From what I’ve read, there is no definitive way to learn the type of
IMS bearing
in a remanufactured
Boxster
engine without an actual visual inspection. If not “definitive” might there be a relatively high probability to tell based on the new engine number?
My 2000
Boxster S
had an engine failure in 2006. The replacement was installed by
Porsche
in September 2006:
M9621AT67765108
I’m hoping that I have the larger single bearing that
Porsche
started using sometime in 2005/6. I understand it’s not perfect, but seems to have a much lower failure rate than the bearing used in the preceding years.
There is a good chance your engine will have the larger bearing, but it would be good regardless to verify. You may have luck calling the dealership and ask them if they can determine that by the engine serial number. Some have reported being able to sneak a bore scope into the bellhousing area with mixed results but there is a clear visual difference with the later 06-08
ims
indicated by the larger nut on the center stud. Regardless, we would recommend scheduling your car to have the grease seal removed off the original bearing if you have 06-08 bearing to extend its life. If they get in there and find you have the earlier more failure prone single row bearing, then you can have them change it out at that time. No it's not a loss either way to have the car brought in for service. Hope that helps!
I really appreciate your reply. I did meet with the service manager of my local
Porsche
dealer to ask -based on that serial number. But couldn’t get a definitive answer as to the bearing installed. It might be that
Porsche
really does assume it has the larger bearing but doesn't want me to rely on that just to be overly conservative.
I will follow up again though. Having the grease seal removed if it's the newer bearing certainly would be helpful. Less costly than changing the bearing- and if I'm outside the 8% failure rate with the larger bearing, that's good.
If I need a kit to replace the earlier, smaller single row bearing, what is the LN part number?
Ted
If you went with the
IMS
Solution, part number would be 106-08.20; Single Row Pro
IMS
Retrofit would be 106-08.2.2.
I'm not too concerned with the 06-08 bearing, especially if you remove the grease seal. You'll know if it's ok the moment they pull the seal off. There should be zero debris inside the bearing but if you find any wear metal on the back side of the seal, then you know the bearing is going bad.
