Finaly taking the IMS plunge

[Luckyman01]

While I went with this solution as well, I recommend that you wait to inspect existing bearing, mine looked great @ 117K miles. As I had the kit in hand I replaced it.

Likely I wasted the money.

David

[Racer Boy]

Originally Posted by Luckyman01

While I went with this solution as well, I recommend that you wait to inspect existing bearing, mine looked great @ 117K miles. As I had the kit in hand I replaced it.

Likely I wasted the money.

David

To properly inspect the bearing, you have to remove it, and that will destroy it.

I had mine replaced at 148K miles, and there was just the slightest of grease residue left on the bearing, so it was only a matter of time before it went. That said, the peace of mind was worth having it done regardless.

[pritchet74]

I just bought a 2000 Boxster with 37,500 miles on it 3 months ago. Dropped it off yesterday for the IMS bearing replacement (LN Eng.). Didn't go the Solution route as I have many other things that I want to get done. Once I get ~40,000 miles more on the car (if I still have it) then I might put in the Solution. For now, it's IMS, RMS, clutch, water pump, thermostat, belt, etc so that I can get at least 5 worry free years of driving!

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by Racer Boy

To properly inspect the bearing, you have to remove it, and that will destroy it.

Yes, extracting the bearing requires a lot of force to free up the snap ring and the bearing is not designed for that, so it`s not a good idea to pull it out and then replace it. But I think it`s sufficient to inspect the bearing in situ in the IMS. I never really understood this proper inspection thing that requires removal. Why would you have to pull the bearing for inspection? Or, what additional advantage would you have if you can hold the bearing in your hand vs if it`s sitting in a tube but you can rotate the inner ring freely? In both cases, all you can check is the extent of free play and the smoothness of running. You won`t be able to inspect the races either way so you won`t have a better idea about the wear just because you pulled it out. If you cut it apart and inspect the races and the balls then you may see some signs of wear, but then the bearing is not reusable because of the extraction...

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by Racer Boy

I had mine replaced at 148K miles, and there was just the slightest of grease residue left on the bearing, so it was only a matter of time before it went.

I removed mine at 100K and there were no traces of grease in it. I`m pretty sure it had been long gone probably during the break in period and replaced by engine oil. It was still flawless though

[Racer Boy]

Originally Posted by Homeoboxter

I removed mine at 100K and there were no traces of grease in it. I`m pretty sure it had been long gone probably during the break in period and replaced by engine oil. It was still flawless though

The grease seal were intact, so there was no engine oil in the bearing. It spun freely, but it was certainly time to replace it, due to the lack of grease.

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by Racer Boy

The grease seal were intact, so there was no engine oil in the bearing. It spun freely, but it was certainly time to replace it, due to the lack of grease.

So it was running dry? Great that you caught it in time! Out of curiosity, was it a single or dual row bearing?

[Racer Boy]

Originally Posted by Homeoboxter

So it was running dry? Great that you caught it in time! Out of curiosity, was it a single or dual row bearing?

Single row.

[Homeoboxter]

Originally Posted by Racer Boy

Single row.

Interesting. Two of the bearings I had a chance to open up were both dual rows, and were filled up with engine oil, at lower mileage than yours. Perhaps the vacuum/pressure that builds up inside the IMS at every warm up cycle can better escape at the single row bearing? Just wondering..

[Xpit77]

Originally Posted by Racer Boy

The grease seal were intact, so there was no engine oil in the bearing. It spun freely, but it was certainly time to replace it, due to the lack of grease.

My 99 was the same. Seal was intact. The tech opened it up and it was semi dry ? Dual row.
Anyway piece of mind.