Of all the 911 models, 993 – and sometimes others, like the 996 – windscreens can be problematic, They’re notorious for creaking or wind noise; and this is usually attributed to the after the windscreen has been replaced.
A very audible ‘pitter-patter of rain’ noise can be heard when the car is drive, In some cases this noise can be much louder. The answer to why this is happening is very simple: the windscreen has not been fitted properly; the solution is to remove and refit it, however, there is a lot of misinformation about how to avoid – or negate – the 993 windscreen creaking issue.
“My windscreen is creaking, what should I do?”
A common piece of advice from the internet comes in the suggestion of using Pedro’s Wax. Pedro’s bike care, “has led the way since 1989 with innovative lubricants, cleaners, and cleaning tools that make maintenance quick and easy.” Their website also states their, “chemists have been innovating since day one with unique solutions engineered specifically for the task at hand.”
Chain lube is a good product for lubricating chains and cogs on bicycles; it’s not clear if the Pedro’s Research and Development team have tested any of their products’ effectiveness on a creaking 993 windscreen. Perversely, some of the world’s best inventions have come about by chance. For example, Post-It notes were invented by accident. Meanwhile, neither Pedro’s products, nor their website states anything about any of their bike care lubricants being suitable for creaking windscreens.
The next most common suggestion to cure creaking windscreen noise is Teflon Tape. This is sometimes also referred to as Helicopter Tape although it is not clear if the two are the same. It appears that Helicopter Tape translates more aptly. Abrasion Resistance Polyurethane is also known as Helicopter Tape (or Heli Tape). While it is used to protect helicopter blades, 3M Helicopter Tape is a fast and exact way to provide protection from grit, stones and scratches. On Porsche 993 and 996 windscreens, the tape is applied to the car and acts as a sound insulator between the windscreen trim rubbing against the paintwork.
Coincidentally, if you were interested in buying any quantity of Heli Tape, it is easily found by bike care sellers (gravel, scratch and erosion protection). A chance coincidence, or are many Porsche drivers avid cyclists who happen to be well stocked with such bike care products?
Finally, another suggestion which pops up from time to time is the Neoprene Chord solution. It is literally stuffed into the void between the windscreen edge and the frame it sits in. Neoprene ‘sponge’ cord (looks like Udon Noodles) is an ideal sealing material against UV, ozone, air and water. It is a closed cell material allowing no ingress of fluids, dust or air to go through. It has excellent compression characteristics which make it ideal for sealing gaps or voids. As much as its description might make sense, it is not designed to be used on car windscreens although Porsche did commission it as a part for a period of time (incidentally in their endeavor, Porsche also trialed a deer antler extract too, but aside from the putrid smell it was largely unsuccessful).
Neoprene Chord might work as it does one or both of the following:
- Compresses into the windscreen void and acts as a sound insulator from being wedged tightly into the gap;
- Acts as a (water) dam. By holding water, the water itself then acts as a lubricant thus, insulating the creaking sound.
None of these three suggestions are the solution.
For what you achieve by employing any of the above, you might as well wear ear defenders whilst driving; turn the radio up or fit a loud exhaust system. They are all snake oil solutions. The noise is generated from a poorly fitted windscreen and not addressing the issue properly can lead to consequential problems which usually result in costly bodyshop visits (sometimes these have also proven to be temporary if the bodyshop does not use someone who knows how to fit 993 windscreens properly).
If you are suffering with the affliction of a creaking windscreen, the windscreen – i the first instance – needs to be removed. 9/10 can be removed without any issue. They do not break. The radio antenna does not ‘fall off’. The seal-retaining frame ( “trim frame” ) is part of the windscreen and is not available as a separate part. With care, all can be removed for assessment/refurbishment and then refitted. Also, be prepared; there may be corrosion issues, to what extent will not be evident until the windscreen is removed.
Pedro’s Wax is great for bike care; it is not designed to lubricate bonded windscreens. Besides, why would anyone in their right mind introduce grease to an area which relies on adhesion to be most effective? Removing a windscreen that has been contaminated with grease is asking for trouble. Also, grease will dry out. The same people who suggest using it will then back it up recommending to reapply. A totally bonkers solution.
Teflon Tape is like PPF. It has its uses. It may work to eliminate the creaking noise from your windscreen but in may cases, it does not. It also – especially if the car has just been repainted – cause corrosion issues as the fresh paint ‘sweats’ underneath the tape. Fresh paint needs time to cure. Placing a synthetic tape over it again, is asking for trouble.
Chain lube, helicopter rotor tape or udon noodle-like neoprene chord is not the answer. Your windscreen is creaking is not fitted properly. I have removed and refitted countless creaking 993 windscreens and debunked these snake oil remedies time and time again.