Single row. Vs. double row bearings

[Rlwalker799]

Just started looking at the IMS issue and class settlement info. My 2001 s, made in Finland is not in the vin sequence listed in the settlement doc. Do I have single row or double Which has a better track record?

[Topless]

Most likely you have the single row bearing with estimated failure rate of 8-10%. Might want to consider a clutch/IMS replacement.

[kjc2050]

What's your engine number?

You likely have the single row, as Topless pointed out.

[BrokenLinkage]

I thought the vin sequences specified in the settlement document effectively delineated the more failure-prone single-row bearings. Did I misunderstand?

[kjc2050]

Originally Posted by BrokenLinkage

I thought the vin sequences specified in the settlement document effectively delineated the more failure-prone single-row bearings. Did I misunderstand?

No, you didn't misunderstand. I've used the engine number ranges shown in this Pelican technical article: IMS Replacement & Upgrade

[ccjazz]

I recently did a bit of research on my 01' S, also from Finland. I was at the dealer for a new version coolant cap and had them print out the "warranty data sheet" for me.

Turns out it has a production date of March/01 and engine M96/21, engine# 671 08159. Based on Pelican's technical article as kcj2050 linked (thanks kjc), theoretically I may have a double row bearing in my 01'.

So if you can determine your engine number it might narrow it down for you. You'll still only know for sure once the transmission/ clutch are removed so you can see what's in there.

[Rlwalker799]

I don't have my engine #. In looking at my post I see my last question was ambiguous
Restating the question, which is purported to be more reliable single or double row?

[kjc2050]

Originally Posted by Rlwalker799

I don't have my engine #. In looking at my post I see my last question was ambiguous
Restating the question, which is purported to be more reliable single or double row?

Double row.

[thom4782]

The single row 8-10% and double row <1% values represent a snapshot in time from years aboe. It is not clear how these percentages will change as car accumulate more mile and years.

As such, you can only guess at the probabilities of failure and whether they will become closer to one another as time goes one.

Bottom line: make your best guess as to the relative risks and decide if you're 1) willing to incur the expense of replacing the bearing at the next clutch change or 2) live the the consequence of a failed engine.

Once you decide, the just live with accept your decision and stop worrying.

As a few said, you'll only know if you have a single or dual row when you remove tranny.

[fatmike]

My 2002S was made in Finland as well, and it is also not in the published VIN range. I assume that means it has a dual row.



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[oc-boxster]

Originally Posted by fatmike

My 2002S was made in Finland as well, and it is also not in the published VIN range. I assume that means it has a dual row.



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My 2002 S built in January 01 has a single row so I changed it-good thing too, it was in stage 3 failure with a bad leak-no signs or noise at all-replaced about 3 months ago, I'm convinced by the state of the bearing it would have failed for sure by now

[fatmike]

Originally Posted by oc-boxster

My 2002 S built in January 01 has a single row so I changed it-good thing too, it was in stage 3 failure with a bad leak-no signs or noise at all-replaced about 3 months ago, I'm convinced by the state of the bearing it would have failed for sure by now

Good to know, and glad you caught it.

Did you check the VIN range that was published? Was it in the range?



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[Meat Head]

Single row- 8-10% failure rate. Double row- Less than 1%

If I had a single row bearing car, I would give serious consideration to a clutch IMS bearing replacement. I have a double row bearing car and I'm going to wait till I need a new clutch before I worry about the IMSB. At a 1% failure rate, I'm not overly concerned (hopefully the stats are correct).

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by oc-boxster

My 2002 S built in January 01 has a single row so I changed it-good thing too, it was in stage 3 failure with a bad leak-no signs or noise at all-replaced about 3 months ago, I'm convinced by the state of the bearing it would have failed for sure by now

Something is wrong here. I have a 2001 S I special ordered in early 2001. It has a build date of 3/01. How can you have a 2002 S built three months earlier than my 2001?

[clickman]

Based on the info from those that work on these engines on a regular basis, even with the class action info and engine S/N info etc, for 2000 - 2001 you won't know for sure which bearing you have until the tranny is out and you see the outside cover of the IMS.

[southernstar]

Chuck, perhaps he is referring to the engine build date. My 2000 2.7 has a serial number indicating that the engine was actually built in 1998, although assembly of the car was not until mid 1999.

Brad

[oc-boxster]

Originally Posted by Chuck W.

Something is wrong here. I have a 2001 S I special ordered in early 2001. It has a build date of 3/01. How can you have a 2002 S built three months earlier than my 2001?

My memory may be off as to the month of build but I do know the original owner bought, and was driving the car at the beginning of November 01.

[JFP in PA]

Actually, unless you have had a documented IMS failure, regardless of where you live, you won't be getting anything.................

[SF-Rockster]

So if i have a 97' which bearing would i have?
I've read this thread and no one mentions the 97-99 models..

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by SF-Rockster

So if i have a 97' which bearing would i have?
I've read this thread and no one mentions the 97-99 models..

They are double rows..........