The Porsche Cayman was not, as many people assume, named after the Cayman Islands. Instead, “Cayman” is an alternate spelling of “caiman,” which are reptiles, closely related to alligators. Perhaps the name was meant to indicate the fierceness of the Cayman, and when the first generation, the 987, was released in 2005, the world saw indeed just how fierce it was, and many awards and much fame followed. Like all cars—both the great and the not so great—the Cayman 987 suffers from its fair share of issues, such as:
IMS (Intermediate Shaft) Bearing Failure: This issue primarily affects early models of the 1st generation Cayman. The IMS bearing, which supports the intermediate shaft in the engine, could fail, leading to potential engine damage and costly repairs, if not fixed.
Coolant Expansion Tank Failure: The plastic coolant expansion tank in some Cayman 987 models can become brittle and crack over time. This can result in coolant leaks, leading to potential overheating or coolant loss. Replacing the expansion tank with an upgraded version is often recommended by independent Porsche service technicians to prevent future failures.
Clutch and Flywheel Wear: Premature clutch and flywheel wear in the Cayman 987 has been noted as a common problem with this model. Symptoms may include slipping clutch, difficulty engaging gears or abnormal noises during clutch engagement. Replacing the clutch and flywheel components may be necessary to restore proper functionality, which can be done by a qualified Porsche repair center.
Suspension Component Wear: Over time, suspension components can wear. Cayman 987 owners have reported issues such as worn control arm bushings, failed shocks or struts and noisy suspension components. Regular inspection and replacement of worn suspension parts by a Porsche repair expert are essential for optimal performance and ride quality.
These are only a few of the problems that your 987 might be dealing with. For any and all malfunctions, drive—or have your car towed—to a nearby German import service mechanic. They can fix her up, and keep you safe, allowing you to stop worrying about your car so that you can just enjoy it.
Search for a local, independent Porsche repair shop with Porsche mechanics that have dealer-level expertise at a fraction of the expense.