DOF IMS Bearing - remove 1 seal/pierce the other?

[ppbon]

The DOF instructions do not call for the removal of both seals on the bearing, just the outside seal.
Leave the inner seal intact. You don't want the IMS full of oil.
Happy Boxstering
Pedro

Originally Posted by 3_Angels

We are installing a DOF IMS bearing in a 5-chain 2002. Instead of removing both rubber seals, how about just removing the outer and poking some holes on the inner? Filtered oil is flowing from the outside in to the IMS interior.

[3_Angels]

2002 Boxster S 5-chain 97K hard miles. IMS bearing NSK 782 6204DU17 ENGLAND in perfect condition observed visually. Seals removed; no evidence of any grease, all surfaces oil covered. About 1/2 cup of dark oil recovered from IMS. The oil from the IMS is compared with oil from the engine in an attached picture. A lot of oil apparently has made it through the bearing seals over time and miles. Removing BOTH SEALS would let the engine communicate with the IMS directly. With the IMS so low in the engine, the bearing would appear to only be protected from debris by the fresh, filtered DOF spray. The engine oil quite apparently gets by the bearing seals into the IMS, but does not get out so easily. The fresh, clean DOF oil continuously sprayed onto the outside of the bearing would likely ameliorate the old, possibly rancid and acidic, oil seeping through the inside seal from the IMS. Ummm? When in doubt, go with the recommendation of only removing the outside seal? I'll think about it for a bit before pulling seal/s.

[thom4782]

This is really simple.

If you use a sealed bearing, it must be lubricated internally period.

On the other hand, if you use an unsealed bearing, you remove the outer seal to allow oil to lubricate it. The LN Retrofit experience shows that splash oil from the sump is sufficient for the unsealed ceramic bearings to last well beyond 50,000 miles before considering a replacement.

Whether you add DOF or not, you do not remove the inner seal. If you do, oil will accumulate in the IMS tube.

[3_Angels]

Originally Posted by thom4782

This is really simple.

If you use a sealed bearing, it must be lubricated internally period.

On the other hand, if you use an unsealed bearing, you remove the outer seal to allow oil to lubricate it. The LN Retrofit experience shows that splash oil from the sump is sufficient for the unsealed ceramic bearings to last well beyond 50,000 miles before considering a replacement.

Whether you add DOF or not, you do not remove the inner seal. If you do, oil will accumulate in the IMS tube.

Note that the "Eternal Fix" has no seals and has a flooded IMS. I am not saying that is good or not.