What Causes Pressure Accumulator Failure in Your Porsche?

Do you know how a pressure accumulator works in your Porsche and what causes it to fail? Porsche is a brand that can be described as having qualities like efficiency, strength, and speed. However, what happens when your vehicle does not provide that silky smoothness that you were hoping for on the road? If you have noticed that operation changes are sudden or your Porsche no longer handles the way you expect, there can be a problem with the pressure accumulator. Let’s dissect the reasons why this component has failed and what steps should be taken to fix it.

What Might Cause Pressure Accumulator Failure in a Porsche?

• Wear and Tear: The pressure accumulator is a chamber containing hydraulic fluid and a diaphragm or bladder that is compressed by gas within the accumulator. This internal part is not so permanent and with time, it degrades or wears out with constant usage. Now every time that the system completes one cycle, building and then releasing pressure, stress is placed on the diaphragm. This stress, over the years translates to low efficiency, loss of pressure storage, or outright failure of the car. Older cars are more likely to experience this problem because, over the years, the material in the accumulator wears out.
• Leaks in the System: Hydraulic systems are expected to have a closed environment to be able to build up pressure. But if there are leaks in the hydraulic system such as damaged seals, cracked hydraulic lines, or worn-out hydraulic components then the accumulator has to work harder to make up for the loss of pressure. However, due to the pressure loss it is subjected to, it is not surprising that it degrades over time. Besides, leaks decrease the total volume of hydraulic fluid and therefore throw a wrench on the normal function of the hydraulic system.
• Contaminated Hydraulic Fluid: Hydraulics in your Porsche rely on pure and high-quality fluid in order to function properly. As you might imagine, if dirt, debris, or moisture gets into the fluid, it is quite possible that it will cause a lot of harm. Contaminants hinder the internal channels of the pressure accumulator so that it cannot store and release the pressure as it should. Moisture especially causes rust or corrosion within the accumulator, thus aggravating this failure.
• Extreme Temperatures: Large fluctuations in temperature affect the pressure accumulator notably. Heat also affects the internal parts, the seals, and the diaphragm, and their performance is reduced more when they expand with high temperatures. At the same time, low temperatures shrink the hydraulic fluid so that the accumulator has to pump harder to achieve the same pressure. These problems are particularly common for Porsches driven in very hot or very cold weather, particularly if the vehicle is not properly maintained.

What to Do If You Think Your Pressure Accumulator Is Bad

• Check for Leaks: Hydraulic fluid leakage is the most common cause of failure in pressure accumulators. During the inspection, your mechanic will check the system for any signs of leakage. If leaks are found, they’ll have to repair or replace the seals, hoses, or fittings to enable the equipment to work as it is supposed to.
• Flush and Replace Hydraulic Fluid: Contaminated hydraulic fluid can cause problems to the whole hydraulic system. If contamination is the problem, then the system will have to be purged as well as washed out. New hydraulic fluid that the manufacturer recommends will be introduced next. It is recommended to change the fluid regularly so as to avoid future contamination of the pressure accumulator.
• Replace the Pressure Accumulator: In most cases, a failing accumulator will have to be replaced. As much as this may sound like a costly exercise, this is a very important component that needs to be replaced in order to have a reliable hydraulic system for your Porsche. Failure to replace it could result in more severe—and expensive—damage later on.

Care For Your Porsche With The Help Of Motronix

Sometimes, the pressure accumulator in your Porsche might fail, and this will make the driving experience less smooth than expected, but fixing the problem early at an authorized service center will be cheaper and faster. Motronix is a company that focuses on servicing and repairing high-end cars such as Porsche to make them as efficient as possible.

If you have observed any signs of hydraulic system failure, do not hesitate to visit our Dania Beach, FL car center for diagnosis by our professional team. We make use of sophisticated diagnostic equipment and are therefore in a position to ensure that your Porsche is as good as new. Contact us today if you reside in nearby areas like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Hollywood FL!

* Porsche Cayman Car image credit goes to: SusanaValera.