[Darryl]

When I first got my car, I would notice a faint "moaning" from what seemed to be the right front, usually only when coming to a stop when the steering was turned to the right. I chalked this up to the wrong rim being on the front on that side as someone had swapped the rims. Swapping the rims back didn't have any effect.



My PM and I replaced front pads, shims, and sensors with OEM parts. The rears were barely worn, so we left those alone. Noise went away and now about 1500mi later, new pads are broken in and work great, but there is a lot of rubbing/grinding as if the pads were completely worn out, we all know the "metal on metal" sound, and the moaning noise is back even worse than before. If the brakes are hit hard at a fairly moderate rate of speed, the grinding and moaning seems to subside for awhile but will eventually return. I had originally thought this might have to do with temperature, and the moaning seems to coincide with heat, but the grinding is there no matter what. There is no shudder, so I would be inclined to rule out a warped rotor. Brakes work great, and this afternoon while out for a top down cruise, I had a chance to let my PM look it over and did a test drive. Our consensus is a general build up of brake dust getting clogged somewhere. A quick shot of brake cleaner seems to help. I browsed these forums on caliper rebuilding, but only saw mention of uneven pad wear as a tell tale sign. The pistons came right out during our pad change and otherwise look in decent shape. Anyone else have similar noises? I have plans for new tires soon and cross drilled rotors too, but would like to get to the bottom of this problem prior to investing time and money in parts that may only get worn and/or destroyed because of some underlying mechanical problem. Thanks in advance...



- Darryl

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[Richard]

Darryl,



If you car is a 92 model as is mine, there was a technical service bulletin way back when about a "foghorn" sound coming from the front brakes when they were applied. The fix was putting weights on the top of the strut towers in the engine bay. The weights were available from a dealer at no cost then but I don't know about now. The weights just stick on.



Either mid-year 92 or starting in 93, Porsche redesigned the top of the strut towers and gave them more weight. You can see the difference between the model years in the attached pictures.



I don't know if this is the cause of your issue but thought I'd share the information.



By the way, I am in NoVA as well.

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[Darryl]

Richard,



Wow, that would be way too easy...of course finding the weights probably wont' be! Probably have to fabricate something similar. Where in NoVA? I've seen a few 968s last couple of weeks coming out of hibernation I guess...PM if you like.



I do have a 92...according to VIN, 4th to last 92 produced. Also, it looks like in the pics (the one with the added weight) is Euro...could the added piece have something to do with that? Perhaps something US cars didn't have? Also, I wonder, then, if replacing the struts would fix the problem?





- Darryl

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[Brian]

i had the whining noise too.

92 cab.

the strut tower weights did the trick for me.

(after rebuilding the brakes like you did!).



a local pm had them in next day. i want to say $30. don't buy their glue. it's rediculus. just use a two part epoxy.

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[bob blackwell]

I have had two 1993 968 coupes and both of them had the weights on the top strut mounts. both were U.S.A. delivery models. You can probably get them from Sunset Imports in Oregon (new) or at one of the salvage yards (used). Try www.20car.com, www.oklahomaforeign.com or www.partsheaven.com Good luck, Bob Blackwell.

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[Richard]

Darryl,



Let me know if you find the weights. I haven't searched for them just because I haven't had the foghorn sound yet but if they can be found easily I will put them on as preventative maintenance.



Both pictures I posted above are from U.S. cars so it probably was a model year issue and not specific to N.A. or R.O.W. cars.

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[Darryl]

Oops, wasn't you in the red coupe...disregard that comment in your PM. <img src="/forum/images/smilies/968/biggrin.gif" class="smilie" alt="" />



I am going to check Tyson's later this week when I get a chance...with regards to the posted pictures, it sure looks like the one without the engine compartment trim pieces is RHD...the wipers are reversed for sure, but I can't quite make out a steering wheel. Now everytime I see a picture with the hood up, I'm checking for these weights...a very curious situation. PET doesn't list the part at all and I can't find the Service Bulletin - but that doesn't mean it doesn't exist!



- Darryl

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[Richard]

Darryl,



You know you are absolutely right about one of those cars being a RHD. I got both of the pictures off of AutoTrader so I assumed they were both US versions. From what I have seen only the 92 models lack the weights.

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