[bus_ter]

Hi,

My 718 is at 4000 miles and I've noticed this before, but it seems more prevalent now. Perhaps because temperatures are dropping.

When I depress the clutch (to start the engine) I can hear a spring 'twang' type noise from the pedal area. It could simply be the return spring on the pedal making the noise.

This happens all the time, not just when starting the engine. However when driving the noise is drowned out by other sounds.

The clutch appears to function fine. It's a heavy clutch compared to other cars I have owned but I assume this is normal.

Does anyone else experience this sound? Could it be a fault?

Thanks for any help.

 

[RussellHodgson]

I've not heard a 'twang' noise, but my clutch (718 CS) is very light, especially compared to my previous 987 which had a much heavier clutch.


I know it wasn't the main point of your post, but I found it interesting that you mentioned the clutch was heavy, when I find it is the exact opposite.

 

[ZuffenHouseRules]

Maybe clutch weight 'feel' is a very subjective thing....I wouldn't expect it to vary that much from car to car of like model from the factory.

I'm also coming from a 987 (S) of twelve years, and I think the 718 clutch is indeed heavier, in keeping with the much higher torque handled. @RussellHodgson -- perhaps at some service your 987 clutch was adjusted on the heavy side (or with an over-rated spring replacement), making the 718 seem lighter by comparison?

Noise is not normal, likely just needs lubrication of linkage.

 

[bus_ter]

Thanks for the reply Russell.

Interesting what you say about the clutch being light. I haven't driven another manual Porsche before so I don't have a reference. However it's certainly heavier than other cars I've had before (Miata, Audi, Honda etc).

My car is at the dealer tomorrow for an unrelated issue. I'll see if they can have a look.

 

[bus_ter]

Just seen your reply Zuffen,

Interesting to have a different experience with the clutch. As you say they should all be the same from the factory. The sound does seem to come from the actual pedal (rather than the clutch) so maybe it's just the return spring/linkage making a noise. It seems to be worse when the car is cold.

 

[bus_ter]

UPDATE
*********
My car is at the dealer's today (for recall work and fixing a rattle). I mentioned the clutch when I dropped it off.

By chance they gave me another 718 manual courtesy car. This one also makes the noise (but not at loud as mine), I will see what it is like tomorrow morning as mine is nosiest first thing when cold. I'll also see if they find any issues. I suspect not at this point.

 

[R Doug]

Hi,

My 718 is at 4000 miles and I've noticed this before, but it seems more prevalent now. Perhaps because temperatures are dropping.

When I depress the clutch (to start the engine) I can hear a spring 'twang' type noise from the pedal area. It could simply be the return spring on the pedal making the noise.

This happens all the time, not just when starting the engine. However when driving the noise is drowned out by other sounds.

The clutch appears to function fine. It's a heavy clutch compared to other cars I have owned but I assume this is normal.

Does anyone else experience this sound? Could it be a fault?

Thanks for any help.

I'm not sure at what temperature, but it's very audible in mine in lower temps since I acquired it. The dealer heard the same noise and said it was "normal."

 

[bus_ter]

Thanks for the info R Doug.

I'm pretty much convinced now it's normal and probably didn't need to say anything to the dealer.

 

[TheLip]

I am at 8,500 miles on my 718 Cayman. I don't hear the noise that you have described. And while clutch feel is subjective, I have been driving manual transmission cars for 40 years, and find the clutch weight on my base Cayman to be on the lighter side of other cars I have driven. The lightest was my Audi A5. The heaviest was my Infiniti G35. I test drove a 981 Cayman and found the clutch to be much heavier than the one on my 718. YMMV.

 

[GregW]

I had a 'springy' noise on my Subaru clutch. It took a while to find the solution--a quick spray of oil on the return spring under the hood.

 

[R Doug]

Thanks for the info R Doug.

I'm pretty much convinced now it's normal and probably didn't need to say anything to the dealer.

I believe you should bring it up. The answer I received is lazy. To me, it's unacceptable to have this noise from a premium car. Porsche profits more per vehicle than any other car maker. For that premium, we should expect high quality and world best customer service. To dismiss the sound as being "normal" is unacceptable to me.


Best of luck on solving the issue. I'd love to know if they're able to fix it.




FWIW, I've not heard the sound since late winter/early spring. Fall is here and temps are getting lower in the evenings. I'll report back at what temperature (in my garage) do I first hear the thump/clunk sound when the clutch pedal is engaged.

 

[agent 86]

Yes, my car makes that sound also. However, I have not heard the sound since last Winter/Spring. I heard it when I depress the clutch pedal with the engine off easily. While on the road, I have to listen very carefully with the windows up and the radio off.

As we head into fall, i will listen to see if the sound returns.

 

[bus_ter]

To update on this the car has been in the dealers. It's apparently normal in cold temperatures and they all do it.

 

[dustydog]

Hi All,
I had the same issue and living in Minnesota cold temps it was quite pronounced. My dealer diagnosed the problem as a bad servo spring on the clutch. It was a very in-depth fix... Perhaps that is why some dealers say it is "normal".
Bottom line, after replacement all is quiet.
Let me know if you need additional information (part#'s etc).