I broke the LN Faultless IMS tool

[986girldad]

Anyone know why LN's Faultless IMS tool would NOT work (apparently "faultless" doesn't mean full-proof)?

While installing the new IMS bearing, I really had to crank on it... which broke the threaded rod

Before I remove it and try again with another threaded rod, I'm wondering what went wrong? Experts please help.

[JFP in PA]

Please resize the picture to something we can actually see.

First of all, all of the components of the Faultless Tool kit are available individually from LN. Secondly, having owned one since they first came out, and used it literally hundreds of times without any issues, I would have to say, "operator error".

It would help if you told us exactly where you were in the retrofit process when this part failed, which type of IMS bearing (single or dual row), and year of the car you are working on.

[78F350]

I'm not an expert, but I've used the tool once and can resize pictures. Here's your picture cut down a bit:


Did your faultless tool include the instructions in a binder? What step were you on? My guess is that the Intermediate Shaft was out of alignment and you were pushing the bearing against it rather than into it.

[Starter986]

No wonder the part broke: It's ****************ing huge! And JFC, your hands are HUGE, too. How do you get anything done, when small hands are a Porche's favorite friend. Bet you're a real lady-pleaser. Or, man pleaser... for I don't know which way you swing.

So, yeah, smaller pics. Using your phone? Resize.

GLWS.

[986girldad]

Haha! Sorry for the giant pic (compensating for my tiny 2.7). Thanks for the resize, @78F350.

Details:

2002 base model, 5-chain engine, single row bearing.

Following LN's instructions, I'm on Step 25—pushing the new bearing into the intermediate shaft. I was holding the internal nut and turning the outer nut clockwise to press in the new bearing. It felt like I was appliying too much torque, so I backed off, loosened the the tool to float it, and gave the assembly a bit of wiggle in case I wasn't on right. Then I retightened the mounting bolts of the tool and tried again. I leaned in with my giant hands and... snap goes the threaded rod. I disassembled the tool from the engine and the bearing is partially installed.



This is my first time, so I'm wondering if the bearing got caught on something that would've blocked it from inserting? It's impossible to see around the faultless tool. The partially-installed bearing is still there, and it feels like it's connected to the IMS.

My plan is to remove the bearing with the faultless tool and retry, but I wanted to ask for any insight from y'all since I'm a virgin and just snapped my rod off.

[986girldad]

Haha! Sorry for the giant pic (compensating for my tiny 2.7). Thanks for the resize, @78F350.

Details:

2002 base model, 5-chain engine, single row bearing.

Following LN's instructions, I'm on Step 25—pushing the new bearing into the intermediate shaft. I was holding the internal nut and turning the outer nut clockwise to press in the new bearing. It felt like I was applying too much torque, so I backed off, loosened the tool to float it, and gave the assembly a bit of wiggle in case I wasn't on right. Then I retightened the mounting bolts of the tool and tried again. I leaned in with my giant hands and... snap goes the threaded rod. I disassembled the tool from the engine and the bearing is partially installed.

This is my first time, so I'm wondering if the bearing got caught on something that would've blocked it from inserting? It's impossible to see around the faultless tool. The partially-installed bearing is still there, and it feels like it's connected to the IMS.

My plan is to remove the bearing with the faultless tool and retry, but I wanted to ask for any insight from y'all since I'm a virgin and just snapped my rod off.

[JFP in PA]

DO NOT REMOVE THE NEW BEARING, because if you do, it will damage the hybrid ceramic balls and will have to be thrown away. Installing the bearing does not put any load on them, but extracting the bearing uses the center bolt to pull on them.

[986girldad]

Thank you 🙏
So how do I get it in? It feels stuck

[JFP in PA]

You may need to resort to the old way of installing the bearing using a hammer and installation tool.

I am actually interested in what you find when you remove the Faultless tool as I have never had a bearing cock or refuse to go in when using mine; normally they just glide into place with minimal effort.

[986girldad]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

You may need to resort to the old way of installing the bearing using a hammer and installation tool.

I am actually interested in what you find when you remove the Faultless tool as I have never had a bearing cock or refuse to go in when using mine; normally they just glide into place with minimal effort.

I'm also in PA, so PM me if you feel like seeing it IRL. Otherwise, here's a video of the tool removed and the bearing jammed with the lock ring exposed: https://youtu.be/71iXAxee1NA

[986girldad]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

You may need to resort to the old way of installing the bearing using a hammer and installation tool.

I am actually interested in what you find when you remove the Faultless tool as I have never had a bearing cock or refuse to go in when using mine; normally they just glide into place with minimal effort.

The lock ring is still visible. Here's a video: https://youtu.be/71iXAxee1NA?si=iMESD2wiaJ2Xiu-_

I'm in Western PA. If you feel like lending your expertise, PM me.

P.S. Sorry for the delayed responses. Moderators need to approve everything I post (newb )

[986girldad]

The old fashioned way worked! It was a bit tricky getting the metal ring in while hammering, but a little pick, a flathead, and a lot of patience did the trick. Thank you again @JFP in PA!!! I would've trashed my bearing had you not chimed in, so I am very thankful for your help.