Driving your Porsche ought to be a smooth experience. However, when the suspension fails, the smooth experience may become hampered. A faulty suspension will not only affect your vehicle’s overall experience but may also expose other parts of your vehicle to damage.
While routine maintenance may help prevent the accelerated wear of vehicle parts, the wear and tear of components is inevitable. The vehicle suspension is also susceptible to natural wear after an extended period of use. Knowing the signs to look out for will go a long way in helping you detect problems with the suspension system early on and prevent damage to other vehicle parts.
The Suspension System in a Porsche
The suspension system in a Porsche consists of several components connecting its main body to the tire. It functions as a shock absorber, absorbing bumps and vibrations inflicted on the wheels to ensure that you feel as few bumps as possible when driving. The suspension helps maintain a smooth driving experience regardless of road imperfections.
A defective suspension system hinders your steering stability and the prospect of enjoying a comfortable ride. It also fails to prevent damages caused to the underbody of your Porsche by potholes and other road imperfections.
Symptoms of a Faulty Suspension System
You can detect that your suspension system is failing through the distinct noises coming from the suspension. Early detection of this noise reduces the possibility of leading to more problems likely to impede your safety. A faulty suspension system may produce the following noises:
- Knocking Sound: When driving your Porsche over bumps or along a corner, an intermittent knocking sound may be heard if you have worn-out shocks. If you are still not convinced, try applying pressure to a side of your Porsche either by sitting or pressing down. After releasing the pressure, watch your car rise back up. With a normal shock absorber, your Porsche will smoothly rise back to its original position. However, with worn-out shocks, you will notice some bounciness when rising.
- Rattling Sound: You may hear a constant rattling noise when driving your Porsche. It sounds like some components are loosened and are rolling or dangling within your suspension. If you experience this issue, it may be an indication of problems with your suspension system. Visit your mechanic to get your Porsche inspected as soon as possible.
- Bumpy Rides: When your suspension system is faulty, you’ll notice the impacts of road bumps more often than usual. This alone reduces the overall driving experience.
Other symptoms may include the feeling of a loosened steering wheel, drifting to one side of the road, or an uneven tire wear pattern.
Causes Of Noisy Suspension in Porsche
- Lack of Lubrication: Adequate lubrication makes way for the smooth operation of your suspension. Suspension parts like shock units and tie rod end need to be well-lubricated to prevent wear and tear from friction. When your suspension is improperly lubricated, it causes squealing noises, invariably accelerating its wear and tear.
- Worn-out Ball Joint: The ball-joint performs the essential function of connecting your wheels to the suspension, acting as pivot points enabling the free movement of your Porsche. When this ball joint fails, screeching or squealing noises will be heard when making corners.
- Damaged Suspension Bushing: Bushings are cushions mounted on the joints in the suspension system. They are made of rubber and are fitted to help absorb vibrations and noises from the suspension. Worn-out suspension bushes will give an uncomfortable driving experience wherever you go over bumps.
- A Faulty Shock Absorber or Struts: If you have a faulty shock absorber, your Porsche will feel wobbly and bouncy when driving.
Whenever you experience any of the symptoms discussed above, it is advisable to visit an expert to help you examine the problem for proper diagnosis.
European Service Center Can Help
A faulty suspension system is detrimental to your safety on the road. Our mechanics at European Service Center are well-equipped with the expertise and latest equipment needed to get your Porsche back in good shape.
For over three decades, our expert mechanics at European Service Center have provided our customers in Alpharetta, Chamblee, Norcross, Dunwoody, Buckhead, Roswell, Atlanta, GA, with high-quality automobile repair services. Please call or visit our shop today to schedule your car’s next service appointment!