New Retrofit Intermediate Shaft (IMS) Bearing Reduces Risk of Porsche 911 and Boxster Engine Failure

Porsche specialist urges 996 and Boxster owners to consider crucial IMS bearing as maintenance item and upgrade with retrofit kit

BICESTER – Porsche Boxster and 911 owners looking to increase reliability now have the opportunity to fit a more durable intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing. Available exclusively in the UK from independent Porsche specialists Autofarm, the new retrofit IMS bearing is a cost effective method of ensuring better reliability for M96 and early M97 engines (1997-2005). “We have seen numerous engine issues in Porsche Boxster, 996 and early 997s as a result of the IMS bearing failing,” says Autofarm workshop manager Robin Bartholomew. “Customers who experience the first tell tale signs of a bearing failure such as plastic or golden metal particles in the oil or filter may already have incurred engine damage. The IMS bearing should be a maintenance item and be properly cared for just like a cam belt and be replaced accordingly. The upgraded specification of our kit, together with a scheduled replacement should prevent premature wear that ultimately results in catastrophic failures.” To keep costs down, Autofarm has refined a procedure that allows the IMS bearing to be changed without removing the engine. For further savings, Autofarm suggests the replacement is best undertaken at the same time as a clutch and flywheel change as both are removed to access the IMS bearing. The procedure is not recommended for DIY installation as it requires specific extraction tools but Autofarm will offer the kit to other specialists, as well doing the change at its Oxfordshire workshops. Developed and proven in the US by LN Engineering, the new IMS kit uses ceramic hybrid bearings and Timken sintered nitride ultra low friction roller balls to improve wear and corrosion resistance. Other improvements to enhance durability include a larger diameter centre bearing shaft with relocated O-ring and stronger a chromoly flange hub. Dependent on the model year, Autofarm offers either a single or dual row retrofit kit and can advise Porsche owners as to the correct part to use. “As these cars are getting older we are seeing more failures that are attributable to insufficient checking of the bearing’s condition,” suggests Bartholomew. “Together with frequent oil changes and visual checks for leaks, the scheduled replacement of the IMS bearing can avoid many of these failures.” Prices combined with clutch change start at £1550 for a Boxster or 2WD 996 and £1725 for a 4WD 996. Changing the dual mass flywheel at the same time adds £500 and £475 for the Boxster/2WD 996 and 4WD 996 respectively. Customers wishing to book this service should contact technical@autofarm.co.uk or call 01865 331234 About Autofarm Based in Weston on the Green, Oxon, Autofarm www.autofarm.co.uk is a leading independent Porsche specialist. Founded by Josh Sadler, Autofarm has over 35 years’ experience of maintaining, preparing, racing and restoring Porsches of all ages. The Oxfordshire based workshop offers servicing using accredited diagnostics equipment, sales, parts, race preparation, restoration and engine rebuild capability. Its extensive road, race and rally engine experience led the company to develop Silsleeve, an innovative and cost effective method of repairing damaged Porsche cylinder blocks. Autofarm enjoys close links with Porsche and the leading Porsche owners’ clubs. For more information, please contact nick@propel-technology.com, +44 1295 724130

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