The Truth About Porsche IMS Bearing Failure and How to Fix It

Porsche technician Sean Mickle tells us the truth about the Porsche IMS bearing failures and shows us the solution to this issue from LN Engineering. Sean works at the Nort Northam Collection, located just outside Orlando, Florida.
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[@FredLarracuente]

Great video! I'm not in the habit of recommending anyone anything but I've come to trust the EPS roller bearing oil-fed IMS solution. One of the most affordable ones ($579) and, after having fitted three cars with them and hard-driving over 100K miles among them, I've come to that conclusion. Easy DIY with the right tools during a clutch service, which is every 30-40k miles with my driving style. I like the fact of it being internally oil-fed through the IMS tube directly from the oil pump (no tapping from the head or filter oil supply), very high-quality and thought-out design, and I can easily be removed and inspected during said clutch service. Just get it freakin' done and enjoy the damned car! LOL. In regards to bore scoring?, just replace the oil every 5K miles with high-quality oil and inspect the filter every time and, not the way-too-long Porsche recommended interval. I personally use 5w/40 or 5w/50 as is always hot where I live. Anyways, my humble DIY mechanic opinion and happy 'Porscheing' everyone!

[@DSC800]

i agree with you. EPS claims no failures and over 5k installs but I also did a fair amount of searching and couldn't find any reported failures in the forums, facebook, etc. After reading about LN bearings and seeing many failures I put no value in cars that had the LN installed figuring I'd still have to replace it. Their products are the most expensive yet have the shortest most restricted warranties. I installed the EPS 5k miles ago and it was easy to do (easier than getting that damn top bolt off the trans).

[@andreathomas8130]

I’m a 76 year old Grannie that just bought a Boxster s 2004 with 94,000 miles. After reading about and seeing all these horror stories about the car, I’m having a hard time enjoying it. My fear is everyday I’ll have another issue and it will proceed to make me homeless. I’m so disappointed.

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

An IMS bearing from NSK can be had for $37 thats stronger than the one LN engineering supplies at $800+...its just a standard 5204-2rs bearing! We use them in 45,000lb winches at work and they last DECADES under that stress

[@MrAnticaArte]

Thanks for the info!

[@jeffc79]

These overpriced IMS bearings are a total ripoff.

[@dbong1021]

Part number on this NSK option?

[@speedlinegarage]

@@jeffc79you’re not paying $800 for bearing itself. The machined piece that seals it is what makes these kits expensive. You can buy complete kit for $189 with new NSK bearing and all the seals and gaskets.

[@speedlinegarage]

@@dbong1021 NSK Bearing 6204V (Single Row)

[@FueledBy.Passion]

Shawn is the Man! Has worked on both of our Boxsters.

[@Akartavor]

I have the IMS Solution in my 997.1 and so far so good. I am pretty sure that the LN Engineering IMS Solution was invented by Jake Raby at Flat 6 Innovations. I also have the LN Engineering Nickies cylinder sleeves in my car. Love it!

[@NateB240z]

Good info, and there are videos that show the process of the repair as well... The Wheeler Dealers episode was actually pretty clear "How to". PCA has a video as well.

[@superiorautomotive143]

Thank you for this video!

[@Alans63]

Thanks so much!

[@DanielRamirez-os1bg]

IMS solutions oiled bearing kit it pretty easy he just trying to scare you off it took me a day with care measures and saved thousands

[@luismendes7095]

Great video this may sound silly how heavy is the engine what dolly ton do I need to have the engine on

[@joedirt8625]

Just Buy a 98 to 2000 dual Row 996. I bought mine well driven and maintained 99 with 86k. Pulled the bearing out and it was mint, Replaced with Dual row ceramic. Avoid the 20 year old garage queens with 30k. These cars are Reliable. Xar has 120lk and for the price wrap it around a tree and walk away. Value.

[@tuul75]

I just bought a 2000 996 with the dual row IMS and 100k miles. No garage queen. 16k usd. Was thinking of doing the IMs but I may just roll the dice!

[@stevehurt1227]

Have to agree with John Morgan. The oil bush type (bearing?) has been used by Porsche on their air cooled engines. I found the ceramic bearings (IMS) were hard on the outer race of the IMS and they would eventually wear to a point where they have to be replaced. This was apparently the situation on my Boxster S (2002) and I had to find another solution for correcting the LN Engineering Ceramic bearing which had about 50-52K miles on it. I believe the right solution is using a fresh oil supply type bearings whether another ball bearing/ceramic bearing is used OR Raby engineering solution (oil supplied bushing type oil bearing). Almost nothing on PCA except a couple of video films. Did research both within PCA members and the internet. I found via the sources that I could use an oil supply from a port near the oil filter, route a line to a modified IMS bearing external housing, and using the normal Porsche bearing would solve my problem; found sources for making the changes and adapted my IMS to these changes. Had to remove one seal from the Porsche bearing which is a single row ball bearing. Have the engine under oil sampling, etc to make sure the changes are working.

