A tough decision…for month

[Gigi]

It was a tough decision what IMS to buy for my ‘98 Boxster at 51k miles. After month of articles and videos research I finally made my decision on the EPS cylindrical bearing kit. Engine is on engine stand for clutch upgrade and other fixes and ready for the new IMS replacement.
When I pulled out the original NSK double row bearing looked in great condition visually and could last many more miles but did not want to take a risk as we all know.

According to EPS tech there is no need to remove the oil pump cover and punch a hole in the intermediary shaft. This method was used yrs ago. The new EPS IMS kit does not include the punch tool and channeled Oil Pump Hex Drive. EPS tech mention there is no need of Loctite 574 when bearing is inserted. Hope the above saves time and extra new parts for a new EPS IMS install.

Note: it was mentioned by Pelican Parts support tech, their website page photos were not updated for EPS ims kit.

Any comments are welcome and can help others and myself too. Cheers! 🍻

[Rob175]

Interesting.....my 98 Boxster still has the original IMS....93,000 miles and still going strong (as is the original clutch). I've no intention to touch a thing. Good luck with yours.

[Gigi]

Rob175,
Great to hear your ‘98 Boxster is still running strong. Take good care of it and do not delay the maintenance. Regular maintenance, proper fluid levels, smooth driving, and addressing issues promptly are the key to extending your engine's lifespan.
The previous owner of my Boxster was not treating it that well…the exterior was and still is like new but engine & underbody I had to do a lot of maintenance to make it look decent. If I was the only owner the situation would be different and thats why I’m on this road to eliminate future mechanical failures. I want to enjoy driving it without thinking the engine may get toasted some day.
Steel Ball Bearings at one point have a tendency to deteriorate resulting in loss of hardness and reduces the bearing capacity causing early failure. In extreme cases, balls and rings will deform. I’ll post few photos of the original removed bearing and some of EPS IMS install stages

[Rob175]

Yep still going strong

[Gigi]

Nice! Here is my 98 and bearings, removed nsk and eps ims replacement.

[Rob175]

Nice....did you do the IMS "proactively" or was there a problem?
How many miles on the ODO?

My Porsche guy believes that if the double row bearing hasn't failed by now, (92,000 iles and 25 yrs old) it's fine and good to go. I do change the oil and filter every 4,000-5,000 miles (which is as much as I drive it each summer).

[Gigi]

No problems, I did replaced the intermediary shaft double row bearing because the new one (EPS) is more durable than ball bearings, for the life time of engine.The double row bearing is sealed and you never know how worn out is on the inside. Keep an eye on any oil leaks around bearing flange when clutch work is performed and ask your mechanic to check for metal particles in oil filter when oil change is done. I’ve never been to a mechanic shop, I do all maintenance and repairs myself.