The single and dual row IMS Retrofit Kits are designed to replace the original bearings with like sizes and with similar load ratings, without engine disassembly. This upgrade could reduce the chance of a full bearing break down or IMS failure.

If the IMS has already failed please contact our sales office sales@design911.com we can help.

In a process originally developed, tested and used by Scott Slauson of Softronic, extraction of the dual row bearing was found to be possible, involving collapse of the internal wire lock that retains the bearings, requiring great force be applied to the bearing to facilitate extraction. This process now can be safely completed using the bearing puller supplied in our tool kit (sold separately) without any damage to the engine or intermediate shaft or risk of damaging the crankcase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Shown below is the complete single row bearing IMS Retrofit™ kit. We only supply the highest quality ceramic hybrid bearing currently available, with genuine Timken silicon nitride balls. We recommend scrolling back to the top of this page to learn more about why we have chosen these very expensive bearings over cheaper ones. The single row Retrofit™ kit includes a direct replacement for the factory 6204 series bearing.

On engines with a dual row bearing, significantly greater effort is needed to remove the bearing because there is an internal wire lock that has to be forced to compress before the bearing will come out. This differs from the single row which has an external snap ring that has to be removed first. Our tools and associated procedure allows you to safely remove the dual row bearing without stressing the crankcase or any internal components. Shown below is the dual row bearing IMS Retrofit™ kit. The dual row Retrofit™ kit includes a custom dual row bearing as a replacement for the factory dual row 6204 series bearing, which is now retained with a custom external snap ring or spiro-loc (as shown).

Our kits replace the factory sealed bearing with a new, severe duty custom ceramic hybrid roller ball bearing for reduced friction and superior performance in poorly lubricated operating conditions and replaces the factory IMS flange hub, bearing support, and fastener with a stronger, revised billet chromoly assembly.

The center bearing support also receives an increase in size and no longer is cut for the o-ring that keep engine oil from leaking out of the engine – we have relocated the o-ring to the IMS hub flange for added strength to the center stud & bearing support (comparison between our upgraded bearing support and the OE one shown at right)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What does it include?

Kits include the new bearing support, flange, bearing, retaining ring, and set of new OE Porsche microencapsulated bolts.

The new and improved IMS “PRO” Retrofit™ Tool Kit is sold separately

Bearing puller and adapter for extracting the existing bearing from the original center stud/bearing support (shown above)

Bearing driver tool to allow easy installation of the new bearing (shown above)

“Easy Out” adapter to allow extraction of bearing using the LN Engineering bearing puller when and if the center stud/bearing support is broken or breaks during extraction

Crankshaft Pully TDC Lock Pin to secure the engine at the proper position to do an IMS Retrofit™

Camshaft locks for both early 5-chain and later 3-chain engines (kit includes one ea.)

Due to the extreme value of this kit, it is only available for purchase with any qualifying IMS Retrofit™ Kit purchase.

 

What can be done to check for a failing bearing?

First of all, there’s no need to loose sleep over IMS failures!

There are a few simple things that can be done next time you’re having your Porsche serviced to give you some peace of mind before you take the plunge and have an IMS Retrofit kit installed on your car.

Bare minimum, you need add a magnetic drain plug. This makes for easy inspection for IMS debris. Even better, add an IMS Guardian to your MY97-04 car for early detection of IMS bearing issues. IMS Guardian is available from our online store.

When doing an oil change, check the filter for any debris whatsoever. Same with the magnetic drain plug. Any sparkly metallic (magnetic) debris means you need to stop driving your car and plan to install an IMS Retrofit™. Even if there is only one piece, it’s a good bet your bearing is failing.

Here is what IMS bearing debris looks like in the filter. Granted, this is from a full failure, but you can identify the nature of the debris from this photo:

If there is any very small pieces of plastic (bearing seal), that’s also a good sign that the bearing is going bad. A failing IMS bearing will expel ferrous material that can be detected by the IMS Guardian to help detect a bearing failure in the earliest stages.

Any oil leaks at the rear of the engine should be checked out immediately – it is common to think you have a RMS leak, but in fact, a failing bearing will allow the IMS flange seal to leak.

Lastly, any technician who knows what a failing water pump or idler belt bearing sounds like should be able to use a stethoscope to listen to the IMS for similar problems from the general vicinity of the IMS bearing.

 

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