Questions about Rear Main Seal

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by blinkwatt

Should I have to worry about the RMS if mine was already replaced on my 99 Boxster at 27k? Is it possible that it could leak again?

Hi,

As stated, they can fail a 2nd time even more. Moreover, the RMS is a Wear Part, that is, it actually makes contact with the spinning crankshaft. Consequently, every Boxster will have it's RMS replaced if it lives long enough - the RMS will simply wear out. Failure at 27k mi. is leaning toward the high side of an RMS failure - the highest mileage failure I've heard about is 36k mi. But, the odds are definitely in your favor, from all reports, there appears to be only about a 5% chance of a 2nd failure. Mine failed at 4k mi. - now, at 24k mi. (and 5 years later), everything is Dry as a Desert!

So, just go ahead and enjoy the Car! Worrying about it is really pointless. Just inspect the underside frequently for any seepage and react to whatever you find. Good Luck!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[PA986S]

Bought my 01 BoxS with 29,000 on it and an RMS leak (did not know at the time) luckily it had a month of warranty left and the dealer replaced the RMS and the clutch. 5 months and 2,000 miles later and oil is leaking again in the same area...not sure if it is the RMS yet but I hope the dealer covers labor if it is.

[Brucelee]

Yes on the possibility of a repeat RMS.

I once purchased a 911 that had had three RMS repairs under warranty.

However, according to my tech, it is rare to have more than one, but it does happen.

[limoncello]

Quote:
"Consequently, every Boxster will have it's RMS replaced if it lives long enough - the RMS will simply wear out." from MNBOXSTER

Assuming all RMS's will eventually fail, some questions come to mind:

1. Having seen all the posts, how many owners have actually changed the RMS in their car?
2. Was the change in warranty or out?
3. What was the cost to replace the RMS? (Assuming the crankshaft passed the alignment test and it was just an RMS repair.) Professional inputs welcome Brucelee.
4. Any actual engine replacements?
5. If so, what did the engine swap cost?

Just thinking about the long term view of Boxster ownership - my plan is to keep this car for 3 years & swap. The only 2 major systemic ills of the Boxster seem to be the RMS and the jamming top mechanism, otherwise a pretty durable car.

re: Plans - my original plan was 3,000 miles per year for 3 years. Had the car 6 months now and hit 3,000 miles already. It likes to go for drives...so much for planning.

Thanks for any info!

[Brucelee]

I will be chatting with Porsche service today. Let me see what I can find out.