IMS failures on automatics?

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by Kice

I saw that too. Did anyone actually confirm with the manufacturer or any other reliable source that this is --exactly-- the same bearing that was originally installed by Porsche? If yes, it would be the best (and cheapest) replacement for dual-row models..

I just checked and the size is the same. The number on the bearing also looks similar: 6204DUA17NSK. If I had known about this bearing when I did the rebuild I would`ve gone with this one, this is the closest match for the original I`ve seen.

[Kice]

Thanks. I ordered the NSK bearing and compared it to the one that I pulled from my engine. It is identical, producer, specs and serial number. There is no conceivable reason why a global producer like NSK would change the technical characteristics of a bearing that they continue to market under the same serial number. I did however get the Pelican kit but only to use the new and reinforced center bolt. In my view that is the best solution to replace the IMS double-row bearing -- and the cheapest (bearing is $45). I spoke to few places back home in Germany who perform IMS bearing swaps, and they all use the original NSK bearing.

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by Kice

Thanks. I ordered the NSK bearing and compared it to the one that I pulled from my engine. It is identical, producer, specs and serial number. There is no conceivable reason why a global producer like NSK would change the technical characteristics of a bearing that they continue to market under the same serial number. I did however get the Pelican kit but only to use the new and reinforced center bolt. In my view that is the best solution to replace the IMS double-row bearing -- and the cheapest (bearing is $45). I spoke to few places back home in Germany who perform IMS bearing swaps, and they all use the original NSK bearing.

Yeah, that should last for at least as long as the original lasted. There`s another thread about a single row at 235k miles, still running perfect. As for the center bolt, there is very little load on that thing, the original should also be fine if it is not overtightened.

[nuvolari]

Originally Posted by Kice

I did however get the Pelican kit but only to use the new and reinforced center bolt. In my view that is the best solution to replace the IMS double-row bearing -- and the cheapest (bearing is $45). I spoke to few places back home in Germany who perform IMS bearing swaps, and they all use the original NSK bearing.

Just wondering if you went with this method and how everything worked out?

Also,
to JFP in PA,

with your experience, I'd like to know if you feel confident that a dual row NSK bearing with the flywheel side seal removed would survive with oil mist lubrication? Or do you think leaving the seals on would be best? Have you seen any examples of good or bad with the deleted seal method? Maybe too few to really form an opinion but still curious. I've read that the Pelican kit, although it uses a single row bearing, they have an improvement over the OEM in that they use a bearing with more durable seals which can be seen with the red/amber color of those seals. Correct me if I'm wrong on that but I saw it in Pelican's tech articles.

And, finally, although I fully believe that the oil level in the sump is low with the engine running, why do folks suggest running M96 engines with a slightly low from full reading on the gauge/dipstick? I would think the added oil would be good once the engine is up and running and any issues at start up or lower rpms wouldn't cause a problem. The only reason I can think of would be due to aerated oil taking up more space.

Thanks to all for the info....