Porsches are known for being powerful, stylish vehicles, but they do have a few weaknesses, one of which is a tendency for pressure accumulator failure. Your Porsche’s pressure accumulators are responsible for regulating the pressure levels of most of your vehicle’s fluids, including brake fluid, fuel, transmission fluid and suspension fluid. As such, pressure accumulator failure can have serious consequences for your vehicle, especially if it’s left untreated. To help you avoid this, below is everything you need to know to keep your Porsche’s pressure accumulators in working order.
Understanding the Pressure Accumulator and Its Purpose
Individuals who are not mechanics may be largely unfamiliar with pressure accumulators and their purpose, but these components are vital to your Porsche’s ability to function. Many of your vehicle’s systems rely on fluid to achieve their purposes, which means that they also rely on pressure accumulators to regulate the pressure of that fluid.
For example, if your Porsche’s braking system lacked a pressure accumulator, the brake fluid would be unpressurized, rendering it useless. Therefore, pressure accumulators are important components that should receive regular maintenance and repair.
Common Causes of Pressure Accumulator Failure
Because pressure accumulator failure can have severe consequences for your vehicle, the best way to deal with malfunctioning pressure accumulators is by preventing the problem altogether. Some causes of pressure accumulator failure may be specific to certain systems within your vehicle, but other causes of failure are universal.
For example, one common cause of pressure accumulator failure is fluid leaks. If a component of a system that uses fluid becomes cracked, punctured, or otherwise damaged, that fluid may leak out, causing the pressure within the system to drop. This will disrupt the pressure accumulator’s ability to function, which can make the problem even worse. Fortunately, most fluid leaks can be prevented through routine maintenance.
Similarly, clogged or broken valves may also lead to pressure accumulator failure. If a valve within a system becomes stuck in either the open or closed position, it will disrupt the pressure balance within the system, which will interfere with the pressure accumulator’s functionality. This problem is best avoided by only putting clean, high-quality fluids in your vehicle, as dirty or low-quality fluids are more likely to damage valves and cause clogs.
Identifying and Fixing the Issue
Of course, components break or degrade, and it may not always be possible to prevent pressure accumulator failure. In this case, the best course of action is to identify and solve the problem as soon as possible. Depending on which pressure accumulator has failed, the situation may present a variety of symptoms, including:
- Brake failure: One of the most serious types of pressure accumulator problems is failure of the braking system pressure accumulator. If this pressure accumulator malfunctions, your Porsche’s brake fluid may lose pressure at an alarming rate, making the brakes much slower to respond. If you notice any changes in your Porsche’s braking ability, you should have the problem examined before it becomes more serious.
- Decreased air conditioner effectiveness: While air conditioner pressure accumulator failure may be less serious than braking system pressure accumulator failure, it can still be quite irritating, as it may prevent your vehicle’s air conditioner from producing cold air. If you notice that your Porsche’s air conditioner is less powerful than normal, there may be something wrong with the system’s pressure accumulator, particularly if the system’s filter is new.
- Suspension issues: Your Porsche’s suspension system relies a great deal on its pressure accumulator, as it uses hydraulic pressure to cushion you from bumps and dips in the road. As such, if this system’s pressure accumulator fails, your driving experience will likely become significantly less comfortable.
Hagan’s Motor Pool Will Help
No matter what kind of pressure accumulator failure 
your Porsche may be experiencing, Hagan’s Motor Pool is here to help. As Rochester’s premier German auto repair shop, we guarantee an efficient, high-quality automotive repair experience that is sure to please.
German vehicles are our passion, and we are proud to offer our services to customers in Alton, Barrington, Berwick, Dover, and Rochester, NH. If your Porsche’s systems are losing pressure, give us a call today, or stop by the shop to find out what we can do for you.
* Black Porsche Car image credit goes to: bruev.