I've read everything I can get my hands on concerning IMS bearing
replacement, and for peace of mind I decided to pull the trigger and
upgrade the IMS on my 2000 Boxster S, along with new clutch, flywheel,
cv boots, RMS, coolant flush, and brake/clutch fluid replacement.
I'm using the LN Engineering bearing and the custom tool kit that goes
with it. I pulled the transmission, clutch and flywheel, then did the
following:
1. Set the engine to TDC for the passenger side cams ( Put the LN kit
pin through the crankshaft pulley after aligning marks on crank pulley
and block. I removed the camshaft end covers and confirmed that the
exhaust cam slot is vertical on the passenger side exhaust cam) 2.
Bolted cam locking tool from LN on to passenger side exhaust cam 3.
Removed the flywheel side cam tensioners completely - the tensioner that
is horizontal on the driver's side, and the one that is mounted
vertically facing downward on the passenger side.
4. Removed the IMS flange
5. Removed the IMS bearing with the LN tooling.
I'm concerned that the IMS is not in the center of the hole in the block
(photo attached), but rather close to, or touching the top of the bore.
The tensioners are completely removed on the flywheel side and there
seems to be no play in the shaft. I can't move it with my fingers.
I'm ordering the bearing today (needed to confirm single row or double
row), and I'm concerned about getting the flange back on with the shaft
out of center. I don't want to force the flange on and thought, with the tensioners removed, the shaft end would have some play.
I haven't seen anything in the forums about this problem. Do I have a
problem? If so, do you have suggestions for getting the IMS aligned so
the flange goes in smoothly?
