Does anyone know if the air suspension will wear / fail quicker if you “use it” frequently?

By “use it” I mean using Sport / Sport Plus / Ride Height Adjustment. I realize the system is always “in use”, but I was just curious if it makes a difference or not in terms of longevity of the system.

thanks!

 

I have a 2015 model going strong with no issues and I use it (meaning it adjusts) daily. I am not sure what the expected lifetime is, but the car has the option so I use it.

 

Hello, you have to use the suspension every day as possible.
A system that doesn't work deteriorates faster.
On the other hand, it is preferable to put your suspension as high as possible when it is not in use.
Because a fold forms on the rubber bead over time in comfort or low position, it will eventually crack and release an air leak.

 

I think the answer depends on who you ask. The reality of it is that the system will eventually fail - no matter what you do to it, so enjoy the car and use it however you wish. Personally, the money spent on rebuilding it was completely worth it to have two distinctly different cars and I use the system regularly.

 

Thanks for the input. Personally, I rarely ever have reason to raise the car - but I do put it in Sport mode all the time (basically the only mode I drive the car in), so I was just curious as to whether I was accelerating the failure of the air suspension or not.

but, as you all said, the point of the car is to enjoy it so I’ll plan to keep doing so and hope for the best

 

You will not avoid failure because all things have wear and tear and life , you can just delay its expiration.

 

I’ve notice my air suspension adjusts when I’m out of the car. For example, cargo removed from the trunk will cause it to reduce the height. It adjusts itself even without removing a load. Almost as if it expects the height to change because of temperature change of the air/nitrogen in the air springs. So i wouldn’t worry about adjusting to an optimal position after shutting off the car. Seems that Porsche has this covered. Just enjoy.

 

Yes I noticed that even when opening a door if the car has been standing still for a few days the suspension is readjusted.

 

Pressing Sport mode on my 10 PTT does not change the height of the suspension on my car, it only goes lower in sport plus. Otherwise it is the same as comfort mode. Pressing sport does stiffen the suspension though.

 

There are only 3 heights and 2 levels of hardness of the shock absorbers ... so 4 modes.

Raised (-30km / h) = +2.5 cm + Comfort shock absorber calibration
Comfort = 0 + Comfort shock absorber calibration
Sport = 0 + Firm damper calibration
Sport + = -2.5 cm + Firm damper calibration


Except for the GTS:
Raised (-30km / h) = +2.5 cm + Comfort shock absorber calibration
Comfort = -1 cm + Comfort shock absorber calibration
Sport = -1 cm + Firm shock absorber calibration
Sport + = -2.5 cm + Firm damper calibration

 

Whatever mode you drive, whenever lifting the vehicle or even just a corner:

Engine running turn off the suspension by pressing the (front lift) button 10 seconds or longer until it notes some sort of disabled message.

DO NOT leave, at least the front, suspension dangling for an extended period of time. If you are going to leave it up support the bottom of the struts with some sort of lift. (I use motorcycle lifts with rubber blocks).

With less than 50k miles I had a failure/air leak from the one strut I left dangling. When we first bought the car I had the front right wheel repaired at a local Wheels America. It took two days. Two months later I learned that lesson as it sprung a leak with the chassis system warning..

 

my 2014 Panamera Turbo had suspension failure in late July. The car was sitting super low and I managed to drive to the dealer four miles away. $9000 later I have new front strut assemblies. I suspect a small gasket somewhere failed and if one knew how, a rebuild would be all that is needed, but I suspect there are machines and special tools required, thus, like a light bulb, screw old one off screw new one on, have customer pay $$$. The compressor was fine, but the relay failed and was replaced. These always run so they are a wear item. My car I purchased new and it had 53K miles at the time of failure.

 

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