63 captured repliesDiscussion pagination complete · Source accounts, not a confirmed diagnosis
THIS DISCUSSION / SOURCE-DERIVED OVERVIEW
Discussion summary
YOUR RESEARCHWhat type of IMS bearing have you installed? Take a poll.
Reported or suspected cause
avoiding over-reving the engine
Reported cause
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Identified cause
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Suspected cause
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Reported fixes
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Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that report identifying a cause
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0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
What type of IMS bearing have you installed? Take a poll.
Read full discussion summary
Leading evidence: 'avoiding over-reving the engine' (1 discussions report identifying this cause; no attributable repair resolution). Across 1 matching discussions, the most frequently mentioned possible cause is 'avoiding over-reving the engine' (1 discussions; 1 report identifying it and 0 suggest it). The most frequently discussed action is 'Clean assembled, and bench' (1 discussions). For that action, 0 discussions report a resolution and 0 report an unsuccessful attempt. No action has an explicit, attributable resolution report under the current rules. These are forum reports and suggestions, not a confirmed diagnosis.
Source reports, not a diagnosis or a success probability. Counts refer to discussions and can overlap.
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Your shaft is returned to you, reconditioned and upgraded - cleaned, assembled, and bench tested.
What type of IMS bearing have you installed? Take a poll.
Install ims solution at 33k miles in 2013
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
FSI installed my IMS Solution at 33K miles in 2013.
What type of IMS bearing have you installed? Take a poll.
Install ims solution at 33k miles, spin
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
FSI installed IMS Solution at 33k miles, spin on filter.
What type of IMS bearing have you installed? Take a poll.
Install ims solution myself, a couple thousand miles ago
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Explicit resolution reports before identified causes, performed actions and suggestions. Within each level, matching component labels precede direct query mentions and inherited thread context; successful versus unsuccessful discussion counts, owner confirmations and independent discussion support determine order. This is not a probability of success.
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Installed the IMS Solution myself, a couple thousand miles ago.
What type of IMS bearing have you installed? Take a poll.
Fill with oil allowing us
No successful repair reported for this finding.
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Reported fixes
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Unsuccessful attempts
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Discussions
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Discussions that contain suggestions
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0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Suggestion
In addition, we use Porsche's revised seal to ensure leak free operation and we permanently seal the ims tube (behind the bearings) to prevent it from filling with oil allowing us to use open bearings for improved cooling and lubrication.
What type of IMS bearing have you installed? Take a poll.
Install nsk nup204w cylindrical bearing similar
No successful repair reported for this finding.
0
Reported fixes
0
Unsuccessful attempts
1
Discussions
Read evidence and context
Discussions that performed work without a confirmed outcome
1
0 original-poster resolution reports. Counts can overlap; they are not unique people or a success rate.
0 discussions have direct query context; 0 report a fix in that context. Other evidence may inherit the discussion’s subject.
Performed · outcome unconfirmed
Installed an NSK NUP204W cylindrical bearing similar to the RND cylindrical bearing in my 99 CAB while the trans was out doing a second gear syncro repair.
What type of IMS bearing have you installed? Take a poll.
Coverage and how to read this overview
Counts describe captured discussions, not unique people or a diagnosis. Author identities are not reliably stored. Exact duplicate evidence is counted once across matching discussions; one discussion counts at most once per action/state. Multiple repairs reported together remain a combination. Suggestions and failed attempts do not establish a fix. Matches cover whole discussions and can include related faults, model variants and incomplete threads.
63 eligible posts · 0 unverified posts · 1 discussions match the subject in their title or opening post.
Rennlist: 1 discussions
0 evidence records excluded for query context · 0 excluded by outcome qualification · 0 adjusted by outcome qualification.
0 acknowledgements have no verified action link; they do not establish a repair result.
Generation: 20261026T150451Z · outcome-qualification-6. Deterministic extraction; no AI model inference. How we use sources
Just wanna add the reason I added the LN retrofit over the solutuon was mainly due to the lack of certified installers in my area. Something anyone researching should include as they contemplate replacement.
