Hello everyone. New 2009 CS owner here.
Ive been reading many many posts here and have been compiling in my mind information about the coolant pipe issue.

Here is what ive gathered.
1. Pipe can go at any time.
2. Some people have caught major problem by the sent of coolant when they pull into thier garage.
3. Porsche will not waranty the item because it is a normal wear item.
4. There is a fix to upgrade to an aluminum pipe.

So my questions are
1. Can someone show me via pic what to look for and where this pipe is? This can also help me determine if the P.O. Had the pipe replaced.
2. At approximately how many miles does this pipe go? I have 21k on the ticker.
3. Other than the scent of leaking coolant, are there any other tattle tale signs to look for.

Thanks in advance.

 

There's a post on rennlist in the Cayenne section that shows you how to see the pipes with a flashlight and a mirror. It's difficult, but not impossible. Ideally, anyone buying a used Cayenne should demand the service records and make sure that the previous owner changed the pipes.

The longevity of the original pipes varies tremendously. They seem to burst a little earlier on Cayennes in hot climates, but that's not always the case. Some pipes burst with less than 50K miles on the odometer, and some make it more than 100K. There's really no way to tell.

Unfortunately, there's not really a sign of impending failure. I'd certainly be worried if I smelled coolant or if my coolant level was low with no signs of a leak. There's no way to predict it.

It's best to change the pipes before failure. When they fail, the first thing that happens is that you end up stranded wherever they burst. Next, coolant from the burst lines can damage your starter, damage your transmission or even enter your engine cylinders. It's not a good scenario. Prophylactic pipe changing is the way to go.

Good luck!

 

Porsche will warranty it if the car is under warranty when the pipes break. They will not upgrade to aluminum pipes under warranty if your plastic pipes aren't leaking.
That said, I wouldn't worry about it on a 2009. The major problems were 2003-2006 V8s. I've only heard of one or two '08+ Cayennes ever having a coolant pipe issue, and there are no upgraded pipes available for newer Cayennes anyway.

 

You just lifted a huge weight off my shoulders! Thanks.

 

That depends on your service advisor. I have a 2006 Cayenne S and my local dealer replaced the pipes during my service just as the warranty was to expire. Mileage was 26k and there were no signs of a leak. It might have helped that I was the original owner. dave

 

Mine started to leak at 30k miles in 6 years.