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2018 911 Carrera S - Front suspension clunking over bumps

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David L. · rep 0 · May 22, 6:41 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera S

Hey everyone,

I've been noticing a new sound coming from the front end of my 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera S. It's a distinct clunking noise, especially noticeable when going over small bumps or uneven pavement at lower speeds. It seems to be coming from the front driver's side, but it's hard to pinpoint exactly.

I've got the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system, and I haven't noticed any warning lights on the dash. The car still feels planted, but this noise is definitely concerning and wasn't there before. It seems to be getting a bit worse over the last few weeks.

Has anyone with a 991.2 generation 911 experienced something similar? What could be the potential culprits? I'm hoping it's something relatively minor, but with a Porsche, you never know.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 6:41 AM

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Hello David,

A clunking noise from the front suspension of your 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera S is a common complaint that can stem from several sources. While the 991.2 generation is robust, wear and tear components can develop play over time.

Here are the most common causes for such a noise:

  1. Sway Bar End Links: These small links connect the sway bar to the suspension. Worn or loose bushings/ball joints in the end links are a very frequent cause of clunking noises, especially over uneven surfaces. They are relatively inexpensive to replace.
  2. Control Arm Bushings: Your 911 has multiple control arms (upper and lower) that connect the wheel hub to the chassis. The rubber bushings at their pivot points can degrade or tear, leading to excessive play and a clunking sound. This can also affect handling.
  3. Strut Mounts/Bearings: The top mount of the strut assembly, which attaches to the chassis, contains a bearing that allows the strut to rotate with steering input. If this mount or bearing wears out, it can produce a clunk or creak.
  4. Loose Components: Less common, but always worth checking, are any loose bolts in the suspension components, brake calipers, or even heat shields.

Regarding your PASM system, since you have no warning lights, it's less likely to be an electronic damper failure. However, the mechanical components of the PASM struts (like the strut itself or its internal valving) can still wear out like any conventional strut, leading to noise. A visual inspection might not reveal issues with internal strut components.

When to See a Shop:

  • Safety: Any suspension noise should be investigated promptly, as it can indicate a safety concern or lead to accelerated wear on other components.
  • Diagnosis: A professional Porsche technician will have specialized tools to lift the vehicle and inspect for play in all suspension components. They can also perform a 'shake test' to isolate the source of the noise more accurately.
  • Specialized Knowledge: Diagnosing suspension issues on a high-performance vehicle like a 911 requires specific knowledge of its complex multi-link suspension design.

OBD Codes: For a purely mechanical clunk, there typically won't be any OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes. If a PASM fault light were to illuminate, then specific manufacturer codes related to the damper control module or sensor faults would be present (e.g., C1200 for PSM system faults, or specific Porsche codes for PASM module communication errors or sensor readings).

It's highly recommended to have a qualified Porsche specialist inspect your vehicle to accurately diagnose and repair the issue.

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