3 Tips To Deal With Porsche IMS Bearing Failure

Owning and driving a Porsche from the 90s or 2000s is a unique thrill, since these vehicles feature flat-six engines, hyper-responsive, telepathic steering, and iconic design. However, among these features, the IMS bearing shaft has been reported to malfunction frequently. As a Porsche owner, you must have an understanding of the IMS bearing failure and how to address it, so that during the time of need, you can effectively deal with the malfunction and prevent catastrophic vehicle damage. Here are three tips for dealing with your Porsche’s IMS bearing failure:

Tip #1: Understand What an IMS Bearing Is

The intermediate shaft is the component that transfers rotational motion from the crankshaft to the camshaft, maintaining the engine‘s timing. For smooth and free movement of the intermediate shaft, a bearing is placed at the flywheel end of the engine, which is called the IMS bearing shaft. It is crucial in the engine’s timing and combustion. It must be sealed and appropriately lubricated to work correctly.

Tip #2: Know What Factors Cause an IMS Bearing Failure

Over the years, bearing failures have become common in Porsche models from the 1990s and 2000s. Since the bearing is in a sealed unit, making routine maintenance inaccessible, it’s hard to ensure that the engine oil reaches the bearing’s inner surfaces to lubricate them. As a result, over time, the grease breaks down and the bearing starts to experience friction. When this issue goes unfixed and worsens, the bearing can fail. If this happens, watch out for these various signs, including:

• The presence of glitter-like metal flakes or dust in the oil.
• Damages to the rear main seal, causing oil leakage at the rear of the engine.
• A metallic rattling or grinding sound originating from the back of the engine.

Tip #3: Address The IMS Bearing Malfunction

While diagnostics play a crucial role in repairing a malfunctioning IMS bearing, replacement is the ultimate step to resolve the issue. More often than not, the intermediate shaft, along with the bearing, must also be replaced when there’s already damage. It is a labour-intensive process that involves completely disassembling the engine and replacing the shaft and bearing with a new OEM-made unit. We recommend relying on our professional expertise for this service rather than tackling it yourself. With the right tools and parts, we’ll be able to repair your IMS bearing malfunction in no time.

Unfortunately, if the issue is left unchecked, your Porsche will experience a severe engine malfunction that’ll require a complete rebuild or replacement, costing you time and money. Therefore, preventive maintenance is the best approach, as it addresses malfunctions at an early stage before they occur. Our preventive maintenance for Porsche IMS bearing failures includes:

• Replace the IMS bearing unit with a high-quality, failure-prone ceramic hybrid or cylindrical bearing for greater durability and lubrication.
• Replace the IMS bearing with an oil-fed plain bearing, similar to the crankshaft bearings. This system draws oil from the engine’s oil pressure supply to provide a constant flow of filtered oil, effectively creating a permanent, non-wear component.
• Adopt an oil change routine with a shorter interval as the vehicle ages, which ensures fresh oil with optimal lubricating properties.
• Use high-quality, premium oil that is specifically formulated to ensure lubrication in a Porsche vehicle.
• At every oil change, check and change the oil filter.
• Install a magnetic drain plug to catch ferrous metal particles in your oil, providing another early warning signal during oil changes.
• Avoid leaving your cars parked for long periods, such as weeks or months.

Dougherty Automotive Services: The Best European Auto Service Shop for Porsche Issues in West Chester, Pennsylvania

If you encounter IMS bearing failure in your Porsche near West Chester, visit our auto shop, Dougherty Automotive Services, for prompt repair and maintenance. Since 1977, we’ve been providing excellent auto services to the residents of West Chester and its surrounding cities in the state of Pennsylvania.

With a 12,000 sq ft facility, our auto shop is filled with top-of-the-line repair equipment and experienced technicians who provide precise, prompt repairs for luxury vehicles. As a Bosch-authorized service center, we have more than 48 years of experience providing auto services for European auto brands such as Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, SAAB, Volvo, and Volkswagen. If your high-end vehicle needs repair, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll fix Porsche IMS bearings and any other issues that may arise!