2013 Cayenne S V8 Diesel - Transfer Case & Diff Oil

[Brucie_Bonus]

I have just picked up what seems to be a rather well spec'd Cayenne for wifey to use. We are very impressed with the MPG given the size of the engine and the overall condition, comfort and performance is fantastic. However, given the age of the vehicle, 114K miles and without a warranty, I hope it doesn't throw any/many faults!

My area of concern relates to the transfer case and rear differential.. We are experiencing slight juddering on tight turns at very low speeds and on one occasion a fault flashed up 'Differential Lock Fault' although thankfully it has not appeared since. This car has the PTV+ option.

Do you think a transfer case and differential oil change would be beneficial or are these symptoms similar to what others have experienced with transfer case failures?

Thanks in advance


Here is the options list:-

Umber & Cream extended leather
100 litres fuel tank
Sports tailpipes
Floor mats
Air suspension
Porsche torque vectoring plus (PTV plus)
Sport design package with side skirts
Multi function steering wheel
Panoramic roof system
Roof rails incl roof mouldings black
Heated seats front and rear
Seat ventilation front
Powerliftgate
Porshe entry and drive
Privacy glass
PCM
Park assist
Lane change assist
Bi-xenon headlights in black
Tail lights with tinted glass
Parking heater
Speed limit recognition
Burmester
Telephone module
21" Turbo II wheels with arch extensions
18 way Adaptive sports seats
Light comfort package
Exterior package in black
Sport chrono package plus
Digital radio
Universal audio interface
Homelink

[KPB1973]

Great spec. I also bought mine at the same mileage and despite no signs of issue on the test drives, I asked for the transfer case oil to be changed as a condition of sale. I have no record of either the oil or the case being changed in the past and no (touch wood) symptoms described elsewhere in other posts of feeling like it's on a rumble strip at low speeds.

I have experienced a slight crabbing when pulling off from a standstill on full lock (my drive is sloped and it's the outside wheel that's downslope that tends to slip) but I just consider that normal. Mine doesn't have the PTV.

I suppose the good thing here - and I appreciate everything is relative - is that if it is the transfer case that's playing up, it's not a uneconomic and catastrophic failure like a snapped crank in a RRS etc. Plus, it might still be under extended warranty if it's been changed since 2014, as I think there was a 10 year warranty extension on that issue?

[Brucie_Bonus]

KPB1973 - thank you for your reply. As you say, if the transfer case does need replacing it's not a huge issue but I would rather apply some preventative maintenance such as regular oil changes to see if I can prolong the use before an inevitible failure.

After some googling today, it appears the fault which flashed up on the dash could well be related to the PTV although I do need to research that a bit more

[gareth h]

I’ve just had the oil in my transfer box changed as a preventative measure at 90k miles, seems a sensible thing to do.
They do scrub a bit on full lock, is this what you’re feeling?

[Brucie_Bonus]

gareth h said:

I’ve just had the oil in my transfer box changed as a preventative measure at 90k miles, seems a sensible thing to do.
They do scrub a bit on full lock, is this what you’re feeling?

Thank you for your reply - the tyres scrub when parking and tight low speed turns but I’m pretty certain it’s not that. The tyres are 295/35/21 all round. The sound seems to be coming from underneath the car and I would say more to the rear of the car. Once underway the car performs faultlessly.

Can I ask what oil you used? I have found the OEM oil from Design911 but wondering if there are alternatives that are recommended

[gareth h]

Brucie_Bonus said:

Thank you for your reply - the tyres scrub when parking and tight low speed turns but I’m pretty certain it’s not that. The tyres are 295/35/21 all round. The sound seems to be coming from underneath the car and I would say more to the rear of the car. Once underway the car performs faultlessly.

Can I ask what oil you used? I have found the OEM oil from Design911 but wondering if there are alternatives that are recommended

Sorry not sure on the oil, it was changed by my local Indy

[Aluminati]

First thing I did when I bought mine was change the transfer case oil ( £60 a litre from Porsche ?) car was on 77k.

Changed again 2000 miles later, car now approaching 99k , no issues to report. 20 minute job.

[KPB1973]

I think the oil is 75W-90 gear / transmission oil, which is less than a tenner a litre in a lot of places.

Typical Porsche Tax!