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I replaced mine in November, 996 Mk2 with 56,000 miles. Original looked and felt like new!
But I have much more confidence while driving and I sleep better at night knowing I eliminated a potential $15K meltdown The L&N Dual Row Bearing is much bigger, beefier and just badass!
Last edited by nickdee62; 01-11-2015 at 11:48 AM.
Reason: spellin and image
Just a data point:
In October 2014 I picked up a 2003 996 (Mk2?) C4 Cab. At just under 100K miles the maintenance history was a little sketchy at best.
For peace of mind I took it to Lufteknic in Richmond, VA, and had them do the RMS, IMS and Clutch.
The IMS they pulled out was in very good condition. I had been worried about this, not knowing the condition and maintenance record. There was evidence that the clutch had been replaced at some point, but the IMS appeared to be original.
The original's out. A new LN bearing is in, with a new clutch and RMS seal. I hope I'm good for another 100K!
Failed IMS bearing @ 70,000 miles, no warning.
Religiously checked filter and strained oil through a cloth. Still no signs.
Wife was driving car when it happened and she didn't even notice anything was wrong. I got home and noticed a pool of oil coming out of the garage! I new exactly what it was when I saw the oil.
Removed engine and heads. Scoring inside the cylinder walls, IMS bearing completely shredded, etc. Couldn't tell if it was a single or dual row [probably single], it was too damaged to tell.
You get lemons? Make lemonade! The engine is going down to Vision Motorsports for a 4.0 liter makeover plus some fun enhancements.
Too much money into a 996? You bet!! At my age, this will be my last Porsche so I might as well make it the way I would like it!
My indy mechanic who was factory trained in Germany and worked for a dealer in Jacksonville for 14 years suggested the EPS repair. I had it installed and it seems to be running fine. Here is a video that convinced me. EPS IMS Oil Lubrication on Vimeo
My mechanic only charges $1400 for the complete EPS IMS repair.
'99 996 built in late 1998 with 64,000 miles. Unknown IMS history but an LN unit was just installed. The old piece looked original but did not display any visable wear. Just dirt and grime from the mechanic's hands on the piece in the pic.
Just had my IMS replaced with IMS Solution at 73k. Although I voted "no" on the survey, the bearing seals had clearly failed because when the seals were removed there was no grease and motor oil was lubricating the bearing. Not sure whether or how much longer the stock OEM bearing would have lasted.
Just had my IMS replaced with IMS Solution at 73k. Although I voted "no" on the survey, the bearing seals had clearly failed because when the seals were removed there was no grease and motor oil was lubricating the bearing. Not sure whether or how much longer the stock OEM bearing would have lasted.
Just purchased an 02 C2 last week with 70k on the clock. Had the clutch, ims bearing, RMS, and water pump done for peace of mind. Have all service records, and bearing was the original. Mechanic said bearing looked OK.
No failure. Vehicle is a 2004 Carrera with 10030 miles. Was a garage queen befor I purchased from original dealer. All records with annual fluid flush and maintenance due to low miles. Purchased a warranty so am sleeping well...for now.
I bought my '00 with 13,800 miles on it. Under recommendation of local Indy I put in a magnetic drain plug and I have been changing the oil every 6 months.
I just passed 21,000. The last oil change had a small metal flakes on the drain plug. Nothing big. I changed the IMS bearing without a second thought. Cheap decision compared to a blown engine.
My IMS bearing is the top one in the pick. The bottom one, done at the same shop at the same time, comes from a car with only 12,000 miles on the clock.
Guys, these external pics of the IMS don't mean jack. You need to take the Seals off the IMS and inspect it for oil contamination along with condition of each ball bearing for signs of gauling and look at the condition of the races too.
01-11-2015, 11:43 AM
The L&N Dual Row Bearing is much bigger, beefier and just badass!
