Many Porsche models can be equipped with Porsche Dynamic Chassic Control (PDCC), which actively adjusts the sway bars to keep the heavy vehicle flat in corners. To maintain this system, Porsche recommends replacing the PDCC reservoir every 6 years or 60,000 miles because the reservoir contains an integrated fluid filter, which needs periodic replacement.
This is a super easy DIY, but there are not any videos covering the procedure. However, to get an overview, check out this power steering fluid change DIY from the YouTube channel, CarFanatic. While this video covers a Porsche Cayenne without PDCC, the procedure to replace the PDCC reservoir on the Panamera is very similar. Detailed steps, parts, and tools required can be found below.
PDCC carrier bolts: 7.5 ft-lbs
Step 1: Prepare your vehicle and work area.
- Make sure your engine is cool, so you don’t burn yourself.
- Park your car on a flat surface.
- Gather required tools and parts.
- Put on gloves and eye protection.
- Open the hood.
Step 2: Remove old reservoir
- PDCC system uses power steering fluid and shares the reservoir with the power steering system; the reservoir is located on the left-hand side of the vehicle.
- Start by removing the torx screw holding the AC line in front of the reservoir; move the AC line out of the way.
- Remove the reservoir cap and use a turkey baster to remove as much fluid as possible.
- Use pliers to remove the hose clamps on the three PDCC hoses; just move the clips down on the hoses, so you can get them out of the way.
- Remove the 3 10mm bolts that hold the reservoir in place and disconnect the wiring harness from the fluid level sensor.
- Tilt the reservoir so one of 3 ports on the bottom are facing downward; place a small container underneath the ports, then remove one of the hoses to allow the reservoir to drain completely. Note: You may need to use a plastic pry tool to help loosen the hose.
- Disconnect the other hoses and remove the reservoir completely.
Step 3: Install new reservoir
- Remove the fluid level sensor from the old reservoir by rotating the sensor 90° counter-clockwise and pulling it out.
- Reinstall the fluid level sensor into the new reservoir and reconnect the sensor to the wiring harness.
- Carefully maneuver the reservoir into its position and reinstall all three 10mm bolts. Tighten them down to 7.5 ft-lbs or just snuggly hand-tighten.
- Reinstall AC line carrier bolt. Tighten it down until it is snug.
- Refit all three PDCC hoses and place all clamps back into their places
Step 4: Top off the PDCC reservoir with new fluid
- Once the new reservoir is installed, top it off with new power steering fluid as shown in this video.
- Measure the level using the built-in dipstick in the cap and add power steering as needed until the level is between “min” and “max”.
- Now it’s time to get rid of any air in the system that may have been introduced.
- With the reservoir cap still off, start the car and turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock a few times.
- Check the fluid level and add additional fluid if needed; then, turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock a few more times.
- Once you see there are no air bubbles coming out of the reservoir, the system is air free.
Step 5: Clean up your work area
- Save the remaining power steering fluid in case you need it to top off your power steering system in the future.
- Put your tools away and you’re all done.
