The Porsche brand is synonymous with high performance and class. Models are sought after by many car enthusiasts. A common problem with the Porsche brand is driveshaft support failure. As a Porsche driver, it’s important to know how driveshaft failure occurs and the preventative measures you can take to avoid it. Prevention is key to avoiding the expensive repair and replacement of parts with your Porsche, not to mention keeping it running optimally for years to come.
Let’s discuss the purpose of the driveshaft support, causes and symptoms of driveshaft support failure, and what to do when the problem occurs.
The Purpose of Driveshaft Support in Your Porsche
The driveshaft is an important component of the drivetrain in your vehicle. Connected to the other parts in the drivetrain, it is responsible for facilitating torque and rotation control. While it is connected to the drivetrain, it isn’t directly connected to the other parts. A separate support mechanism keeps the driveshaft in place, known as the driveshaft support. When the driveshaft support is in failure, it causes problems that can make driving your vehicle become unmanageable and even dangerous. What’s more, you risk further damage to your vehicle the longer you drive it while in driveshaft support failure.
Replacing parts in a Porsche is not cheap, and the longer you wait to have your vehicle seen, the more money you’ll be spending to fix the problem. Always schedule an appointment with your trusted Porsche mechanic at the first sign of a problem.
Causes of Driveshaft Support Failure in Your Porsche
Below are the main causes of driveshaft support failure, which usually are the result of wear and tear on your vehicle over time. The best line of defense against problems caused by wear and tear are preventative maintenance and service checks of your vehicle.
- Dried-Out Support Mount: A dried-out support mount can lead to the driveshaft support cracking.
- Dry CV Joint: Dry CV joints can also lead to driveshaft support failure.
- Worn-Out Rollers: Worn-out rollers can lead to grinding noises as the result of increased friction, violent shaking, and loss of control over your vehicle.
Symptoms of Driveshaft Support Failure in Your Porsche
Should you encounter any of the below symptoms of driveshaft support failure in your vehicle, take it in to your trusted Porsche mechanic immediately. Taking care of the problem at the first indication is crucial to avoid further damage to your vehicle. It is dangerous to drive with driveshaft support failure as you can lose control over your vehicle, putting you and other drivers at risk.
- Unusual Noises During Acceleration: You’ll know when something isn’t right with your vehicle when you encounter unusual noises when accelerating. One of the first noticeable symptoms of a bad or failing center support bearing, you’ll encounter a howl or squeal as you accelerate your vehicle. The noise may quiet down as your vehicle picks up speed, but it is not a sound to be ignored.
- During Acceleration: Another symptom of driveshaft support failure is shuddering felt during acceleration. A failing driveshaft support will not be able to support the drive shaft, causing it to flex incorrectly, leading to vibration and shuddering. If this problem persists and becomes more severe, it can shudder and flex to the point of making contact with the underside of the vehicle. This will cause damage to not only the driveshaft, but the vehicle’s chassis.
Manfred’s Import Auto Can Help
If you suspect your vehicle’s driveshaft support is in failure, it needs to be seen as soon as possible to avoid further damage. 
At Manfred’s Import Auto, we can help diagnose and repair your driveshaft support. We service the Barrington, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, and Cary, IL communities and our highly-skilled mechanics have years of experience with the Porsche brand.
Give us a call today and book your appointment so we can fix your driveshaft support and get your Porsche back on the road in optimal driving performance.
* Porsche 911 image credit goes to: Gaschwald.
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