Replace the main engine seal for only $3500

mdrips · 05-15-2012, 12:51 PM

Yeah , yeah. My main seal had a wee leak so I took it in to my local independent shop who replaced the $14.50 seal for only $3500.

Such a deal!

Of course they had to pull the transmission and since my '01 Boxster is about to hit 109K miles, they insisted on replacing the clutch since it was pretty much worn out. (although now it seems like there is zero resistance on the clutch and I push it all the way to the floor when I shift).

Anyway, they refused to do any work unless I paid to have them replace the IMS bearing with the LN one. Looked like the bearing they removed was in perfect shape and I received no documentation that proved they had actually installed the LN bearing.

Well the Porsche is still fun to drive and my girl friend paid $2000 on the bill.

I'm beginning to question my sanity though.

dghii · 05-15-2012, 01:36 PM

Ouch. Should have been about $2K total.

eric523 · 05-15-2012, 01:57 PM

Actually, that sounds about right.

Flywheel seal is cheap, labor is expensive. Might as well change the clutch when you're in there. Did they replace the flywheel too?
If the clutch has very low resistance and is engaging close to the floor, then it is working as new. If the pedal was hard and was releasing high so you didn't have to depress the pedal very far, it was indicating need for replacement.

Changing the IMS bearing at that mileage is good insurance and maintenance. What additional documentation would you like for the IMS bearing? pictures? an invoice? I'm sure they charged you for the part on your receipt, and that is legally binding documentation.

$2k total is not a fair estimate IMO, for a proper clutch job, IMS bearing, labor, tax, you should be over $3k. More if the flywheel was replaced.

l3m · 05-15-2012, 02:03 PM

What shop in H-town did you have this work done?

recycled sixtie · recycled sixtie's Garage

Yes that sounds like Canadian prices to me but I believe it is in the ballpark. You did right to have the IMS done while in there. I also have the 2001 Boxster base 2.7 and also have a minor leak in the rms. I will do exactly what you have had done and you have got the clutch done too. Mind u when I get it done I want to see the engine is disassembled so they can show me the ims. Does the car sound/feel better to drive now?

bell · bell's Garage

you need to see and check that they did the proper documents with the ln bearing.......
whenever we do one (have probably done 10 over the past year myself) we have to full out their paper work and send them the old bearing.
the new bearing kit comes with a serial number bar code type sticker, a copy also gets attached to their form so you get the warranty........
I always place the bar code sticker near the vin tag in the drivers door jamb.....if they deal with ln bearing alot then they should have this process down pat....i would ask.....

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

It's way cheaper to get a copy of my book and do it yourself!

101 Projects Website

-Wayne

dghii · 05-16-2012, 08:40 AM

I have a quote from an indy from October of 2011 for $1368 to R/R the IMS and RMS. No addtional labor for clutch required so adding a clutch is the price of parts. Of course, a dual mass flywheel would add to the cost, but I stand by my quote.

Quote is from a Florida indy with many years of Porsche experience.

stealthn · 05-16-2012, 06:41 PM

Picture of your girlfriend please

mdrips · 05-17-2012, 10:28 AM

Here is the French girl friend. She's been single all her life so she doesn't grasp the idea of finding a subject, discussing it and coming to a conclusion. She goes directly to announcing the conclusion. For example:

Her: Ve are moving to my house in Paris in 2013!

Me: OK.

Her: Ve vill take ze Porsche to Paris vis us.

Me: OK.

Yes they did put in a new flywheel and I insisted that they buy ALL THE PARTS from Pelican so that Wayne will no longer have to live under a bridge.
The shop was Motorworkz on Memorial Drive.

tonythetarga · 06-03-2012, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bell

the new bearing kit comes with a serial number bar code type sticker, a copy also gets attached to their form so you get the warranty........
.

Agreed. I just did the IMS on my 996 and got the barcode sticker. The main sticker was placed in the engine bay and there are 3 spare matching smaller barcode stickers. One went in the door jamb near the manufacturer sticker, one in the trunk near the codes and one on the paperwork. You should get a copy.
BTW, the bearing that came out of my car was fine as well, but these bearings don't give much warning before they go off. The engine failure is catastrophic after that.