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It'd really be good to hear what's specifically leading to the failures of the automatic ones. We know the die and potentially moisture contaminating the fluid is a leading problem... but what else?
I agree that we know that they "die". There are several reasonable assumptions about why they die, but we have an opportunity to hear from someone who remans these things. So far I think I have read two failure modes from Andrew: Chains and clutch packs. Looking forward to reading more of Andrew's experiences. Cheers!
I just filled my complaint with NHTSA. The final event leading up to the transfer case failure was a safety issue. While doing some reading through the Manufacturer's Communications, I found two interesting ones, both attached.
1. It seems that back in October of 2016, Porsche told the dealers that prior to installation from inventory, they were to update the transfer case with a kit that included three parts: boot over the front shaft, vent and a vent line. My transfer case was replaced in January of 2017, but the updated kit was not included. Well, back to the dealer.
2. In November of 2016, Porsche identified a potential electrical issue at the connectors. Since my dealer did not read the first communication, I am going to bring this to their attention too.
File those complaints with the NHTSA folks. It will take all of 5 minutes. Stick to the facts and if you feel it is safety related, communicate that too!!! No dealer likes to see repeat issues from multiple different customers on a Federal Website.
I absolutely enjoy they way the Cayenne S drives and handles. Just wish it was as reliable as the other three vehicles in my stable.
If I lease a 958 2018 Platinum Edition Cayenne, I am guessing that I'll have the redesigned transfer case. Is that correct?
My guess is it has a different transfer case than mine since it is a lower displacement engine, maybe part number 958-341-013-01. No part numbers for 2017 and 2018 were available at the parts portals.
I would search 2016 and 2017 NHTSA complaints. I found a transfer case complaint from 2016 in a few seconds. Take a look at the part numbers. My 2011 S 958-341-010-08 is used up through at least 2016 (in Turbo S).
My guess is it has a different transfer case than mine since it is a lower displacement engine, maybe part number 958-341-013-01. No part numbers for 2017 and 2018 were available at the parts portals.
I would search 2016 and 2017 NHTSA complaints. I found a transfer case complaint from 2016 in a few seconds. Take a look at the part numbers. My 2011 S 958-341-010-08 is used up through at least 2016 (in Turbo S).
You might call PCNA and ask them.
Is there an easy way to check the part number on the car I might lease?
Get the VIN and ask the parts department what the part number is. But this will not answer your original question. There does not appear to be a specific transfer case part number that is a problem.
With a new car lease you will get a 4 year warranty or leasing of a "used" one should get you a 6 year warranty (4 + 2 CPO). So no worries.
2014 Cayenne base. 29,300 Mi
I had hesitation on 3rd and 4th gears merging into highways, going uphill and on lower gears going in sharp turns. Called the dealer and the adviser felt like it was transfer case right away.
Below is my invoice:
@FirstCayenne: Was your transfer case just replaced? My transfer case (2nd replacement) was replaced by the previous owner back on 8/1/17 @ 69k miles and the work order shows a different part number for the transfer case (958-341-011-EX). The same repair order shows the same vent line part number as above (958-301-047-10) and other associated hardware that you've shown on your invoice. Prior to that, the transfer case was replaced @ 61k miles (part # 958-341-010-HX) with no vent line. That repair replaced the original transfer case from the factory and only lasted 8k miles before giving up. It would be nice if we could keep a list of the part number revisions at the top of the thread to see which part numbers Porsche has gone thru for these transfer case replacements.
According to the invoice yes the case was replaced with the same part# but additional Vent Line, spacer ring, clamping sleeve...
Which part# fixes the issue permanently?
@FirstCayenne: It's anyone's guess whether the current replacement transfer case and associated hardware (vent line, etc) will be a permanent solution to this ongoing problem, but supposedly the vent line is the fix for it. I just purchased my Cayenne and am hoping my transfer case replacement lasts a long time....
Just a quick FWIW - for those thinking of changing their TC oil - I do not recommend Ravenol. I am not happy with how the transfer case behaves using it. I'll be switching back to the new Porsche fluid - hopefully before I leave California for NJ in a week or so. There is a definite deterioration in shift quality with the Ravenol.
YMMV - but bet it doesn't (other people have reported similar..)
Does your T-Case have the vent line and shaft boot installed? Hope to hear a positive report from your fluid change. Any thought about sending a sample for analysis?
Does your T-Case have the vent line and shaft boot installed? Hope to hear a positive report from your fluid change. Any thought about sending a sample for analysis?
No it doesn't - but I've also been driving it in LA for the past few weeks - and it hasn't rained once. Supposed to rain tomorrow and the next day (badly needed rain actually - the entire city looks dusty from ash from the fires..) As far as sending a sample - I don't know what we'd be looking for since we also would need an analysis of a "virgin" oil sample to compare it to. My feeling right now is that it drove better with the new Porsche fluid than with the Ravenol. Other people have come to the same conclusion. The cost difference isn't really much (Porsche fluid is around $60/liter, Ravenol around $30) but I did find the convenience of the Ravenol oil bottle design with the built in tubing/spout attractive.
Not sure how much longer I'll be in LA - but if it looks like more than a few more days (visiting my son and daughter-in-law) I might explore finding a shop that can change it for me - provided I can get new fill/drain plugs and a liter of the Porsche oil fairly quickly.
Just a quick FWIW - for those thinking of changing their TC oil - I do not recommend Ravenol. I am not happy with how the transfer case behaves using it. I'll be switching back to the new Porsche fluid - hopefully before I leave California for NJ in a week or so. There is a definite deterioration in shift quality with the Ravenol.
YMMV - but bet it doesn't (other people have reported similar..)
Any links to expand on other reports of not liking how the Ravenol behaves? I was going to use it when doing the T/C and Diffs (also Ravenol-MDL) in the next few weeks.
01-04-2018, 02:29 PM
