If your Porsche Cayenne propshaft is not operating efficiently, it will let you know immediately with plenty of noise. Propshaft noises are usually caused by a worn centre support dampener or a faulty centre support bearing.

Why do Cayenne Propshafts fail?

We first started to see these propshafts come in for repair in 2008. Some of the vehicles had as little as 50,000 miles before the propshaft failed. Not great for such a high-end brand! Unfortunately, the fault is standard for the Cayennes and the carrier bearing simply is not strong enough for its application and gives up at around the 50 – 70,000 mile stage.

Propshaft noises and possible causes to be aware of:

A clunking or thumping sound

When going from acceleration to deceleration or vice versa, if you hear this noise it’s possibly due to a worn centre support bearing dampener or diaphragm. A broken or worn centre support bearing dampener will allow for the shaft to move up and down with changes in drive line torque. This movement creates a loud clunking or thumping sound and will make for an uncomfortable ride. A broken centre support bearing dampener is one of the most common failures on the Cayenne drive shaft.

A whining sound

This is sometimes caused by a dry, worn centre support bearing. Since this bearing makes complete revolutions, it will make a different sound than a bad centre support bearing dampener. A high-pitched, more constant whine will usually come from a faulty, broken or worn centre support bearing.

Grinding and squeaking sounds

This noise is often caused by a worn CV joint. The joints become dry, causing the rollers to wear. The un-lubricated, damaged rollers then produce a grinding or squeaking sound as they operate on the scored cap and cross surfaces.

Two technicians under a vehicle installing a propshaft

Porsche Cayenne Propshaft Types

There are only 2 different-sized shafts – long and short. The measurements can be easily taken by measuring the shorter section of the shaft. Take a measurement from the inside edge of the bearing to the inside edge of the rear mounting spider. This measurement needs to be done once the propshaft has been removed from the vehicle.

Short shaft – 22cm from the inside edge of the bearing to the inside edge of the rear spider

Long shaft – 27cm from the inside edge of the bearing to the inside edge of the rear spider

Porsche propshaft short shaft

Solving the Porsche Cayenne Broken Propshaft Issue

The fix for these issues is a well-trodden path for us as we have seen so very many of these vehicles. Beware that this is a specialist area and you do not want just anyone dismantling your propshaft.

We hold stock of re-manufactured propshafts for all Porsche Cayenne models at our Gatwick site. Give our team a call and we can book you in for your propshaft replacement.

Porsche Cayenne Propshaft Postal Service

If you aren’t close to our Gatwick site and desperately need a new propshaft, don’t worry. We can still help with our postal service.

Find yourself a competent local garage and ask them to remove your propshaft in one complete section. Then package up the prop and post it to our Gatwick address. When you speak to our team to book this in, we will provide all the details you need on how to post this to us.

Once we have received your propshaft, we endeavour to replace it the same day so it can be collected and on its way back to you by the next working day. You can then instruct your local garage to refit the prop for you. As a rough guide, your local garage should charge you for up to 3 hours for the removal and refit of your prop.

Trusted Porsche Cayenne propshaft fitters

Book your Porsche in today