What causes the Porsches IMS Bearing to fail?
The main cause of the IMS bearing to fail is the lack of lubrication the bearing is receiving.
What model Porsches are affected by the IMS bearing problem?
What does the Direct Oil Feed solution provide for the IMS bearing problem?
The direct oil feed method uses an adapted pressure fed oil line from a positive oil pressure feed on the cylinder head directly to an opening in the custom intermediate Shaft Flange. This feeds fresh oil directly to the open end of the IMS bearing. By using a positive oil feed from the engines cylinder head valve cover, there will be a consistent flow of oil directed to the open end of the intermediate shaft bearing.
The Direct Oil Feed (DOF) is a cost effective way to protect against a possible IMS bearing failure. The DOF system can be installed with replacement steel SKF bearings and will also work with aftermarket ceramic ball bearing kits. Later style IMSB with the larger bearing have no way of extraction and the DOF is the only kit that does not require engine dismantling.
With the DOF kit, we recommend replacing your bearing with a new, zero mile bearing. We sell with our DOF kit the optional Dual Row or Single Row steel SKF German ball bearing to compliment the Direct Oil Feed kit. It is always a good practice to remove and replace your IMS bearing when performing the DOF installation for your engine. A new bearing will give you a fresh start with the now added benefit of the Direct Oil Feed.
One you have experienced a IMS bearing failure, there is no turning back, a complete engine rebuild is your only option.