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Porsche 993: Why is My Door Rattling?

Does a rattling sound emanate from the door of your Porsche 993 as you drive down the road? If so, this guide will show you the best methods for correcting this oftentimes easy repair without needing to visit a local mechanic.

By Charlie Gaston - April 2, 2015

This article applies to the Porsche 993 (1993-1998).

Your Porsche 993 makes a rattle as you drive down the road and you don't know why. Rattles can be infuriating, but fortunately, the 993 has one area that gets singled out the most: the door. Here are a few possible problem areas in the door that should be inspected if a rattling door is your issue.

Materials Needed

  • Torx bolt replacements (optional) with socket
  • Door panel removal tool (optional)
  • Dynamat kit

Step 1 – Check the door frame

The Torx bolt that holds the door to the frame might be loose.

The Torx screw is designed with a six-point shape pattern that offers extra reinforcement for parts and panels that are continuously subjected to vibrations. If one or more screws become loose, you would hear a rattling sound from parts and panels that are no longer properly supported as you drive down the road. Tighten (but don't over tighten) any loose bolts using a socket.

Figure 1. This is a Torx bolt in a car door.

Pro Tip

This is the easiest fix and requires just a few minutes of DIY time. Check all bolts for looseness and tighten as directed above. As well, ensure any and all striking plates are tightly in place.

Step 2 – Check for an untied window regulator

The window regulator may not have been properly reconnected to the pillar inside the door during a previous repair, or some other internal part may have become loose from vibrational pull.

The greatest challenge you face when removing the door panel is taking care not to break the upper front door clip, which can be replaced for approximately $20 to $25. Once you remove all screws, including those that hold the handle to the door, remove the panel starting from the outer edges. It's recommended using a door panel removal tool to help the removal process; however, such tools are strictly optional for this DIY repair. The final step is to unclip the micro switch and light cable, which are connected behind the panel, and then to unclip the handle cable.

The regulator should be zip-tied to the vertical pillar in the center of the door (at around the half-way mark). If it is not, zip-tie it now to eliminate further rattling.

Figure 2. Remove all screws along the door panel.

Pro Tip

Porsche recommends replacing the upper front door clip whenever the door panel is removed.

Step 3 – Insulate door speakers

If you have standard door speakers (or poorly fitted aftermarket speakers), then it's possible the edge of the speaker, or accompanying mounting screw(s), may be coming into contact with metals located within the door panel as you drive down the road.

Add a layer of Dynamat sound-dampening material to the inside panel to reduce friction as well as to stop the sound of rattling. As an added benefit, the sound from your audio system will improve.

Figure 3. Dynamat kits are available for approximately $50.

Pro Tip

If your aftermarket speakers are slightly larger in size than the circular cutout designed for your vehicle's factory speakers, some rattling might occur.

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