blackonblack99

i have an '02 C2 996, engine rebuilt 25 k ago, don't ask why...
now there's a leak out of the back, got an estimate for IMS replacement for $3k
the entire IMS assembly can be bought for $700 plus labour
am i getting gouged by my supposedly trusted mechanic?
is it IMS or RMS? any feedback would be great
thx

cds72911

There is no way to know if it is RMS or IMS flange leak until you take it apart. Manual or Tiptronic? (tip requires engine removal, manual doesn't require it, but it is an option). It is a fair amount of labor, and depending on the shop's rate that may not be that outlandish.

blackonblack99

i have an appt tomorrow at $145/hr, they say they don't need to pull the tranny to give an estimate.my other shop said 3 hours to take the tranny out.
both are reputable shops, why the difference?
one guy is obviously overcharging for the parts.
can i get away with replacing the seal, the bearing, both or the whole shebang?
i'm trying to save $$ as i already spent tons on getting the motor redone
if the engine was completely rebuilt would they not have replced the IMS assembly?
they said they did.
why would it start leaking after only 25k
am i getting f*d?
it's a six speed
thanks

Optionman1

where are you located?

blackonblack99

vancouver bc
all the prices are in $cdn except for the IMS assembly
the shop is charging $2k for the IMS and i can get them online for USD 700 or so
thx

blackonblack99

vancouver bc

Optionman1

the repair price doesn't seem crazy, but when i did my ims it included replacing the rms as well. if your quote covers both, i think its reasonable but i'm sure other will respond who know more than i do about these issues.

good luck

blackonblack99

thanks for your help
appreciate it
seems like a very short time for either to start leaking, considering it's only been 25k
not happy in any way
thx

wyovino

Time isn't the main factor for the RMS. There have been several iterations of the RMS. The original ones are more prone to leaking than the updated ones. As far as IMS, you need more information. There is the IMS, and the IMS bearing. There are a few choices in aftermarket IMS Bearings, with the LN Engineering being the preferred one by most. There is a single row bearing and a single row pro (retrofit of a double row into a single row fitment. There is also the IMS Solution which is more costly, but permanent.

cds72911

The parts cost to fix a RMS or IMS flange leak is nothing - there is a seal on the IMS flange and a rear main seal. Like well under $40 in seals. (...plus some loctite flange and wicking sealants, new bolts for the flywheel and pressure plate, a couple of aluminum sealing rings for the chain tensioners and a green cap/seal for the camshaft, plus it makes sense to do an oil/filter while you are there since you just drained all the oil.) Once you are there, it is easy and inexpensive to replace both seals. That's just the seals, not the IMS Bearing. For the IMSB there are lots of different options as Bill outlined above, at all kinds of different price points. What is costing you is the labor - there is no way to see the RMS or the IMS flange with the transmission installed. So, to diagnose, you need to tear it all apart. Once you are there, then you just add the cost and incremental labor to do the bearing. Yes, it will add up to thousands for a shop to do it.

808Bill

Rebuilt 25K ago, but how long ago was it done? I'd be talking to the shop that did the rebuild first and see what they say.
Is the $2K quote for the LN IMS Solution (best option) or ceramic bearing?

blackonblack99

The rebuild was done in November '16, the guy gave me a 2 yr warranty, which has now conveniently ran out.
the car ran great with no issues
It was the first place i called - the shop is out of business, the joke is on me.
thanks for your input
Aloha!

cds72911

They are easily fixed. Not sure why you're being so dramatic about it.

808Bill

Do you have a name of the person that did the rebuild. The guy must be working for someone.

blackonblack99

i'm just surprised and slightly pissed that i have to fork out more $$ when i already spent lots and thought i had the problem solved for a while
the problem is that it might be easy to fix if you can do it yourself, i'm a mechanical engineer, but without the experience and a hoist in the garage i'm sort of reliant on mechanics, their time, shop rates and parts markup.
i know it might be easy and relatively inexpensive
anyway, i know i'm whining, but it's a surprise i didn't need
thanks for your input
best