Porsche ims bearing
The Intermediate Shaft (IMS) bearing is a well-known maintenance concern on certain Porsche Boxster and 911 (996 and 997) models. The single-row IMS bearing used in many 2000–2005 models has proven to be significantly more susceptible to failure over time although the dual-row bearings found in the earlier cars have still been proven to fail. It is our recommendation that if there is no record of the bearing ever being replaced/retrofitted that this is addressed immediately, in most cases starting with an oil analysis.
As these vehicles continue to age, the risk increases because the original IMS bearing has been in service far longer than it was originally intended. If the bearing fails, it can cause extensive internal engine damage, often resulting in the need for a complete engine replacement.
For owners of 1997–2005 Porsche Boxster and 911 models equipped with the serviceable IMS bearing, we strongly recommend replacing the bearing as preventative maintenance with the IMS Solution kit, ideally when the transmission is already being removed for clutch service. Proactively replacing the IMS bearing with the Solution kit greatly reduces the risk of catastrophic engine failure and helps protect the long-term reliability and value of the vehicle.
PORSCHE LN ENGINEERING
We have extensive experience performing IMS bearing replacements on Porsches. For every applicable Porsche we service, we use the LN Engineering IMS Solution kit, which is widely recognized as one of the most trusted and proven solutions for improving the reliability of the IMS system. Installing this bushing in place of the bearing as preventative maintenance completely eliminates the risk of bearing failure and the severe engine damage it can cause, giving you greater confidence in the long-term reliability of your Porsche.
Already had a “bearing Replacement”?
If you have previously had the bearing replaced with what is called a ‘retrofit’ bearing please be advised that this can still fail in the same manner as the factory bearing and it is considered a service item that should be replaced every 10 years or 60,000 miles whichever comes first. These retrofit bearings were a very common replacement several years ago and earlier when the single row bearings started failing regularly. These bearings are typically made of better materials than the factory example but are still what is known as a ‘sealed bearing’ this means that engine oil can still contaminate the bearing and cause the exact same failure. That is why if there is a retrofit bearing in your vehicle now we recommend installing the LN engineering IMS solution kit. This kit never needs to be serviced apart from regular oil changes with high quality oil. We encourage customers to do their own research on this subject or better yet contact us and we can help you navigate this complex issue to keep your Porsche on the road.
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