Not really a fair question -
No replacement - I'm rolling the dice on this one.
I have a car manufactured 7//98 with a OE dual row bearing as opposed to a later years with single row or larger single row. My research shows <1% failure rate so I'm not rolling the dice. And at +142k miles, mine is not going anywhere. Go ahead...argue it. Hell, there are a lot more things that could go wrong with the engine. I understand mechanical things wear out eventually. They all do...every last thing. Not losing any sleep over it either. LN spin on adapter, magnetic drain plug, frequent oil changes (<5,000 miles) which is cheap insurance.
LN dual row ceramic retro in my car. Had a Pelican bearing in hand for GF's car. Turns out it had dual row. Checked it, pulled the seal off the bearing, replaced the cover seal, and left it in. Replacing a dual row with a single doesn't really ad up for me.
2003 w/ 113k KM - Non Serviceable IMS on a Remanufactured Motor M96/03AT665
No idea when/how many KMs ago this was done as I have little records of previous work/ownership.
Mechanic was about to install an LN Ceramic IMS but discovered this when he started opening everything up a few days ago.
IMS Solution!
Previous owner shipped it in 2013 to FSI to have it installed at 33K miles.
Car now has 63k miles on it.
FSI has a video of the dyno on their Facebook page.
Installed an NSK NUP204W cylindrical bearing similar to the RND cylindrical bearing in my 99 CAB while the trans was out doing a second gear syncro repair.
My 99 COUPE still has the factory dual row installed with the outer seal removed 120k on it..
Purchased the
EPS cylindrical bearing w/ Oil Feed Modification. Just have it sitting in a box until the weather gets better. Not looking forward for the install but will have to get it done sooner than later. Currently rolling the dice with about 138K miles on odometer. Also have my replacement SACHS OEM Clutch kit sitting in the box too. Clutch still grips good. Took it to the casino yesterday on the backroads driving it hard. Still cannot get it pass 5,500RPM w/o turning into a chicken and letting off the gas. Looking for a 997 Shifter and my Function First Tranny Orange inserts are in transit to be delivered.
My 99 convertible (74000 miles) still has the factory dual row. I think that a less than 1% failure rate doesn't justify such expense. My Porsche specialist told me that he saw only a couple destroyed engines due to the IMS while his customers are crazy about it. I do an oil/filter change every 5000 miles and drive it like a stolen Porsche...
EPS IMS bearing upgrade with oil feed modification
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1999 C2 Cab.
Done at about 65,000 miles on a factory replacement engine (replaced 2004) that had 43,000 miles.
Installed at Vertex Auto in Miami which is EPS's headquarters. Met and shook hands with the inventor. Took me thru the install step by step as they did it.
�Met and shook hands with the inventor. Took me thru the install step by step as they did it.�
Really? Did he invent roller bearings? Oil feed? I don�t think so... Nothing against Vertex - I�ve got some of their EPS suspension parts on my car... It�s just that to call them inventors or even developers is a stretch...
Installed the IMS Solution myself, a couple thousand miles ago. I like the idea of a "once and done" installation that asks for no attention or service.
That it's trivially easy for a prospective buyer to verify that this bearing is in fact installed would be a plus if I had any plans to sell my 996. But I don't.
Installed the LN Single on my 2004 C2 when I bought it in June 2016 with 53,700 miles (did not know about the Solution at the time or maybe not out yet?) 27 months later and 18,000 miles all running strong. Original IMS was still in good shape.
I was fortunate enough to be allowed to see my bearing extracted. When they removed the original OEM Porsche bearing, the intermediate shaft began pouring out oil which was obvious sign the seal was compromised. Next, we closely examined the IMS bearing and noticed the center stud was showing slight play and the seal had pull from the edges. That was all the proof I needed that I had swapped it out in time.
Thank you for your insight. It wasn't intended to be unfair. The poll is directed at people that have swapped out their IMS bearing. The last two responses are meant to be rhetorical in nature, but it seems like a fair amount of people within this sample are sticking with the original OEM bearing.
