IMS Bearing inspection

[phatjedi]

I just inspected my IMS Bearing on my 1999 996 and didn't remove the tension from the chain tensioners. I put the cover back on and haven't done anything else. How can I tell if the IMS is in correctly?

[goldenwarrior1]

How did you inspect it? If you parked the engine at TDC, pinned the motor and released the tension on the 3 chain tensioners then you should be good to go. If you just pull the cover without these steps you run the risk of the timing chains jumping timing. If you didn't notice any sounds or movement during the removal of the cover you may be ok but I would want to be 100 percent sure before I started the engine.

[bmohr]

how did your ims bearing look? How many miles on your 1999? I'm considering this service as i'm approaching 130k on my 99.

[JFP in PA]

I just inspected my IMS Bearing on my 1999 996 and didn't remove the tension from the chain tensioners. I put the cover back on and haven't done anything else. How can I tell if the IMS is in correctly?

Other than to identify which type of bearing you have, without physically removing the unit (using the correct method which involves locking down the engine and releasing the tensioners) and examining it for play, looseness and wobble; you really have not learned much. Both LN and Jake Raby have a lot of information on what to look for when pulling the unit, including videos.

If you are going in that far, you really should have replaced it……………….

[phatjedi]

how did your ims bearing look? How many miles on your 1999? I'm considering this service as i'm approaching 130k on my 99.

I just took the cover off the threaded part in the middle fell back a bit, I used a magnet to bring it back in place. I pryed the sealed cover off the bearing took the middle threaded part in my hand and spun it back and forth trying to feel anything. it rotated smoothly and I then tried to see how much play side to side and it had none to speak of. I cleaned it with rags to get a good look at the balls and they looked great. I am still wondering if is still on correctly because I missed some steps by not taking the tention off the chains?

[phatjedi]

how did your ims bearing look? How many miles on your 1999? I'm considering this service as i'm approaching 130k on my 99.

I forgot it has 98,000 miles on it.

I just tested the flywheel it has too much movement so I ordered a new one.

[cnavarro]

You will likely need to have the cams retimed. If you didn't lock the engine at TDC and remove the chain tensioners, that's bad. Anytime you have to pry or force something off, that's usually not a good sign.