possible IMS issue, what to do next?
 

Question on IMS bearing. 2006 base with 53,000 miles.

I got my oil changed yesterday at an INDY and there was evidence in the changed oil of debris. Very slight, looked like tiny, tiny, gold flakes. The filter itself didn’t look like it contained debris. (compared to the pics of some online). I am a bir surprised due to the lower miles based on the reports on IMS but it seems unpredictable.

At this point I am not sure what are my options and how to approach in deciding what to do next. for the 2006, is there a way to replace the IMS bearing, is it too late, appreciate the group's thoughts.

Test the flakes to see if they are ferrous (can be picked up by a magnet). If they are not ferrous, don't be concerned.

The only thing you can do with a 2006 and later car (until the 9A1 was introduced) is remove the rear seal from the OEM IMS bearing. There is no way to change it without pulling the engine apart.

Take a breath. (ironic me giving that advice, huh?)

It COULD BE a lot of stuff. Take it one clue at a time. Park it and investigate!

It could be chain guide wear if not magnetic.

Good Luck!

So I clearly wasn't thinking this through and since I didn't
Do the change myself, I doubt the service shop
Has the oil and filter still. Fell stupid about this

Not sure how to further research based on this

If there was debris in the filter, there is likely debris in the oil sump. Others may suggest a cheaper way to check, but pulling and inspecting the sump may be the next step.

What color was the debris?

I was able to download the pics from my phone, really hope this helps

Very small yellow/gold flecks. Te pic is hard to make out but you can seem the shiny reflection of them, very small

Also some wetness in the general area, ?


http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1365882142.jpg


http://986forum.com/forums/uploads01...1365882170.jpg

OP mentioned the flakes looked gold in color

I thought it was mentioned once here that yellow bits are sealant.

For definitive purposes, just pull the new filter after a few miles and check it out for more bits
and to see if they are of ferrous material.

Kinda looks like the flakes I had in my oil after I bought my 2002 a couple years ago, I thought it must be IMS but turned out to be a spun bearing. the previous owner hadn't been changing the oil regularly. I don't mean to scare you but it's not always the IMS.

ok, will do some driving next weekend and pull the filter as you suggested and circle back here hopefully with good news.

Good luck with the findings, but as others have mentioned, particles of measurable size in the oil filter is not good news.