IMS failure

[judibake]

I presently own a 2001 Carrera coupe with 144000 km. The car has no mechanical issues and drives well. Many of us read incessantly about our cars and I've just looked at the literature about IMS bearing failures. Is there any way to diagnose an IMMINENT failure before it becomes obvious to allow replacement of the bearing and not the engine? The sites that I have viewed suggest it just happens suddenly without warning. I'm sure this question and answer will be appreciated by many of your readers.

[Richard Hamilton]

Perhaps an IMS Guardian might put your mind at ease. It gives you some warning that the bearing is failing by detection of metal particles from the bearing cage before it breaks up completely.

[judibake]

I'm not familiar with an IMS Guardian. Is that the same as a magnetized drain plug. If not would you kindly elaborate?

[Silver_TT]

Not the same as a magnetized drain plug.

http://www.theimsguardian.com/

[Hilux2400]

My 2003 996 has done 49k and I have put in a magnetised sump drain plug. I just thought that with frequent oil changes together with oil filter inspection I might get some early warning of impending failure if steel particles are caught on the plug magnet. Having said that, at some time in its life at about 2006 my car had a factory replacement engine fitted. Therefore, I am hoping that my engine has a later type of bearing.

I know there is a lot of worry about this sort of thing and bad news seems to come up more often than good on these IMS bearings. However, I am sure there are a lot of cars out there, like yours, that have been trouble free on this issue for quite high mileages.

H

[judibake]

Thank you for the information about the IMS Guardian. I don't know why it has never come up in an IMS information search. It represents a great insurance policy against IMS bearing failure and engine destruct for $400. It looks relatively easy for a DIY installer to tackle. The other option of course is to spend a little more than twice the amount and get the replacement bearing.

I guess if you change your oil often, the magnet drain plug is the lesser choice.

Thanks for all the information. It was very helpful.

[Ahsai]

Note there's also ims guardian junior that's even cheaper.