Another one bites the dust - probable IMS issue

[coreseller]

Did mine in my garage exactly one month ago, other than replacing a motor mount it was the first time I had ever worked on a German car. I had to pull out the tranny to send it out for rebuild so I figured what the hey, new clutch, RMS and IMS bearing while I'm in there. Once you are to the point where you can see the IMS flange, it really is a simple procedure to remove and replace it. Other than cramped quarters, these Boxsters really are easy to work on.

P.S. I have a 2002 Boxster S with 39k miles. Single row IMS bearing removed was as tight as a drum. These forums and stories like MTS's cause me no regret in doing the procedure / spending the money....peace of mind.

[seventythree]

Coreseller, the single row IMS bearing was "tight as a drum" in a good or bad way?
Also, to the original poster, don't you think you should have your 04 SE with only 20K miles diagnosed by a Porsche dealership? It might trun out to be something simple, or worst case, you can ask for good faith help from PCNA. Won't hurt to ask!

Good luck

[mts]

Our local dealership closed in January. Frankly, if the engine isn't toast I'm much more comfortable getting Jake to look at it than the dealership. Even if I got a new motor from Porsche the first thing I would do is do the IMS upgrade on it so I'm pretty much out that $$ no matter what and was planning to do that anyway. If the engine is toast perhaps that's a different story.

[Boxtaboy]

How do you know for sure it's the IMS? Could be just a failed water pump or bad lifter or something else. Instead of keeping it out of commission for so long, why not have it checked by a local indy shop?

[Perfectlap]

Seventythree,
tight as a drum is a good thing. No leaks, no play, no loose bearings, no problem.
My Indy reported the same about my dual row after 10 years of use.
I was a little worried at first because I bought the car with barely 9K miles
and after four years it probably had only had one oil change.. and then I was using Mobil at 8 to 10 month intervals for the next 50K miles because the car is only a weekend driver. I've since gotten off the 0 weights and use Castrol Syntec 5W40 every six months, Advanced Auto usually has a 5 for $25 sale.

[coreseller]

Yep, Perfect was correct, my IMS bearing was in fine condition. I truly hope for MTS's situation to be something other than the IMS. If any of you other guys are anything like me you'd probably have a coronary if a can of walnuts turned over in your trunk while driving, you'd just KNOW that the damned IMS bearing crapped out on you causing all sorts of angst and finacial pain. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Good luck MTS.... .

[mptoledo]

Interesting,sad, but interesting that another low mileage with an ims problem. I really hope its something else and real cheap. I am still wondering why the majority of the cars are lower mileage? I am sure you will, but keep us posted. and So sorry to here

Questions:
1.) Auto or stick?
2.) I think you said 3.2 am I correct that is was the "s" version?
3.) Any hints it was coming? IE. reving high, running hot, oil leaks on the floor.....?