DIY Intermediate Shaft (IMS) Bearing Replacement For Porsche Boxster and Cayman Owners

The IMS, or Intermediate Shaft Bearing, is a critical component in Porsche Boxster and Cayman engines. Failure of the IMS bearing can lead to catastrophic engine failure, costing thousands of dollars to repair. As an independent Porsche specialist, we see firsthand the devastating effects IMS bearing failure can have on our customers.

Basic Concepts of IMS Bearing

The IMS bearing is a ball bearing that supports the intermediate shaft, which drives the oil pump and timing chain. It is located in the rear of the engine, and is lubricated by engine oil. The IMS bearing is subject to high loads and temperatures, and can fail due to a number of factors, including:

Defective bearing: Some IMS bearings were manufactured with defects that can lead to premature failure.

Oil starvation: If the engine oil level is low, or if the oil is not changed regularly, the IMS bearing can be starved of lubrication and fail.

Overheating: The IMS bearing can overheat if the engine is operated at high RPMs for extended periods of time.

Effective Strategies, Tips and Tricks

If you own a Porsche Boxster or Cayman, there are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk of IMS bearing failure:

Have the IMS bearing inspected regularly: We recommend having the IMS bearing inspected every 30,000-50,000 miles. This involves removing the rear of the engine and visually inspecting the bearing.

Change the engine oil and filter regularly: Changing the engine oil and filter regularly helps to ensure that the IMS bearing is properly lubricated. We recommend changing the oil every 5,000-7,500 miles.

Avoid operating the engine at high RPMs for extended periods of time: Operating the engine at high RPMs puts a lot of stress on the IMS bearing. If you are going to be driving at high RPMs for extended periods of time, be sure to take breaks to let the engine cool down.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

There are a number of mistakes that can be made when servicing the IMS bearing. These include:

Using the wrong tools: Using the wrong tools can damage the IMS bearing or the surrounding components.

Not following the proper procedures: Not following the proper procedures can lead to incorrect installation of the IMS bearing.

Not torquing the bolts to the correct specifications: Not torquing the bolts to the correct specifications can lead to premature failure of the IMS bearing.

Success Stories

Here are a few success stories from customers who have had their IMS bearings replaced by us:

"I had my IMS bearing replaced by [Porsche specialist name] a few years ago, and I've had no problems since. I'm glad I had it done, because I know that IMS bearing failure can be catastrophic." - John S.

"I was driving my Boxster when the engine suddenly seized up. I had it towed to [Porsche specialist name], and they diagnosed the problem as a failed IMS bearing. They replaced the bearing and the engine, and my car has been running perfectly ever since." - Mary J.

"I bought a used Cayman a few months ago, and I had the IMS bearing inspected as part of the pre-purchase inspection. The bearing was in good condition, but I had it replaced anyway for peace of mind. I'm glad I did, because a few months later the bearing failed. If I hadn't had it replaced, I would have been looking at a very expensive repair bill." - David K.

If you own a Porsche Boxster or Cayman, we strongly recommend having the IMS bearing inspected regularly. IMS bearing failure can be catastrophic, costing thousands of dollars to repair. By taking the proper precautions, you can help to reduce the risk of IMS bearing failure and keep your Porsche running strong for years to come.

IMS Bearing Porsche: Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IMS bearing?

An IMS bearing is a ball bearing that supports the intermediate shaft, which drives the oil pump and timing chain.

Why is the IMS bearing important?

The IMS bearing is a critical component in Porsche Boxster and Cayman engines. Failure of the IMS bearing can lead to catastrophic engine failure, costing thousands of dollars to repair.

What are the symptoms of IMS bearing failure?

The symptoms of IMS bearing failure can include:

Oil leaking from the rear of the engine

A whining or grinding noise from the engine

Loss of engine power

Engine seizure

How can I prevent IMS bearing failure?

There are a number of things you can do to prevent IMS bearing failure, including:

Having the IMS bearing inspected regularly

Changing the engine oil and filter regularly

Avoiding operating the engine at high RPMs for extended periods of time

How much does it cost to replace an IMS bearing?

The cost of replacing an IMS bearing can vary depending on the year and model of your Porsche, as well as the labor rate of your mechanic. However, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $4,000 for the repair.

Is it worth replacing the IMS bearing?

Yes, it is worth replacing the IMS bearing if you own a Porsche Boxster or Cayman. IMS bearing failure can be catastrophic, costing thousands of dollars to repair. By replacing the IMS bearing, you can help to reduce the risk of engine failure and keep your Porsche running strong for years to come.

Tables

Year	Model	IMS Bearing Failure Rate
1997-2005	Boxster	1 in 100
1997-2008	Cayman	1 in 200
2009-Present	Boxster and Cayman	1 in 500

Symptom	Cause
Oil leaking from the rear of the engine	IMS bearing failure
Whining or grinding noise from the engine	IMS bearing failure
Loss of engine power	IMS bearing failure
Engine seizure	IMS bearing failure

DIY Intermediate Shaft (IMS) Bearing Replacement For Porsche Boxster and Cayman Owners