IMS Bearing (Intermediate Shaft Bearing)
The Facts about Porsche IMS ( Intermediate Shaft Bearing ) :-
*Which Porsche engines are affected ? The M96/M97 Porsche engines.
*Porsche Models potentially affected:-
*Porsche 911 996 3.4 & 3.6 & 997 early 3.6 and some 3.8
*Porsche Boxster 986 – all models.
*Porsche Cayman & Porsche Boxster 987 very early, although the IMS was upgraded late 2005.
*Note Porsche developed a new Engine 9A1 in 2009 which eliminated the IMS.
*Not affected are the Turbo GT2 & GT3 models
What does the IMS ( Intermediate Shaft Bearing ) do?
*It drives the camshafts indirectly off the crankshaft.
What happens to the IMS ( Intermediate Shaft Bearing ) when it fails :-
*the bearing reaches the end of its normal lifespan.
*lack of lubrication to the IMS bearing due to a High load which causes perpetual overheating.
The Warning Signs of an IMS ( Intermediate Shaft Bearing ) failure :-
*Metallic debris in the oil filter
*Metallic Debris in the oil when changing
*Black Plastic debris possibly from the IMS seal
*Oil leak at the rear of the engine but could be the RMS (Rear Main Seal) so have it checked.
*Knocking/metallic sounds coming from the rear of the motor when you accelerate or start the engine.
*We advise NOT to drive your car and get it recovered.
The outcome :-
*Once the bearing starts to fail a complete engine disassembly is needed to replace the IMS, and then a full rebuild or Replacement is required as the only options.
*Could also throw off the cam timing causing the valve to contact the piston.
The Solution:-
*Several upgrades are available from upgraded ceramic bearings to a complete redesign from a ball bearing to an oil fed plain bearing. Contact Us for more details.
*Preventative measures … regular oil checks/changes ,we would recommend at least once a year or every 10,000 miles.
