IMS vs IMB replacement - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

audisnawb · 04-14-2011, 10:01 AM

I am having my RMS (rear main seal) replaced and figured I would takle the IMS upgrade everyone is raving about since they have to pull the engine for the RMS.

My question is, I know there is two options here the Intermediate Main Shaft and then just a bearing replacement.

Why would I want to replace the whole shaft, isnt the bearings the problem. I just would like a little advice on how to takle this one.

Thanks guys!

JFP in PA · 04-14-2011, 10:11 AM

Cars built (or with factory engine replacements) after late 2005 require the entire shaft be replaced because of the size of the OEM bearing; this also requires total disassembly of the engine to swap out the shaft. Cars built earlier (with their original engines) only require the bearing be replaced.

audisnawb · 04-14-2011, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Cars built (or with factory engine replacements) after late 2005 require the entire shaft be replaced because of the size of the OEM bearing; this also requires total disassembly of the engine to swap out the shaft. Cars built earlier (with their original engines) only require the bearing be replaced.

Oh thats great news. THANK YOU. Seems like its a little cheaper on the 986 model then

That makes my day!

timothy · 04-14-2011, 10:34 AM

Also, there is no reason to pull the engine for the RMS and/or IMS bearing. The transaxle must be removed but these repairs are most often done with the engine still in the car.

audisnawb · 04-14-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timothy

Also, there is no reason to pull the engine for the RMS and/or IMS bearing. The transaxle must be removed but these repairs are most often done with the engine still in the car.

My car is a 2000 2.7 Tiptronic. The guy told me its 13.6 hours total labor for the RMS and IMS Bearing.... does that sound right?

timothy · 04-14-2011, 11:58 AM

Don't have the final bill in front of me but the estimate I received last year was 11 hours: 7 hours for the transaxle removal / reinstall and 4 hours for the IMS update. I believe that included the RMS.

JFP in PA · 04-14-2011, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audisnawb

My car is a 2000 2.7 Tiptronic. The guy told me its 13.6 hours total labor for the RMS and IMS Bearing.... does that sound right?

For a Tip, yes; they are a pain in the ass compared to the manual gearbox cars. Some installers prefer to pull the engine and trans out as a unit and then separate them.

Just a thought, if your AoS in not recent, I would have it done at the same time; it is easily accessible with the gearbox out, and if they pull the engine, it is totally out in the open...........