MiataR

Reaching out the the 996 forum brain trust to identify this bearing that was pulled from my car. Is this the OEM dual row or an aftermarket solution?





The bearing appears to be in exceptional condition... seals are in good shape as well.

Here is the bearing as compared to the LN solution.



Interesting that the LN part is not as deep.

stan23

looks like it's factory according to this link based on the PN on the bearing.

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...s-bearing.html

MiataR

Thanks Stan... I think that's pretty solid evidence that it's the OEM bearing.

Interesting (and surprising to me) that my 2001 had a dual row. Either way, the LN is going in as a replacement since it's all apart right now.

Dpazos

How many miles did you have on the dual row?

MiataR

118k on that bearing.

rolex11

My momma always said, "Life was like a box of Chocolates.....oops correction...

My Porsche Indy always said, "Life was like an IMSB. You never know what you're gonna get."

stan23

May I ask what build date is your car? Thanks!

gnat

Definitely an original dual row. Your story is exactly like mine. Went in expecting a single (and planned to do the Solution) and found a dual in our 01.

Had I known I would have left that sleeping dog alone.

dporto

I think you need to be careful how you use the word "solution" as it pertains to the IMSB. That LN retrofit bearing is NOT "the solution" (which is a plain bearing)... I think you probably already realize this, but maybe chose the words accidently. Unfortunately, this just adds to the confusion amongst the many IMSB products that are now on the market. Ok, I'll hop off my soapbox now...

dkraige

Not to hijack the thread, but is it possible to determine dual-row vs. single-row based on the part number of the IMS seal and cover? Not the bearing itself, just the seal and cover parts. My seal was replaced by a dealer under the previous owner and I have that part number, but no idea what bearing is in there.

gnat

If it is factory parts, yes. Don't know about the after market options.

You can tell the captured bearing by the size of the nut. It is considerably larger than on the older replaceable bearings. This shouldn't be found on a 996 unless it got a factory replacement engine after that bearing became available.

The dual and smaller single row can be differentiated by the depth of the bowl on the flange. Shown here from Pelican the left is the single row and the right is a dual row:

MiataR

More so out of curiosity, anyone know the reason/impact of the depth of the LN bearing being different than OEM? Why not make it the same size?

Schnell Gelb

Agreed,it is interesting & they are smart so there mus be a good reason..Speculating :

One reason might have been the additional expense of having that annular groove machined for the circlip - see photo NSK bearing above.

LN had achieved much additional load capacity anyway and did not need the extra few mm ?

MiataR

01/2001

MiataR

That's what I assumed as well, but perhaps if JR is reading, he can chime in on the reasoning.