bcrdukes

Hi folks,

Hoping some of the GTA folks could chime in on this.

I recently took my car in to a reputable shop for spring maintenance, and during the inspection, the shop noticed some oil leaks around the bell housing of the transmission. Rather than put it off, I decided to agree to the work. Seeing as the transmission would be dropped, I figured it would be best to replace the IMS bearing this time around. Mileage is at 138,000KM. Previous owner changed the clutch at 110,000KM, but at the time the clutch was replaced, the IMS was not a known problem.

With all the work being done, transmission being dropped, seals being replaced etc. I got a quote of $2000 - $2200'ish with the IMS bearing. Is this the going rate these days? Anything else I should get done while the transmission is dropped? For what it's worth, It's not an LN Engineering IMS bearing, but a different one from the US they've been using for a while now (I forget which.) Any recent benchmarks appreciated. Thanks!

9 lives

I would ask for shifter cables and linkage to be checked, air oil separator and transmission mounts only due to age and not necessarily because of imminent failure.

bcrdukes

Good call on that. I had the transmission mounts on my list of things to do. Didn't occur to me to have the shifter cables linkeage to be checked. I'll have to triple check my maintenance records on the air oil separator. Thanks for that.

strathconaman

When I had my IMS Solution installed I did the IMS, RMS, AOS transmission mount. I had my clutch and flywheel checked. At 130,000 it might be time for a new flywheel.

Check on the price difference between your bearing and the IMS solution. It includes the spin on oil filter adapter, which makes oil changes simpler, and with a no-bypass filter, protects the engine better. For me it was worth the extra money to be certain the IMS would never go on me.

9964runner

I'll second the AOS and transmission mounts. I DIY'ed the AOS recently, you'll save a lot of labor time/$ having it replace while the transmission is out. As a reference point I replaced the trans mount at 110K, inner was just about separated from the outer housing.

Imo000

What year is your car? If it's has the dual row bearing, I would not touch it. The leak could be from the rear main seal. Change the AOS since it's a wearable item. The clutch should be near new at only 20K. Leave that alone if it looks good.

bcrdukes

Car is a 2001 Boxster S. I'm unsure if it's dual row. Is there a way to tell without dropping the transmission?

Imo000

2001 Boxter S is probably a single row. The only way to be sure is to pull the transmission. Now if the engine was ever replaced then all betts are off. The engine's serial number would help to figure this out.

bcrdukes

Engine is original as far as serial number and VIN goes. I believe the shop is dropping the transmission tomorrow or early next week.

Bud Fox

2001 is likely single row