Replacing IMS with Original bearing

[berty987]

I think the big question here is whether it's better to rely on the seals of the original bearing to keep the grease in and contaminants out , or a ceramic bearing relying on clean oil to keep it lubricated.

[Bala]

Originally Posted by berty987

I think the big question here is whether it's better to rely on the seals of the original bearing to keep the grease in and contaminants out , or a ceramic bearing relying on clean oil to keep it lubricated.

That's a gamble as well isn't it? Considering that ferrous bits can come from other sources and affect the LN bearing which is not sealed.

Wonder if the magnetic drain plug might actually help in drawing and keeping the bits confined in one area and away from the bearing to some extent.

[spongebob]

Originally Posted by berty987

I think the big question here is whether it's better to rely on the seals of the original bearing to keep the grease in and contaminants out , or a ceramic bearing relying on clean oil to keep it lubricated.

A bearing filled with grease does always have a specific limited lifetime compared to bearings that are lubricated by oil. Guess that Porsche knows the lifetime here but this is of course only possible to calculate if the grease is kept inside the bearing.
However , original intention must have been a lifetime well beyond 200,000km

In Mr Rabys solution lifetime will probably be very good as long as there is no loose debris entering the bearing which cant be guaranteed. Just look inside your oilfilter every oilchange.

I guess that no double row bearing with the grease kept in place has failed yet.
The single row bearing was probably some kind of costcutting project as the IMS failures where uncommon the first years and there was room for lower spec of the bearing.

When it is time for my next clutch I will,( if they exist) use a standard bearing but with upgraded seal spec and grease that can take more than 120 degrees C.
This will be done in combination with a low temp thermostat and 10/40W oil

Until then I will feel very safe with the IMS guardian.

[Bala]

One thing I don't understand (or not educated on) is why am I finding the metal pieces at the bottom - oil pan. These should have gone thru the filter and actually should be in the filter no? Don't think those pieces just came loose when I turned off the car and then proceeded to drain the oil and removed the pan.

Just tried feelyx's suggestion and used a magnet. NONE of the pieces stick. There are also some tiny pieces black in color. Plastic maybe?

So, if the LN bearing is not sealed and is lubricated by oil, and the contaminants (metal) can come from elsewhere, there is a high probability that it can damage that bearing as well. So, a sealed one is much better bet not considering lubrication factor? Your take on an upgraded seal bearing makes a lot of sense to me. Of course the IMSG would allow just in time intervention if a disaster was going to happen in all cases. But, no such bearing exists does it. Can a OEM bearing be purchased, upgraded lubrication and upgraded seal be made to order?

[berty987]

Reading up on bearing failures it's normally a result of the race guide or the balls suffering damage. Typically this damage is caused by either foreign particles entering the bearing races or the bearing race/balls fragmenting as a result of excessive heat from running at too high a speed /load or with insufficient lubrication. The advantage of ceramic or composite materials is they are less affected by temperature or foreign particles. Assuming Porshe specced the bearing correctly for speed and temperature the only realistic cause of failure is that the lubrication is washed away or that foreign particles enter the bearing causing deterioration. Either way, there is a very strong case for fitting a bearing that can operate with less lubrication or oil lubrication rather than grease and that is more resilient to foreign particles in the race guides.

A question for Jake and flat six innovations at this point. With full ceramic bearings available , why is the solution offered using a hybrid rather than full ceramic ? Is there an issue with full ceramic bearings in terms of load or shock resistance that is required in this application ?
For instance the bearing listed below meets the temp requirements for the application
6204 Full Ceramic Bearing 20x47x14 Ball Bearings

Or the full compliment Silicon nitride bearing
6204 Full Complement Ceramic Bearing 20x47x14 Si3N4 Ball Bearings

I assume the bearing offered currently is something like this ?
6204-2RS Hybrid Ceramic Sealed Bearing 20x47x14 Ball Bearings
SKF - Product data