![]() |
|
|
|
Registered
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Riverbank, ca
Posts: 57
|
Replace IMS bearing on a 29k 2002 carerra?
I just purchased this unused like new carerra. I had originally planned to install a new ln ims bearing. Both the shop who did the pre purchase inspection and the shop I am taking it to suggested not replacing the bearing. They thought you could check the exterior for leakage and only fix it if you need to. As a long time owner of a 78 911 sc targa, I am aware you might agrivate some problems by very low usage. The last oil change was in 2015 with 2k milage since. I do not want to roll the dice on a very expensive motor. Any good advice?
![]() |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Oxford, Ct.
Posts: 2,294
|
If you replace it you'll spend $2500 If it breaks you'll spend $20000
Pretty simple math
__________________
07 GT3 Cup S 4.0, 00 986, 78 911 old school gt car 77 BMW R100S 99 Ducati 996S 04 BMW R1150R DanielJacobsLLC.com |
||
![]() |
|
RETIRED
|
Look at the LN Engineering fix.
__________________
1983/3.6, backdate to long hood 2012 ML350 3.0 Turbo Diesel |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Troy, Mi
Posts: 1,937
|
From my limited research on the topic, I would strongly consider having it done. You are in the range of the worst (single row) bearing, and also the worst conditions for the bearing - a garage queen.
Stagnant oil, short trips, just sitting seems to be conditions ripe for damaging the IMS bearings. Cars that are run regularly, see full operating temp often so the water boils out of the oil, and the oil is changed often seem to have much fewer problems. That's all unproven theory but it makes sense to me.
__________________
Matt - 84 Carrera |
||
![]() |
|
Spiderman
|
I guess if you planned to keep it garaged and not drive it then leave alone. But every time you take it out I'd be sweating every new mystery sound coming from the motor. Too nerve wracking for me and would ruin the fun.
__________________
Midnight Blue 08 Cayman S, Fun/Track Black 12 VW-GTI, work Mexico Blue 87 Carrera, sold, sad, not enough garage space. |
||
![]() |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 539
|
Changing it would also help with selling the car. I would do it.
|
||
![]() |
|
![]() |
Registered
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Lawrenceville GA 30045
Posts: 7,376
|
With that recommendation I would find another shop!
__________________
Mark '83 SC Targa - since 5/5/2001 '06 911 S Aerokit - from 5/2/2016 to 11/14/2018 '11 911 S w/PDK - from 7/2/2021 to ??? |
||
![]() |
|
Weekend Mechanic
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 740
|
I would do it if I were in your position. It is cheap insurance against a very very expensive engine failure. You can also take care of the clutch at the same time if it is worn enough to warrant replacing. Then you can drive the hell out of it and just not worry. Who needs stress when out for a nice drive in a cool toy.
__________________
86 911 Carrera Targa ![]() |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Maitland, Florida
Posts: 892
|
Quote:
Should easily get over a 100 k out of a clutch. |
||
![]() |
|
Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 539
|
Yeah, the IMS is one of those things I would just have to do if I had a car with it. Especially the early IMS.
If the IMS comes apart the first time you find out could cost you what the car is worth. It would truly stink to have a perfect car worth not much more than 20k that needs a 20k dollar motor. |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
|
What models & years are affected by the IMS bearing problem?
__________________
'88 Carrera Guards Red '70 VW Beetle Yukon Yellow ![]() |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 335
|
1999 thru 2008-ish, 996/ early 997, boxsters and caymans. just google IMS and M96 engine. And yes, for peace of mind i would replace. roll of the dice if you don't and you will be pissed at yourself if it goes BANG next month.
Last edited by CASair; 05-14-2017 at 05:30 PM.. |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Troy, Mi
Posts: 1,937
|
97-08 Boxster & Cayman
99-08 911 (except turbo & gt3)
__________________
Matt - 84 Carrera |
||
![]() |
|
Counterclockwise?
|
It depends on how often you are going to check to see if it is leaking.
__________________
Rod 1986 Carrera 2001 996TT A bunch of stuff with spark plugs |
||
![]() |
|
Vendor
Join Date: May 2014
Location: 155 Commerce Drive | Fort Washington, PA 19034
Posts: 341
|
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"
Unfortunately it's not the cheapest fix but when the alternative can be upwards of 10x the cost, it's worth it IMO. Peace of mind alone... Beautiful 996 by the way!
__________________
Hamsa Naser Hamsa@fabspeed.com W: +1 267 742 3006 |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
|
You will get $2000 of that back in your increased resale value, so how about that?
__________________
1986 Bosch Icon Wipers coupe. |
||
![]() |
|
Registered
|
I have known two owners of M96 cars this year that the IMS failed. One was a Boxster, the other a 911. I Boxster owner was not sure his car was worth the fix and was upset. The 911 owner was going to fix at a cost of over $15,000. Get it fixed.
|
||
![]() |
|
Registered
|
|||
![]() |
|
Functionista
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: CO
Posts: 7,717
|
2015? Change that oil!
__________________
Jeff 74 911, #3 I do not disbelieve in anything. I start from the premise that everything is true until proved false. Everything is possible. |
||
![]() |
|
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 6,087
|
Check out this video from LN Engineering on failed IMS bearings:
Link to the kit if you're interested: LN Engineering IMS Bearing Retrofit Kits |
||
![]() |
|