I had my engine rebuilt by FSI in 2012. At that time, the Solution was not yet rolled out and their top level IMS replacement was a TRIPLE row ceramic bearing that was included as part of a modified IMS assembly. I believe it required engine disassembly to install so the most common application would have been as part of an engine rebuild and not as a relatively easy retrofit. Its gt about 25K miles on it now and everything works great!
Same here 1999 Convertible with 54,000 miles and original IMS. I have no plans on changing it. For the record my Porsche mechanic told me that every time he swapped out the the original IMS bearing for a new one, the original one looked perfect with no signs of wear.
My FSI Triple Row was called "The IMS Upgrade"..........
What is the IMS Upgrade?
To resolve these known IMS problems, we have engineered our IMS upgrade with a billet chromoly steel hub flange, an increased diameter bearing support/retainer (also manufactured out of chromoly), also providing increased bearing area and dynamic load capacity of almost 5,000 lbs. with our triple bearing - compared to 2200 lbs. for the single, 3060 lbs. for the dual row, and 3650 lbs for the MY06 and later single row. In addition, we use Porsche's revised seal to ensure leak free operation and we permanently seal the ims tube (behind the bearings) to prevent it from filling with oil allowing us to use open bearings for improved cooling and lubrication. Your shaft is returned to you, reconditioned and upgraded - cleaned, assembled, and bench tested. We offer this service for all intermediate shafts MY97 through MY08. LN Engineering offers our machine-in upgrade for early and later style intermediate shafts on an exchange basis or we can upgrade your IMS for
5
plus refundable core charge if on exchange basis. MY06-08 shafts receive a new OE Porsche flange, seal, and IMS, as well as an updated ceramic hybrid bearing and the shaft also goes through the same processes as earlier single and dual row bearing intermediate shafts, receiving single updated larger bearing instead.
Once we came up with the Single Row Pro and the IMS Solution, which were released roughly at the same time, we axed the triple row IMS Upgrade.
There used to be a quad row bearing as well with conventional ball bearings prior to the triple row, which we offered for probably 6-9 months before going to the triple with ceramics.
I think the rest of the motor will crumble before the IMS solution will destruct. I wish Raby would invent parts to cure the other M96 modes of failure.
We do... We just keep them inside of our engine, rather than selling them to the masses.
The IMS Solution was only released to the retail world to kill the copycats, the original intent of the product was to keep it for our engines only. In retrospect, we probably should have kept it for ourselves.
Bought my 2004 Boxster with it already done back in 2017. Poor guy who had the car before me spent a small fortune getting it done with an LN kit and did the clutch and fly wheel at the same time. Then damaged his back and couldn�t drive stick.
I picked it it up with 107k on the clock and a very strong and recently refreshed engine for less than the last invoice! Now at 112k and running like a dream. I don�t think it will go, but since I now have 4 cars, it makes sense to make sure I got one with it done, as I just won�t be using it enough to keep the engine well used.
From what I understand, unless he installed the IMS solution, you'll need to change out the bearing every 25K miles to be on the safe side. Do you have the exact mileage when it was installed?
And this is the bad bit - from the previous owner. It was done at 106k miles! He had it done with $11k worth of work and then didn�t drive it! Such a shame, but picked it up for less than the last invoice and ready to run. Should get an oil and brake fluid change before the year is up though, as it�s a year now.
Oh and it had the L&N bearing installed, so we should be good with it for a while at least.
That's great news! Hate to sound rude to your previous owner, but "one man's loss is another man's gain" in this case. Unless he installed the IMS solution, you'll need to plan to change it out at about 130K miles. Happy motoring!
I put in the LN (non-oil fed) solution because that's what the shop recommended. Did at at approx. 131,000 miles while I was getting the clutch done. It was a good thing I did, because it did not look good. Had about 1/4" of play in every direction.
Wow. How has your filter looked the previous few oil changes?
