[JFP in PA]

Different solutions to a common problem. The LN IMS update (ceramic hybrid replacement IMS bearing) was designed to be a correction for the failure prone OEM sealed steel bearing. Works well, but is a "maintenance item" that needs to be replaced periodically.

Guardian is a warning system to alert owners to a serious pending failure like the IMS. Cheaper and easier to install, can be used as an interim solution on a lower mileage car, or a leased car, until a clutch replacement is required, which is the optimal time to do an IMS/RMS update as they will be exposed as part of the clutch job. The Guardian is also the only real option for the 2005-2008 cars with the OEM oversized IMS, which still can fail, but cannot be updated without totally disassembling the engine.

The “Solution” is a permanent fix for the IMS problem, but only on the single row IMS bearing engines.