I noticed an unusual whine coming from the driver's side of the engine compartment the other day. Sounded like the power steering pump was struggling. I checked the fluid and sure enough -- it was below the "low" point on the dipstick.

I refilled with Pentosin CHF 202 and everything was fine -- for about 24 hours. My wife took the car out the next day and reported that the noise was back. Sure enough, the fluid was below the "low" point again. I can see green power steering fluid on the pan underneath the engine by the passenger side front wheel. We've got a leak of some sort!

We had a thorough PPI when we purchased the car and the fluids checked out. Certainly no leaks were found. Just bad luck I guess.

I left the car with my mechanic this morning. I will report back once we know the diagnosis.

 

No results in here but you're not alone... http://rennlist.com/forums/panamera/...ring-leak.html

 

I found that thread too. Thanks for posting it. Verdict is in: the rack is leaking on both sides. Both boots were full of fluid. A new rack is $2,500 from Porsche.

 

You're gonna think I'm cheap but a reconditioned rack is cheaper

http://www.partsgeek.com/x2svx9w-por...+Steering+Rack

And labor should be around $700 from what I can see.

 

I found one at Pelican Parts but for some reason it won't work with my car. Lack of PDCC or something like that.

 

Would this be covered under CPO warranty?

 

Yes it would. Everything except normal wear and tear items like brakes and tires.

 

I was told things like rattles, that are covered under the original warranty, aren't covered by CPO.

 

Depends what's rattling I guess. Steering rack will be covered under warranty.

 

Very sorry to hear these. My 2011 ptt steering does a squeak sound when turning on the car and the steering moves to go in its saved position and the cayenne steering squeks since 3 years now !

 

This ain't a rattle. The steering rack was gushing fluid out of both ends.

Car should be ready Monday. I had my mechanic do a full brake job while he was waiting on parts. Hopefully like new!

 

Oh, I know. What I meant was that there appears to be a difference between the original factory warranty and the CPO one in terms of the level of failure/defect/wear they consider covered under the warranty.

 

did you go with OEM brake parts?

 

Yeah, I didn't really have the time to research alternatives. OEM works fine.