Understanding the Infamous IMS Bearing
From Boxsters to Cayennes: How IMS Bearings Affect Porsche Models of All Types
The Hidden Danger in Your Porsche: Everything You Need to Know About IMS Bearings
Porsche is one of the most notable vehicles when it comes to high performance and style. But most Porsche drivers know that their cars have problems. A common problem is the IMS bearing failure. And IMS bearing failure can damage your engine and impact its performance.
Porsche Performance and IMS Bearings: What You Need to Know to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly
The IMS bearing is a geared shaft that goes to the engine and comes out through the rear end. IMS is an acronym for intermediate shaft (IMS). The IMS is a small component of your engine that is responsible for driving the camshaft on either side of the engine. It does this indirectly by using mechanical rotations of the camshaft in the engine. The IMS bearing supports the intermediate shaft and one end on the fly end of the motor. This helps to reduce the chain speeds, which enables them to last longer. Your Porsche's IMS bearing can fail due to normal wear and tear. Most of the time, this feature fails due to mechanical errors. Porsche models 96, 987, 996, and 997 are more prone to IMS bearing failure due to their older design. Repeated overheating caused by a lack of lubrication cripples the bearing, and this evolves into IMS bearing failure. If your IMS bearing has failed, it's likely you will hear knocking and grinding sounds coming from a motor. If you hear them, get your Porsche to an authorized mechanic for repair. Another sign is oil leaks or an oil pan with metallic shards in the oil filter. If you notice these symptoms, something in the car has broken, and you put the metal shards in your oil. Finally, your IMS bearing might fail due to carrying heavy loads. If your car struggles to carry a heavy load, it may be because the IMS bearing is causing expansion damage on the rest of the engine. To fend off future problems with the IMS bearing, you should take your car to a Porsche-authorized mechanic for a professional oil change and inspection. Consider taking your Porsche to an authorized repair shop and performing an upgrade on your car for the IMS bearing. Suppose your Porsche already requires a clutch replacement, a rear main seal, or any other job with a lot of overlapping labor. In that case, consider waiting until you need these repairs before replacing your IMS bearing. In addition to the peace of mind provided to you by the replacement of the IMS bearing, you will preserve the car's resale value when the time comes to sell it.
The Porche Experts at South Shore Autoworks
InKingston, MA, only one European Car repair shop is available for drivers of European cars. The ASE-certified South Shore Auto Works technicians are prepared to work on any European or imported vehicle. As fellow Porsche enthusiasts, the ASE-certified technicians at South Shore Auto Works share and understand your passion for the vehicle. The South Shore Auto Works technicians can handle scheduled maintenance or complex repairs. The technicians train to spot common Porsche problems and any issues that made me lurk under your hood. They want you to drive the best version of your vehicle, and so they will help you with maintenance and repair services as needed. We hope you will enjoy our free coffee and Wi-Fi while you wait for your Porsche to be repaired. We offer free shuttle service, rideshare, loaner cars, and after-hours drop-off and pick-up for our customers who need our services when their schedules do not match our schedule. Call today to make an appointment, or visit our Kingston, MA, location for a walk-in appointment. You'll be glad you did.