Clutch Chatter

[jsamayoa]

My 2005 997 Carrera S has had slight clutch chatter since I bought with ~9K miles. Sometimes is better and I drive gently never a hard start. Seems too chatter worse in reverse. Someone mentioned issues with 2005's? Also, stupid question, what is meant by IMS? Is chatter a concern or typical of this year? Thanks.

[number9ine]

My 2005 997 Carrera S has had slight clutch chatter since I bought with ~9K miles. Sometimes is better and I drive gently never a hard start. Seems too chatter worse in reverse. Someone mentioned issues with 2005's? Also, stupid question, what is meant by IMS? Is chatter a concern or typical of this year? Thanks.

Chatter could be the result of a prematurely worn release bearing, or the remainders of glazing on the clutch itself.

IMS is shorthand for the intermediate shaft, which has a bearing at the rear of the engine (where it meets the transmission) that can fail prematurely. There's been some talk about an IMS failure detection system coming from Flat 6 Innovations (who also provide a retrofit), hopefully we'll hear soon. A very small but vocal number of people with M96/M97 engines from the Boxster and 911 have seen this bearing fail with catastrophic result, usually destroying the engine. The bearing starts its life as a sealed bearing, but oil eventually evacuates the bearing grease, and destroys the bearings and races. The speculation on prevention runs from replacement to frequent oil changes to driving like you stole it; all topics are covered ad nauseam on every P-car board if you do a search.

Let us know what it turns out to be with your clutch! Mine's got a little chatter in reverse but nothing that I worry about.

Mark

[jsamayoa]

My 2005 997 Carrera S has had slight clutch chatter since I bought with ~9K miles. Sometimes is better and I drive gently never a hard start. Seems too chatter worse in reverse. Someone mentioned issues with 2005's? Also, stupid question, what is meant by IMS? Is chatter a concern or typical of this year? Thanks.

Chatter could be the result of a prematurely worn release bearing, or the remainders of glazing on the clutch itself.

IMS is shorthand for the intermediate shaft, which has a bearing at the rear of the engine (where it meets the transmission) that can fail prematurely. There's been some talk about an IMS failure detection system coming from Flat 6 Innovations (who also provide a retrofit), hopefully we'll hear soon. A very small but vocal number of people with M96/M97 engines from the Boxster and 911 have seen this bearing fail with catastrophic result, usually destroying the engine. The bearing starts its life as a sealed bearing, but oil eventually evacuates the bearing grease, and destroys the bearings and races. The speculation on prevention runs from replacement to frequent oil changes to driving like you stole it; all topics are covered ad nauseam on every P-car board if you do a search.

Let us know what it turns out to be with your clutch! Mine's got a little chatter in reverse but nothing that I worry about.

Mark