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The 981 doesn't have an intermediate bearing to have issues with. Unfortunately perhaps - this isn't a 981 or a 987.2.
Correct, 981's don't have the IMS. The OP has the late style IMS bearing from the photos. Larger stud, resists breaking unlike the early ones, larger bearing, need to crack the case to remove. Looks like it may have been weeping or maybe that is just from the slave. Could be cleaned and resealed, but then you are messing with the IMS bearing outer seal and retorque of the stud nut.
Final update: the boxster has been re-assembled and everything appears to be working. I believe the problem was the slave cylinder, but doing all this maintenance was a great experience to get used to the car and learn my first clutch job. Getting the transmission BACK in was quite a pain and necessitated a run to harbor freight for a transmission jack. With a cool head the next day, it only took about an hour to get it back in place. I did have a problem with the clutch pedal returning all the way up (it would get stuck half way up, but didn't affect clutch engagement). This resolved itself after ~50 miles of driving, and was likely due to the new master cylinder.
Thanks to everyone who commented with their suggestions.
I'm back to enjoying the Bay Area sun, hope to see some of you out there!
Great work! I have to admit that when I read your statement about owning a Saab and not having experience with clutch/transmission work, I thought, "Ah, jeez...This could go off the rails in a hurry!" But you pulled it off like a pro. Good on you!
02-20-2021, 10:40 AM
