There’s nothing quite like seeing a Porsche speed down the highway. Its impeccable design, powerful engine, and smooth drive makes it an ideal option for luxury car enthusiasts. However, as beautiful as the Porsche is, it comes with its fair share of issues. This is quite unfortunate, but even the most well-made cars aren’t impervious to damage.

If you check out any online car forum, Porsche owners are consistently complaining about one major issue: their differential. Because it is a common complaint in the Porsche community, it’s important to know what it is, and how to recognize issues with it.

What Role Does the Differential Play?

Your differential works as a mediator between the power your Porsche exerts and your wheels. In order for your wheels to rotate at different speeds, such as when taking a turn, the differential alleviates strain from the axel and regulates a different speed to each wheel. Without this key piece, your wheels would have great difficulty turning. It would also cause a great deal of pressure to your axel.

Addressing this problem at the first sign of damage is imperative to preserving your wheels and preventing excess damage.

What Causes This Issue?

Issues With Your Carrier Bearings

When your carrier bearings are worn due to excessive wear and tear, this could greatly impact how your differential operates. Oftentimes, drivers hear a clinking or clanking noise as they drive. This noise should be the first indication of an issue considering how smooth and quiet the Porsche’s engine is.

Broken or Worn U-Joints

Much like the carrier bearings, if your U-Joints are worn due to excessive wear, this could have a huge impact on how your differential works. Often times, your car will aggressively shake or vibrate when these parts are old and worn.

Damaged Wheel Bearings

Since your differential system works in conjunction with your wheels, it’s safe to conclude that worn wheel bearings will greatly impact how your differential works. One of the most obvious signs of this issue is excessive vibrations and shakes when you try to turn the vehicle. It’s extremely important to get the wheel bearings checked out as it will greatly impact how your car drives. Turning, steering, or even routine driving could increasingly become difficult.

Damaged Cornering Gears

When your cornering gears are broken, this greatly impacts how your differential works. Major symptoms of this issue to look for include loud clunking sounds. It’s advised to get the cornering gears taken care of by a mechanical professional in order to avoid further damage.

Dry Differentials

When your Porsche’s differential is dry due to a lack of lubrication, this can greatly impact how your car drives. It’s important to pay attention to the oil used, as some evaporates faster than others. Keep your differential properly lubricated on a consistent basis to avoid this excessive dryness and eventual destruction.

There are several factors that could contribute to your differential failing. Although the sources are vast, it’s always suggested to have your car assessed by a professional mechanic. While there are several do-it-yourself methods on the net, those pale in comparison to a professional hand. This is especially true in luxury vehicles like the Porsche.

Avoiding these problems may not always be possible, but proper maintenance certainly helps. That’s why it’s important to always keep up with your general maintenance & servicing schedules. By doing so, your Porsche is guaranteed to operate at an optimal level for as long as possible.

Finally, pay attention to the products you’re using on your car. Since you’ve invested so much into your Porsche, don’t err on the cheaper side when it comes to oil, fuel, and parts. Always consult with a professional mechanic who understands your car so as to get the best service possible.

How We Can Help

When it comes to taking care of your Porsche, it’s important to find a reliable team of experts who understand how to deal with your Porsche specifically. We believe our reputable shop is an ideal option for Porsche maintenance services. Masters European & Japanese Auto Repair has decades of experience with the Porsche brand. We proudly serve the Corte Madera, Larkspur, Sausalito, Tiburon, and Mill Valley, CA areas. When you bring your Porsche in for servicing, we’ll make sure to diagnose your problems with ease and get you back on the road as soon as possible.