Front (air) suspension cracking sound over speed bumps

[de0xyrib0se]

this is an crazy thread! the suspension makes a noise over speedbumps? so what? this is relevant why exactly ? did porsche promise an hoovercraft somewhere?

Excellent observation. They did promise, however, "There is no substitute." If hearing cracking sounds is OK for you then by all means enjoy. However, the rest of us expect a car that lives up to oth our expectations and its own reputation.

Sponsored

 

[CHP]

Did test run (2 Macan with air suspension) with Porsche technician onboard, he confirmed there is a noticeable difference. I didn't realise at the time, Macan without the noise was RWD. We all agreed, we need to repeat test with 2 Macan 4 or 4s as this maybe specific to Macan with front engine due to additional weight.

Results so far, it is expected for Macan EV RWD not to have additional noise going over speed bumps. If driving experience is expected to be different for 4, 4s and Turbo has to been seen.

Of topic. Only drove the RWD for a couple of minutes and didn't notice any significant difference in terms of speed as compared to 4 but lost the back (nothing major, you just notice) for first time while doing quick turn to avoid incoming traffic. Roads were wet with some drizzling. It's fun, but with this much power and tourqe, I personally stick to 4WD. But as some car testers say, RWD seems more engaging car.

 

[sor]

I don’t know if this is what they were referring to but when I picked up my car at PECLA they preemptively mentioned that I might hear sounds from the suspension when cornering or hitting speed bumps and it was a normal aspect of the Macan EV suspension. I have so far not noticed anything at all but I haven’t tried to produce a sound.

I find it plausible that there may be something special about the EV suspension where this is normal, but not on ICE or other chassis. There is a lot of weight they have to deal with on the EVs to mitigate chassis roll, etc. at the same time if it is a disconcerting sound that’s not a good customer experience. I haven’t heard it so would not know.

 

[FirstEV]

I don’t know if this is what they were referring to but when I picked up my car at PECLA they preemptively mentioned that I might hear sounds from the suspension when cornering or hitting speed bumps and it was a normal aspect of the Macan EV suspension. I have so far not noticed anything at all but I haven’t tried to produce a sound.

I find it plausible that there may be something special about the EV suspension where this is normal, but not on ICE or other chassis. There is a lot of weight they have to deal with on the EVs to mitigate chassis roll, etc. at the same time if it is a disconcerting sound that’s not a good customer experience. I haven’t heard it so would not know.

I’ve had my car (Macan 4) in the shop for 9 months in total, about maybe 5-6 service visits all together. In this time I’ve been given loaners, almost exclusively different Macan 4s. I have never, ever heard any crackling sound in the suspension and neither in my own car that i drove for a few months.

All cars are equipped with air suspension and my car also has RWS if that matters.

As far as anecdotal stories take you, that is my five cents. So, I wouldn’t say that this is something normal if you look it from my perspective. And that is with at least up to five different Macan 4 tested under longer periods.

 

[de0xyrib0se]

I’ve had my car (Macan 4) in the shop for 9 months in total, about maybe 5-6 service visits all together. In this time I’ve been given loaners, almost exclusively different Macan 4s. I have never, ever heard any crackling sound in the suspension and neither in my own car that i drove for a few months.

All cars are equipped with air suspension and my car also has RWS if that matters.

As far as anecdotal stories take you, that is my five cents. So, I wouldn’t say that this is something normal if you look it from my perspective. And that is with at least up to five different Macan 4 tested under longer periods.

It is not normal and it is very, very annoying. Especially if you have speed bumps on your daily route.

Checked with my dealer this week (again), they confirmed (again) that Porsche is aware, but there is no solution provided to them.

 

[TomekGnomek]

Checked with my dealer this week (again), they confirmed (again) that Porsche is aware, but there is no solution provided to them.

So now we are at the point they acknowledge this problem but explanations differ.

My dealer mentioned there is a fix but only for some cars based on production date.

The reply I got from Porsche claimed "Characteristic noises are a design feature of the suspension and do not constitute a product defect".

Now imagine explaining this to a second-hand buyer interested in your car after a couple of years. Good luck trying to sell such a car after a test drive with these noises. I would argue that this issue alone significantly affects the car’s resale value - to the point where it might be difficult to sell even at a reduced price. There’s no way to detect it when buying a new car, since you can’t properly test-drive it before paying. But it will certainly come up during a test drive with a potential buyer.

If I was buying a used EV on air suspension (a heavy car with expensive parts to repair) and test drove something with this noise on small bumps I would not even consider it.

This is why I wouldn’t accept anything less from Porsche than a proper fix to this problem.

 

[CHP]

It's really hard to describe the noise. Crackling sound refers to short, dry, sharp sounds. I had this on my last car (regardless of breaking) and Mercedes had no solution except for replacing a few parts (which I would have to pay) and hope for the best. Thanks, but no thanks.

My current 4s and 4 loaner have a lower frequency, hydraulic/pneumatic like double sound on top of speed bumps when breaking sharply just before. Macan RWD was dead silent.

 

[TomekGnomek]

OK so my dealer says Porsche informed them this noise comes from PASM anti-dive function, it will be mitigated in MY2026 cars and it’s to be expected in MY2024 and MY2025 cars with no way to fix it. Great.