[@alioral1358]

Steve you are right, change your oil every year or 5000 mile, nothing will happen to engine. If it is cold let the engine warming up under 3000 rpm. If you want to use hose for bearing, dont supply it from oil filter house. It can cause engine damage.

[@FredLarracuente]

Agree 100%. I don't like the idea of tapping oil from the head or the filter. In part, that's why I went with the EPS roller bearing oil-fed IMS solution. Literally no drop in oil pressure on that one. That's the one I went with on three of my cars.

[@machoman5356]

Did the boxer have oem plastic bearing? I heard plastic but some one must have exaggerated?

[@_Hangman]

So effectively your going from a bearing to a journal type contact. Cool.

[@BourneAccident]

Best fix for sure. Hard oil fed bushing.

[@paulparnitzke7659]

isn’t it true that the ims bearing and the rest of the motor must be in perfect order to use the ims solution? i read that any oil contamination won’t work because tre holes for the oil on the repair will plug

[@profuse007]

The LNE ceramic bearings are better on paper but there’s no empirical evidence that it last more than OEM. they’re trying collect data as we speak to prove it, but now there’s a permanent solution for pressure lubed.

[@z101dc1]

How long have you been working with Porsche? And how many failed bearings have you seen? Would be good data to support this video. My local Porsche specialist said he had only seen 4 failures in 21 years.

[@KTLaz]

2 of my local specialists say the upgrades are worse than the original parts and fail more,only seen 1 failure in 25 years so said just leave alone

[@manilanoakes3966]

I don't know why Porsche engineers did not fit roller a roller bearing for the IMS bearing they can withstand a much greater load.

[@roxximusik8958]

I find it interesting that the US-produced Bentley workshop manual on the 986 series contains no guidance whatsoever on inspection, or replacement, of the notorious intermediate shaft bearing (IMS). Porsche presumably thought it to be an effectively sealed for life item. 👽🔰

[@eddieentlebucher1920]

Other than the IMS where there IS a solution, the other monster is bore scoring. Especially on the S or 3.8L engines of the same years affected by the IMS.

[@user-fo2el6jm7n]

The other scary monster 👹

[@minibearbc]

bore scoring is the really monster boss. the only way to solve is re-engineering or replace the bore

[@DSC800]

Yeah, bore scoring is like an un-curable cancer. At least you can amputate the old bearing and implant a new one. I favored purchasing a 3.4L 996 as they have the earlier (better) lokasil along with the smaller bore. At 55k miles so far so good, as long as it doesn't "D"-chunk.

[@FredLarracuente]

LOL True! That's the other scary monster in the room. I had to open my engine up to do preventive maintenance on the chain sliders to resolve a high camshaft deviation issue and took the opportunity to re-coat the piston tops and skirts. I also checked for ovality and wear of the liners but all was good after 98K miles so, I guess I lucked out got one of the good 3.6 engines. There are many affordable options to choose from on the Internet when it comes to coatings but just about anything nowadays is better than the crappy coating Mahle did back then. That, and 5K mile oil changes vs the factory recommended 10-15K (absurd IMHO) goes a long way in avoiding that.

[@dkoz8321]

What is the purpose of IMS , the intermediate shaft? Connecting engine to tran?

[@sugarnads]

Runs one cam bank

[@TsunauticusIV]

A KZbin channel called Top Line Racer just got a Porsche and they have NO idea what they are doing. Could you guys give them a hand? Would be a benefit to your channel and they probably would even pay you for your help. Idk. But they are doing internet research and I’m worried they will mess it up.

[@georgejarocki6111]

So porsche designed engine with a enginenring problem and it took them years to correct it. What does it tell you about them?

[@sugarnads]

Apparently it isnt an issue in germany where they get actually driven.

[@eddiemunster8634]

1997 to 2008? Why did it take so long for Porsche to address this? How could they not have a recall?

[@don-cw1yz]

Porshe vehicles are not cheap. The IMS bearing is a known issue. So why isn't Porche recalling and fixing the faulty IMS bearings at no charge?

[@PrimusPilus73]

They did... there was a Class Action lawsuit, Porsche lost but only the Boxster was included in the suit.

[@don-cw1yz]

@@PrimusPilus73 What years were covered? Are Canadian as well as US Porsche Boxters covered under the recall?

[@DSC800]

@@PrimusPilus73 911 and Boxsters were both included, roughly from mid-2000 through 2004 when they switched to the weak single row bearing.

[@desmomotodesmomoto2033]

IMS Solution is the Solution, Bore scoring is different story

[@timdillon7045]

Well that being said there are thousands of Porsche out there for sale with 70 80 hundred thousand miles on them granted it happens in a very small percentage of vehicles it just doesn't happen there is warning signs

[@johnmorgan7262]

Everything he said is 100% accurate, but incomplete and not sufficient to help the decision making process for a 986/987 owner. There is much more out there. Perhaps link to the PCA videos? There are owners who have a more urgent concern than others.

