Why the IMS bearing fails, another theory

[moresquirt]

jamesp i believe u are on to something here,while u have the engine out or at least the ims shaft is it possible to do a test run with your theory,if it works as planned then u could patent the idea and help alot of porsche people.i personally am on the fence with some of thease new theorys but feel if i do nothing then i am playing russian roulette,for about 18 grand last time i cheaked,for me that cost would be the end of my porsche experience.

[Jamesp]

Replacing the ball bearing entirely appears to be a bullet proof solution, and there is a product out there that does just that. Keeping a ball bearing leaves the choice of either a closed greased bearing or an open face bearing which depends on either splash oil, or an added oil feed. My thoughts on an open bearing (admittedly without much data) is it seems if your going to have an open ball bearing, a ceramic bearing with an oil feed would be the way to go. Its all about adequate bearing lubrication. Another option, which is where I'm headed is to relieve the pressure differential across the IMS bearing and go back to a greased bearing as the grease won't be washed out if there's no pressure differential across the bearing.