PATTER - Porsche Club Chesapeake Region PCA

TECH BY JON PATTERSON
NEVER IGNORE THE DRIP!
K eeping
our cars at peak performance requires
attention to details, frequent fluid changes and
periodic filter replacements. However, weekly
or monthly inspections of engine, wheels and
under carriage can spot troubles before they get worse.
About a year ago, my daily driver needed the ECU reprogrammed because
the gasoline refiners were blending more alcohol into fuels than
when I purchased this vehicle 11 years ago. When the car was on the
lift, I was allowed under the lift to inspect the car. I noticed what looked
like an oil leak on the passenger side rear wheel hub. I asked the mechanic
if this looked serious. He said it was nothing, just a little seepage
from the axle seal. The other side was dry. So I ignored this seepage.
In December, I was walking out to my car and through the rear wheel
vents I could see the brake rotor looked grooved and rusted. So I set to
replace the brakes and rotors. When I removed the passenger side rotor,
the emergency brake pads had been destroyed and were coated with
gear oil from the axle seal failure. The inner part of the rotor had also
been damaged; this caused the rest of the rotors and pads to become
damaged. The damage compromised the braking ability of the rear brake
system.
The little ‘seepage’, over time, destroyed several other components. So
never ignore any signs of leakage, anything that looks out of place or a
rapid change in wear pattern!
Since I was able to make the repairs myself, the cost was only in parts.
How did I get the skills and confidence to tackle such a complicated repair?
By coming to the monthly Tech sessions! Join us at the next tech
session! They are held on Saturdays from 9am-12pm. We have doughnuts
and coffee, instruction on a specific topic, and good social time discussing
our cars! Please check the schedule and website for times and
locations!
Stay safe out there!
PORSCHE PATTER ▪ JUNE-JULY 2009 ▪ Page 5