[@user-fo2el6jm7n]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n2KXfX6sdrxgidE

[@stefanshapiro1245]

Agreed. In particular, this video is sponsored by the vendor and doesn't mention that there are cheaper solutions that from a practical standpoint are 100% as good.

[@hotchalupa]

@@stefanshapiro1245 good...but not 100% as good. All other solutions need to be replaced (including the original IMS Retrofit which was designed by the same person as the IMS Solution). If you want permanent, IMSS is the only one available to achieve that. Long-term ownership...IMSS... Few years then flip, IMSR or any of the ceramic choices could do... But anytime you replace the clutch, it is highly advised the bearing is replaced on the same schedule. The only thing that keeps people from just doing the IMSS and being done comes down to cost. So, if cost isn't an issue, there's no reason to do anything but.

[@Align700nitro]

ball bearing in an engine instead of oil journal. it's called bad news.

[@stephenfazekas5054]

Porsche ims is like the f355 valve guides, can they fail? Absolutely! will it fail ? 93% chance that youll be fine. Its like doing a water pump at the time of a timing belt, you’re already in there the parts aren’t much, the labor once you’re in there isnt that much so its cheap insurance.

[@adamsangels9874]

Total crap just drive it ….if it dies it dies…buy another one…..8.5 k purchase price is annual devaluation on most cars anyway

[@NoPrivateProperty]

It's embarrassing to compare Porsche quality to something indestructible from Honda, Mazda, or Toyota. Chevrolet LS motors are also far beyond Porsche. You could build reliable 600 plus hp, for what it cost to upgrade the flimsy crankshaft of a flat six. Porsche good for poseurs

[@DSC800]

but you gotta admit, having 300+ hp pushing you from behind with that great exhaust note at 6k rpm is a little different than those others.

[@LOTPOR0402]

They all have their problems ,but this ImS thing has been blown up all out of proportion thanks to the internet and people that believe everything they hear because someone in a video says so.Sounds to me like you are just jealous and do. Not really know what you are going on about

[@NoPrivateProperty]

@@LOTPOR0402 I have never seen a more flawed engine that M96 Porsche. there are multiple weak points. basically disposable

[@jeririce4928]

porches are nazi cars

[@malcolmn.5222]

​@@NoPrivateProperty bmw rod bearings. There are tons of examples you choose not to research bum

[@andersn4707]

BLA BLA BLA AND YADA YADA YADA not much helping..

[@jmoo876]

Doesn’t include the turbos...come on buddy, read those articles your telling people to read

[@jacksabbath7986]

TOTAL BULLSHIT by another Porsche mechanic who makes a living today, replacing these bearings. You will "NEVER" get him to admit, that replacing the IMS must, must, must be done, as millions of these cars do not have a bearing replacement and they have 200k miles on them. He needs the money.

[@DSC800]

Well, maybe not "millions" of these cars, but I agree with you. It is scaremongering, especially by LN / FSI. I'll never buy any of their egregiously overpriced products.

[@michaelgough8951]

I read porsche payed out in a law suit in US so isn't that admission the ims bearing wasn't up to the job I had a ill leak thought it was main crank seal pulled the box and flywheel lucky ims on way out double row bearing managed 90thousand miles now has the porsche ceramic roller bearing so should be good for rest of its life 2000 boxster 3.2s only gave 5grand for it in 2018 lot of car for that price

[@jeffc79]

I totally agree with this. If the bearings have such a high failure rate, then where are all of the broken Boxster’s and 911’s that should be on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace because the IMS failed and the owner can’t afford to replace the now catastrophically failed engine? They don’t exist, because the problem is like long COVID. It’s all in your head.

[@dominic6860]

Rubbish, Porsche specialist I know has only seen 2 in the 17 years of working on boxsters.

[@KTLaz]

I inquired about ims and both specialists said do not touch it ,more chance of something going wrong with an aftermarket ims and only ever seen 1 failure in 25 years

[@robinmckenzie951]

Had to stop watching this garbage. There is nothing wrong with the bearing that was put in the m96 and m97 engine. There are thousands of cars with hundreds of thousands of miles on them. You are all missing the point. None of you have asked why the bearing fails, you just think putting a different solution in or a stronger bearing will solve the problem. If you actually stopped to think about it you would realise the bearings are failing because they are being contaminated by clutch dust. The end cap leaks due to casing shuffle. Stop the leak by sealing the IMS endcap properly and you stop the root cause of the contamination problem. You can save yourself alot of pain and money by resolving this problem properly. Clutch dust in the oil will destroy all of these solutions eventually.

[@philnox7734]

So much for good german cars rubbish