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Front Diff blows up $$$

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Old 09-07-2020, 07:10 PM
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cam0141
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Default Front Diff blows up $$$

Front diff failed on my 09 C4S with only 44,000 km. 😩. $9.9k estimate from Porsche Calgary. No front drive assemblies in North America. Part needs to come from Germany. A good reason to get a C2 vs a C4. Less to go wrong. Not happy with Porsche quality. Who’s ever had a car were the diff fails?!
Old 09-07-2020, 07:21 PM
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venom51
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I have...3 rears in a Chevy Z71 and 2 in Ram 1500. Differentials fail just like any other mechanical device.
Old 09-07-2020, 07:32 PM
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red996
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Never had a diff fail. I CHANGE THE FLUID AS REGULAR MAINTENANCE!

Last edited by red996; 09-07-2020 at 07:48 PM.
Old 09-07-2020, 07:33 PM
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venom51
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So did I. They still fail.
Old 09-07-2020, 08:26 PM
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997ajk
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That blows...Never fun and price for new one is just insane.

From what I have seen 09-12 997 diffs seem to not be overly reliable and leak. What failed on yours ? Any codes ? Symptoms?

Additionally if the car is PDK and you pull your handbrake just one click (no brake drag) it disables the front diff and you can drive in 2WD mode without issues outside of handbrake.

Possibility is to have Porsche disable the AWD system to make it just a C2, don't know if they will do it. Cost is around $1500 and must be authorized by the factory, they basically reload the ECU with 2WD/C2S program - I am in the middle of trying to do it. My car is a PDK which complicates this a bit, otherwise I'd get a used ECU from and recode it to my VIN.

Another option:
https://californiamotorsports.net/pr...t-diff-service
or
https://teile.com/en/porsche-parts-s...009-2012/14364
or
This is 2012+ unit but depending on whats wrong you might be able to make it work.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2015-14-15-....c101195.m1851

or
they had a used unit in stock
http://www.dynamicautoparts.net/

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Old 09-07-2020, 09:18 PM
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BioBanker
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Pull the driveshaft out and go RWD.
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Old 09-08-2020, 11:06 AM
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Zookie
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Originally Posted by cam0141
Front diff failed on my 09 C4S with only 44,000 km. 😩.
Symptoms?
Old 09-08-2020, 11:42 AM
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Imo000
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Are your tire diameters the same?
Old 09-08-2020, 11:45 AM
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Muskoka
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Originally Posted by Imo000
Are your tire diameters the same?
Wouldn't that be centre diff?
Old 09-08-2020, 11:50 AM
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theiceman
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i remember a few years ago this happened to a guy in a 996, the pictures he showed were total carnage, looked like the bolts backed off in it or something. i wonder if his posts are still here ??

i dont know if Phil A is on here much anymore but he might remember his user name so you can view pics. He was Phills best friend for a while.

Last edited by theiceman; 09-08-2020 at 11:51 AM.
Old 09-08-2020, 11:58 AM
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jumper5836
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I haven't heard it being a common problem looks like you just got a dud.
Old 09-08-2020, 12:07 PM
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michaelo
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I never did understand why anybody would want to buy a C4 Porsche 911. The car is low to the ground which means terrible snow clearance and once that front diff breaks you are in a world of financial pain. The juice ain't worth the squeeze.

Better off with a C2 and use your SUV (the right tool for the job) for snowy days.

Last edited by michaelo; 09-08-2020 at 12:09 PM.
Old 09-08-2020, 01:39 PM
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Imo000
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Originally Posted by Muskoka
Wouldn't that be centre diff?
You mean the one in the transmission?
Old 09-08-2020, 01:45 PM
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911 Rod
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Originally Posted by michaelo
I never did understand why anybody would want to buy a C4 Porsche 911. The car is low to the ground which means terrible snow clearance and once that front diff breaks you are in a world of financial pain. The juice ain't worth the squeeze.

Better off with a C2 and use your SUV (the right tool for the job) for snowy days.
You've obviously have never driven a 911 Turbo in the snow.
It is a blast!
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Old 09-08-2020, 01:54 PM
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cam0141
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Default Symptoms

It was a bit whiney coming from the drive train but it was due for transmission and differential fluid changes this fall which I was planning to do myself.

Haven’t really driven it much this year but took it on a longer road trip to Banff and noticed it getting worse. So I turn around and headed home but there was a loud bang and an terrible noice all at once and I pulled over and called tow truck.

I’ve seen the used sites but I plan to have the car for awhile so I’m going to fork out the dough for a new part.

thought about deleting the front drive but it is not as easy as on 996 and 997.1. I couldn’t find any kits in my brief search and it’s not as easy as removing the driveshaft (Porsche calls it a cardinal shaft). The front diff and awd clutch controller in all in one unit called the front drive assembly.


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