IMS failures on automatics?

[piper6909]

Originally Posted by norcalconvertible

... How much would I need to budget in to have the IMS changed to the best solution by an Indy? (automatic car)

The key word in your question is "Best". Before anyone can answer that question for you, you first have to decide which bearing solution is "best" for you, as there are more than several options and as many opinions.

Many people on here believe that the LN "IMS solution" is the best one. But it comes at a very steep price just for the parts. So much so that at $1849.00, parts alone cost over half as much as a used motor. So, you'd have to decide for yourself whether you're comfortable with the cost v. risk ratio.

I have a tiptronic, single row IMS. IF, and that's a big if, I decide to replace it, I'd probably go with an OEM replacement. Although I'm still curious about the cylindrical bearing. But that's my decision, you'd have to decide which replacement is best for you.

This guy makes a very good argument, even though he came to a slightly different conclusion than I did:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxdvSq_byZw

[mikefocke]

And the skills to make those custom parts he speaks of? We all have those.

There are at least 5 other IMS replacement offerings I know of he didn't mention. All with varying characteristics.

The investment to create a bearing assembly, test it, create tools and instructions that facilitate it being done by someone who never has done it before are worth something. To say nothing of warranty expenses and customer service costs. Maybe not to the video producer. I happened to be in touch with the guys who first created the replacement kits when they were destroying bearings and engines in their quest for the right one. They were a long time recovering those sunk costs.

I've owned 2 Boxsters. One a dual row, one a single. I totaled the first car without having replaced the IMS. Someone got a low mileage engine probably when the insurance company totaled the car. I didn't replace the second one, it was still in the car at 90k last I heard.

What is your risk tolerance? How would you feel having replaced the bearing assembly and something else takes out the engine or car? How would you feel if the bearing failed and you hadn't replaced the assembly? How long do you think you will keep the car?

A great replacement will add value but not the total cost of the replacement. A good replacement will help sell the car quicker. If I were to replace, I'd go great or at least with one that had many thousand known installs.

[tonythetiger]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

And the skills to make those custom parts he speaks of? We all have those.

There are at least 5 other IMS replacement offerings I know of he didn't mention. All with varying characteristics.

The investment to create a bearing assembly, test it, create tools and instructions that facilitate it being done by someone who never has done it before are worth something. To say nothing of warranty expenses and customer service costs. Maybe not to the video producer. I happened to be in touch with the guys who first created the replacement kits when they were destroying bearings and engines in their quest for the right one. They were a long time recovering those sunk costs.

I've owned 2 Boxsters. One a dual row, one a single. I totaled the first car without having replaced the IMS. Someone got a low mileage engine probably when the insurance company totaled the car. I didn't replace the second one, it was still in the car at 90k last I heard.

What is your risk tolerance? How would you feel having replaced the bearing assembly and something else takes out the engine or car? How would you feel if the bearing failed and you hadn't replaced the assembly? How long do you think you will keep the car?

A great replacement will add value but not the total cost of the replacement. A good replacement will help sell the car quicker. If I were to replace, I'd go great or at least with one that had many thousand known installs.

Burner is cool. I’ve wondered what happened to him. If Anyone knows, please share and my hellos to him.
So, yes, if you replace I think there are a few options, but the safe option is LN. I still balk at the price and I refuse to believe it’s fair, but so goes. I will concede that with the pricing for various LN offerings, Saving between 500-1600 dollars on the part is more than tempting to consider less expensive options.


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