$3000 fear suck!

[Tim01S]

I bought my 2001 S with 60k miles a year ago from a dealer. Prior to purchasing I too asked them about the IMS bearing. They commented that the engine was bulletproof. That is pretty much what I expected given they wanted to sell me a car.

This fall I noticed some oil seepage where the engine and transmission mate. I took it to a local Indi shop and had them quote a clutch kit, RMS, and LNE IMS bearing replacement. The total quote was around $2,600.00. They found that the flywheel was shot, add another $575.00. When they pulled the bearing (double row bearing) and removed the grease seal for me, the cage was intact, grease gone, ball bearings "looked OK". The tech said there was some play in the bearing, he also noted traces of metal behind the bearing cover.

The car drives great with the new clutch and the cold start engine rattle is gone.

Because of the research I did before I bought the car, largely on this sight, I anticipated having to do the clutch, RMS, and possibly flywheel. I absolutely planned on replacing the IMS bearing while having the rest done. Yes it was a lot of money, but I look at as normal maintenance cost and money I won't have to spend again anytime soon. I am glad I did it. I love my 986!