So, my 2003 R53 is up to 87,000 miles, and I'm starting to get concerned about the water pump PTO on the supercharger. Over the past 5,000 miles or so, I've started hearing a sort of hissing noise (it's just like someone's saying 'shhhhhhh') that varies in intensity with engine speed and throttle.

Now, ordinarily that would be cause for me to pull into my garage and get to work, but the dealership told me that the throwout bearing is getting toward the end of its life, too. I only get the noise in gear, or possibly with more throttle than I give it while revving the engine stopped, which points me a little more in the direction of a transmission thing.

What do you think? Should I get to work on the supercharger sooner rather than later? (Just found out I need a new exhaust system and rear left brake line to pass PA inspection/for safety, and that $1250-ish job—can't stand doing exhaust work myself—has put rather a damper on my enthusiasm for a $1000 supercharger rebuild.)

 

I would get a second opinion before jumping in on the supercharger. They don't normally make a hissing sound when they fail. Usually it's a knock like a rod knock or the just out right overheat.

If you need an exhaust let us know as we have our great WMW strat catback which will fit perfect and give you a performance gain.

We can also sell you used brake lines cheap from a parts car, or a new set of stainless lines.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/stainle...s-r50-r53.html

 

A 2003 R53 S... I would recommend doing a few things that could resolve a few issues and save a few dollars...

If you do the brakes start with this...
http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2003-C...its/ES2587595/

Under $300.00

add these...

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2003-C...nes/ES2608378/

About $110.00

And Your brakes should be good for another 80K miles or more...

As for exhaust... I would recommend the JCW or like exhaust package, it is so much lighter than the standard S exhaust and almost maintenance free, the stock S exhaust tends to go through hangers about $60.00 a side ($120.00) every 3 or 4 years.

(I used ECS Links but Way Motor Works also have some great parts, I always check both and compare sales for the best price).

As for your strange noise... My first thought was a worn inter-cooler rubber boot being a 2003 chances are they are starting to crack and leak, but you would more than likely also see the "Service Engine Soon" light pop on from time to time.

But a throw out bearing is possible, the one on my 2009 Challenger makes funny noises when in neutral with the engine running, but goes away when in gear... I'm told this is normal, and since it has not detonated on me yet...

I wonder if you have the normal rear seal leak, and is so maybe that might be part of the issue, and possible the bearing. I have had mine replaced as well as most of the O-Rings for all the sensors that fail and allow oil leaks.

Best of luck.

Motor on!

 

+1 on the brakes / lines.


Pinpoint the hissing noise, might have someone listen to the engine while parked and slightly rev'd.

 

Fortunately it's just the one line I need to do right now—it got bent in a bad direction, and had been rubbing on the control arm. Thanks for the links, though; I'll probably need to do the brakes all around next year.

Turns out my mechanic is happy to install the WMW exhaust for me, so not only do I get a brand new exhaust which will hopefully weather the murderous, salty PA winters a little better, but I don't even have to install it, either. (I hate working on exhausts.)