I contemplated the Solution at 54k miles. I did the retrofit and put difference $ towards AOS, clutch and DMF. Lots of other things to go wrong with these motors.
Goodness, that bearing appears to be in Stage 3 of failure based on Jake Raby from Flat 6 Innovations. (Ref - the PCA videos of the 4 stages of failure). I think lots of people would be congratulating you for "catching it before it was too late", but in my opinion, the shop that installed the LN bearing for you obviously neglected to follow the pre-qualification procedure. The car would have be rejected by any of the certified installers. Installing a new LN bearing on a car with this stage of failure puts liability on LN and jeopardizes YOUR investment in your car. Think about it. The metal contaminated oil has been spreading the metal throughout the entire engine which could still lead to engine failure in spite of the bearing being swapped out. I'm not the expert here, but maybe Charles from LN will speak his thoughts of this image.
WOW!
How many miles does it have now?
They should have stopped the install and dropped the engine.
There had to have been metal all throughout the engine.
Wondering how much longer that�s going to last.
The guy that did my IMS solution is a certified installer and he did all the pre-qualification steps verbatim. The last step in the pre-qual is when the installer pulls the OEM bearing out of the car and examines it. I was a nervous wreck, but since the ECU evaluation, filter/oil sump inspection, and oil analysis came back clean, we were all pretty positive it wouldn't be a stage 2 or worse. They let me watch the bearing being extracted. When they pulled the bearing, oil came out of the shaft. The seal was pulling from the edges due to heat shrinkage and the center bolt was showing slight bit of play, but fortunately the bearing hadn't made it to stage 2 yet or I would have had heart failure.
This is a prime example of what not to do. This engine was already compromised and I bet you the replacement bearing will fail, as we have seen other do so when retrofitted in an engine that would have failed the pre-qualification procedure.
We didn't come up with this procedure to be difficult, but rather to ensure satisfactory results and ensure our product has a exemplary record with no failures. Incomplete or non-qualifying registrations get letters sent out as to why we won't add a vehicle to the database or provide a warranty.
I would ask that you please PM me the vin so we can flag this in our system. If you sell the car and it has a failure, it's my phone they will be calling asking for us to warranty a product that should have never been installed in the first place.
There have been many threads on this topic and I'm going to perfectly clear. If a bearing isn't registered with us or a registration is incomplete, there is no warranty, and the reason is because there are people who will change the bearing like shown here, and when it fails, it's easier to be a victim than a failure.
Likewise, I have people who have emailed LN upset because we won't add their car to the IMS database. It is situations like this that have forced our hand as to how we handle registrations and warranty claims.
That's interesting news. No where on his site does he mention such a thing, but at this point I don't think it really matters. Thank you for the input.
Ah yes, you have the original dual row bearing. Nice! Any plans to replace it? Or, are you just gonna to play it by ear (or eyes)? hahaha
p.s. How's the IMS holding up on your Turbo?
I'll continue to knock on wood with fingers and toes crossed until the clutch or rear main seal give up the ghost, at which point I'll cash in my chips and do the IMS at the same time.
The Infinite Mischief Supplier that's located within the right pedal of the turbo is thankfully holding up to frequent tickling by my right foot. I've read that they're pretty durable, so I'm very grateful for that 🙂
How long has it been since the last clutch change? Is it tougher than the Turbo to engage?
My car had the original clutch (50K miles) when I had it changed out with the IMS solution install. When the tech removed the clutch plate it was worn down to the rivets. I thought it was fine, but when the shop owner drove my car he immediately said, "your clutch is shot!". The new one is effortless. Up until then I just thought the 996 had a characteristically stiffer clutch pedal. I was wrong. Live and learn.
I've heard of people removing this spring in hopes to improve clutch pedal response only to regret it down the road. When my new clutch, I wouldn't change a thing. I'm having a ball! My problem is avoiding over-reving the engine. I'm like a kid in a candy store.
The majority of respondents have an LN product.
LN should sponsor this forum...oh wait, they already do.
I’m glad they recognize, and participate in, our forum!
