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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.

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