Yep, one more IMS bearing story. Just took my 2001 996 Cabrio to the shop, clutch was going fast. Since the engine has 50K, told the shop to go ahead and replace the IMS. Never had any problems, every oil change was clean and run the magnet, never any hints of an issue. My DD, and I drive it like it's stolen!
Well, here's the old IMS. Dumont's in OKC, (great shop, good people, highly recommend) stated I was possibly the luckiest man in the city. Luckily, no metal shards appear to have gotten loose. Several oil changes and checks showed no additional metal. If you look close at the photo, you can see metal around the top ring. The small jar contains the shards removed. Only explanation is that is was just about to grenade the engine when I took it in.
Been running it hard for several days, no issues with new IMS bearing. Keeping my fingers crossed!
