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I have a 2004 996 Carrera, and brought it to a Porsche Specialist mechanic to have the IMS bearing fixed. When he went to do the work, he said that I was in luck, and that there was already a "newer 3rd generation Porsche bearing and updated rear main seal."
I could not find any Carfax or other records of the bearing being replaced.
Curious how this could be? Did I just get lucky and a prior owner already did the repair? Can aftermarket repairs be done with Porsche Bearings as opposed to the LM replacement bearing that I keep reading about?
Should I get a second opinion, or does this sound legit, and I should just count myself lucky?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
It would appear that the engine was replaced. If the serial number has a letter in it, AT, X, or Y, it's likely been replaced. If the engine was built during or after the 2006 model year, it would have the larger, non-serviceable IMS bearing.
To extend the life of the original IMS bearing, it's recommended that the grease seal be removed off the IMS bearing so as to allow the engine oil to properly lubricate it:
As a new 996.2 owner (2004 C4S) with 64K on the clock (and lots of POs), I have spent a few hours of my life reading this thread from start to finish. I'm grateful to all of those who took the time to provide constructive posts on this topic.
My situation is one that I didn't see mentioned in any of the 48 pages until the last few posts. Going through the few records that came with my car, I came across an Invoice from July 2020 where a PO took the car in for a new clutch (strangely, doesn't appear that the flywheel was changed as part of that job) and paid $880 in labor to "Check IMS Bearing." The shop noted that "upon inspection found that the IMS bearing seems to have been replaced with a genuine Porsche replacement, no further action required at this time." Noted that RMS and clutch kit were done along with oil/filter changes.
Not really a question here, just logging as a data point. Interesting that in over a decade of this thread's existence we suddenly see a couple of shop claims that an OEM bearing was installed as a replacement at some point. Obviously, no way of knowing what the replacement bearing is without pulling. @Charles Navarro I checked my engine serial # and there's not an X, Y, or AT to be found so have to assume it's original. Had the cylinders borescoped before I bought it and all looked good, and negligible metal in oil filter/on magnetic plug when baselining the oil.
With a recent clutch job at 55K, kind of throws off the efficiencies of getting an IMS Solution done along with other PM needs at the same time. It's 1/2 of a DD along with an old FJ62, so it'll take a couple years to get to 75K, much less 90K. Curious on the group's thoughts about going ahead with the Solution sooner than later, and what I might do (AOS?) to create some efficiency given the clutch is relatively new and buttery smooth. Thanks!
As a new 996.2 owner (2004 C4S) with 64K on the clock (and lots of POs), I have spent a few hours of my life reading this thread from start to finish. I'm grateful to all of those who took the time to provide constructive posts on this topic.
My situation is one that I didn't see mentioned in any of the 48 pages until the last few posts. Going through the few records that came with my car, I came across an Invoice from July 2020 where a PO took the car in for a new clutch (strangely, doesn't appear that the flywheel was changed as part of that job) and paid $880 in labor to "Check IMS Bearing." The shop noted that "upon inspection found that the IMS bearing seems to have been replaced with a genuine Porsche replacement, no further action required at this time." Noted that RMS and clutch kit were done along with oil/filter changes.
Not really a question here, just logging as a data point. Interesting that in over a decade of this thread's existence we suddenly see a couple of shop claims that an OEM bearing was installed as a replacement at some point. Obviously, no way of knowing what the replacement bearing is without pulling. @Charles Navarro I checked my engine serial # and there's not an X, Y, or AT to be found so have to assume it's original. Had the cylinders borescoped before I bought it and all looked good, and negligible metal in oil filter/on magnetic plug when baselining the oil.
With a recent clutch job at 55K, kind of throws off the efficiencies of getting an IMS Solution done along with other PM needs at the same time. It's 1/2 of a DD along with an old FJ62, so it'll take a couple years to get to 75K, much less 90K. Curious on the group's thoughts about going ahead with the Solution sooner than later, and what I might do (AOS?) to create some efficiency given the clutch is relatively new and buttery smooth. Thanks!
To me this looks like they charged $800 for doing nothing. Ockham’s razor.
Finished the IMS Solution install on my 03 4S (45k Miles)...PO had stated the IMS Was upgraded, but didnt have the paperwork...so I proceeded as if it was stock, much to my surprise an LN IMSR was installed...none the less proceeded with the solution. The LN Team's instructions and tools made a daunting task methodical and manageable big shout to them (The lift time at my fathers shop, and his decades of aircooled experience didnt hurt either LOL) - My "While its out" list included: IMS Solution, New RMS, AOS, Power Steering Seals, Cam Sensors, Oil Sender, Oil Cooler Seals, Plugs, Coils, Coolant Resevoir and Cap, Water Pump, LN Thermostat, Engine Mounts, Rennline HD Transmission Mount, New Clutch and a new DMF. I also pulled the Front and Rear Axles to clean, grease and re-boot the CV's...Stoked to be back on the road!
04-22-2024, 12:02 PM
