Q – My 2001 Carrera began making loud grinding noises and now the low coolant light is on and there is coolant on the ground in the left rear corner of the car. I am afraid to drive it. I am somewhat suspicious since I just had the coolant recovery bottle replaced last month. Matt
A – Smart move to not drive it. Two frequently failing components live in that corner of the car; the coolant recovery bottle and the water pump. Since you also hear a noise, I am guessing that the problem is the water pump. Now I know is it an abomination to some die hard purists that a Porsche could even have a water pump but come on, get over it.
The pump is not as buried on your car as it is on some models and reasonably priced rebuilt water pumps (made in U.S.A) are now available. It is actually easier than on some of the lesser cars that we service which require field stripping the entire nose of the car for access to the pump! MC