boxster ims bearing failure

[Mrmaddbrad]

Originally Posted by boxster

i have a 1999 boxster 986 with 72,000 miles on the clock.
the thing is, my boxster still has its original clutch on it, and the car runs like clockwork. should i just remove the clutch and flywheel,(which i will then change to new ones once theyre out) to change the ims bearing, or should i wait for the clutch to fail first?

is the ims bearing failure really that serious, that it doesnt give you any notice prior to it failing?

any suggestions please?

Well... Its going to need a new clutch soon anyways. Its better to just do the job once, and preventative measures come first. Just do a clutch and IMS soon. You don't really have to do a flywheel, but you could if you felt like it.

The IMS bearing failure is a huge ordeal, potentially destroying your motor. When it "fails" it falls apart, throwing metal, bearing bits all through out your oil. These bits WILL catch and destroy your motor.

My opinion? Well, knowing that a used 986 motor is going to cost you at least $5000, I would change the IMS bearing as soon as possible.

Also, I work at a German Autoshop and having seen and done this job, if you don't have a lot of mechanical ability, this could result in a lot of swearing and beer in your near future... Haha. Good luck

P.S. Most IMS bearings fail because, as a porsche phone rep told me once, "Its built like a race car, if it fails because you don't drive it that way, its not our fault..." Haha, so if you enjoy your car the way its supposed to be enjoyed in some ever so often "spirited" driving, then you can/should wait til your clutch is done. Also, I would spend the $500-600 to get the upgraded IMS bearing, you can then rest your head knowing that it is most definatly not going to fail....