5 Signs Your Porsche's Pressure Accumulator Has a Problem
- Has the braking efficiency of your Porsche dropped significantly???
- And, is your ride becoming unusually bumpy?
- All of these issues point to one thing – a faulty pressure accumulator. So, what exactly is a pressure accumulator and how can its failure affect the way your Porsche operates? Let’s find out…
Porsche’s Pressure Accumulator In A Nutshell
If it is to be put briefly, a Porsche’s pressure accumulator is basically a metal tank that contains hydraulic fluid and nitrogen gas. It is because of this component that your Porsche's suspension and braking systems work as they should. Although the metal tank is the most visible part of the pressure accumulator, there are several other parts that work together to monitor and control the fluid pressure inside said systems.
If for some reason the pressure accumulator fails, the efficiency of your Porsche's suspension and braking system will deteriorate significantly; which is something that can compromise your road safety. Knowing when there is something wrong with your vehicle's pressure accumulator can save you a lot of inconvenience.
Identifying Signs of Porsche Pressure Accumulator Failure
Clue #1- Unusually bumpy ride
The first hint that you will get if there is something off with your Porsche's pressure accumulator is unusually bumpy rides. More often than not, bumpy rides signify a problem in the suspension system. But, on occasion, it may suggest a faulty pressure accumulator. So, if your Porsche has been bouncing a lot as you drive on a rough road surface, it is important that you have someone check on its pressure accumulator.
Clue #2- Spongy brake pedal
From a flaw in the brake pedal assembly to damaged rotors; there are several reasons why your Porsche's brake pedal may become spongy. Another reasonable possibility that we often forget about is a faulty pressure accumulator. In a way, it is because of the pressure accumulator that the hydraulic pressure within the braking system remains within optimum levels. If it malfunctions, braking pressure inside your vehicle’s brake lines will be thrown off and the brake pedal will become unresponsive.
Clue #3- Dashboard warnings
A faulty pressure accumulator may also set off a bunch of warning lights and error messages on the dash of your Porsche. So, if your Porsche's ABS light along with other warning indicators is flashing erratically, there is a possibility that the pressure accumulator is giving up. To reset these warnings, you'll need to get to the root of the problem and fix it. Because, if you don't, you are putting a big question mark on your road safety.
Clue #4- Fluid leak
The pressure accumulator is basically an add-on that plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal pressure within the brake lines so that the brakes can operate smoothly and efficiently. If its valve fails or one of its seals breaks, fluid flowing through the system will leak out. This is something that can render your Porsche’s braking system useless. So, if your Porsche has been leaving oil stains on the driveway or there are oil puddles on the garage floor, check the pressure accumulator among other things.
Clue #5- Clutch not engaging
It is not that only the braking system or suspension system will be affected by pressure accumulator failure. Your Porsche’s clutch engaging mechanism will also suffer. So, if there is something wrong with your Porsche's clutch, check if the pressure accumulator is in good condition.
Ensure the Upkeep of Your Porsche's Pressure Accumulator with These Tips
- Recharge it routinely. Check the nitrogen gas level in your Porsche's pressure accumulator periodically and if necessary recharge it. If the accumulator is leaking, locate the pinhole and get it repaired.
- Keep an eye on its valve. It is because of the valve that the pressure accumulator gets to regulate pressure within many different systems including the braking system and suspension system. Make sure the valve is working fine. If it is defective, don't waste time contemplating the issue. Get it repaired ASAP.
To Keep Things Short
A pressure accumulator is something whose existence is unknown to many Porsche owners. Nonetheless, it is a crucial component that requires proper care, just like the rest of the Porsche. If you get a glance that your Porsche's pressure accumulator is giving up, visit the nearest Porsche service center.