 

[de0xyrib0se]

OK so my dealer says Porsche informed them this noise comes from PASM anti-dive function, it will be mitigated in MY2026 cars and it’s to be expected in MY2024 and MY2025 cars with no way to fix it. Great.

I was talking with my local dealer today on this same exact topic (again). They have not been given the above statement, yet.

The service rep told me that ever since I took them for a ride they now hear it all the time in almost every Macan they drive/service.

I guess most people dont pay much attention unless you point them to it.

Will keep pushing.

My going to Stuttgart idea still stands. Great city to see with plenty of things to do. We can fly in and knock on the door at headquarters. The worst that can happen is they pretend to care about what we have to say.

 

[KamilPoland]

Were you able to solve the problem?


I’ve only just found this forum, so I’ll briefly describe my situation.


I picked up my Macan in May. I barely made it home when, on the next six speed bumps, I felt/heard knocking from the suspension. I bought the car in Warsaw but I live in Gdańsk, so I visited two different service centers. Back in June, no one knew what was going on. At first they said they couldn’t hear anything, and later that “they all do that.”

Then it turned out the issue was related to the anti-dive system, and that in some Macans with a certain production number they can replace a part, which supposedly eliminates the problem in 99% of cases.


At the end of July, I submitted a formal complaint to Porsche Poland, and since then—despite more emails and calls—I haven’t received any response. I have very little in writing from the service centers, only that “the suspension is safe.”


This is my first Porsche, and I could write a lot about how disappointed I am.


@TomekGnomek , I saw your last message was in October—has anything progressed on your side?

 

[CHP]

I tested a few Macan and all except one (RWD) had similar noise. Porsche is aware and apparently solved for MY26, but I haven't seen anything in writing. Same for replacement part as fix for some models, rumours without evidence.

I didn't progress any further as I endured an other drive system fault and thus returned the car. To be honest, I don't think there was any prospect of progress at all. Sorry.

 

[TomekGnomek]

Were you able to solve the problem?


I’ve only just found this forum, so I’ll briefly describe my situation.


I picked up my Macan in May. I barely made it home when, on the next six speed bumps, I felt/heard knocking from the suspension. I bought the car in Warsaw but I live in Gdańsk, so I visited two different service centers. Back in June, no one knew what was going on. At first they said they couldn’t hear anything, and later that “they all do that.”

Then it turned out the issue was related to the anti-dive system, and that in some Macans with a certain production number they can replace a part, which supposedly eliminates the problem in 99% of cases.


At the end of July, I submitted a formal complaint to Porsche Poland, and since then—despite more emails and calls—I haven’t received any response. I have very little in writing from the service centers, only that “the suspension is safe.”


This is my first Porsche, and I could write a lot about how disappointed I am.


@TomekGnomek , I saw your last message was in October—has anything progressed on your side?

Yeah, pretty much the same case. At first - we don't see the problem. Then - yes, we see the problem, will escalate to Porsche. Then - well, it's normal. Then - well, there is a fix but only for some cars.

I've complained to Porsche directly with no luck. They either don't give a shit or claim it's normal.

I've escalated stating this significantly decreases the resale/residual value of the car - you won't be able to easily sell such a vehicle after a potential buyer drives it.

Also in my case I have 5-6 speed bumps on my way home and it happens a lot. I'm pretty sure this causes suspension alignment problems as I've had 4 of them done already in less then one year. Each time after 2-3k kms there is an issue with the steering wheel beeing off-center and car pulling to the left/right.

I've escataled this to Porsche once again and they are investigating.

What I would suggest is writing them an email a day until they respond.

PS in my case sometimes you can not only hear it but FEEL it like something hitting the car from the bottom. in no universe this is normal and nearly every passenger I drive asks what's that.

 

[TomekGnomek]

I tested a few Macan and all except one (RWD) had similar noise. Porsche is aware and apparently solved for MY26, but I haven't seen anything in writing. Same for replacement part as fix for some models, rumours without evidence.

I've seen in it writing at my dealers - they got a response with specific models and part numbers. They were cagy with me trying to take a closer look at it and snap a picture. I'm sure that by now they know what's up and it's an expensive fix.

 

[TomekGnomek]

And by the way - the alignment problems that return after 2-3k kms and cause the car to drive unlike any Porsche should... TWO SEPARATE DEALERS after the alignment was not successful told me "yeah, these cars drive like that, you have to get used to it".

I've also reported this to Porsche because 1) this is a crazy message for a Porsche dealer and 2) suggests they know it's an issue with more clients and are clueless as to how to fix it.

Overall this is the most disappointing aspect of this purchase and had I known it could be an issue I would not buy this car. This is the reason I plan on going back to Taycan as several (but not all) loaners I've had also had this problem. Also from what I hear this problem does not affect the Turbo model, only base, 4 and 4s.

 

[CHP]

I've seen in it writing at my dealers - they got a response with specific models and part numbers. They were cagy with me trying to take a closer look at it and snap a picture. I'm sure that by now they know what's up and it's an expensive fix.

That's even worse. Wonder why they showed it to you in the first place. They took back both my cars without any hassle for different reasons, but as mentioned above, I made little progress on the suspension.

Sponsored