seen with problems.

[Marine8541]

Most of the time this is from the Tips oil pump bushing being worn. This allows the torque converter to wobble and leak. You can get the seal from Porsche however a worn bushing generally requires a pump.

Best Regards,
Scott Slauson