The Porsche brand continues to set the standard for high-performance, sports vehicles. The brand equips drivers with superior acceleration prowess and handling on the road. Like most high-performance vehicles, your Porsche requires a high level of maintenance to optimize its features. Where regular maintenance is delinquent, your Porsche may experience IMS bearing failure.
The InterMediate Shaft (IMS) bearing reduces the speed of the chain on the crankshaft, enabling a longer chain life. When the IMS bearing begins to fail, it extends to other parts of your Porsche. This causes you to experience several engine issues when driving your Porsche.
Below, we provided some reasons for this and also signs to look out for when dealing with IMS bearing failure.
Reasons behind IMS bearing failure in Porsche
Different reasons can cause the intermediate shaft bearing in your Porsche to fail. Although some factors may operate individually in damaging the IMS bearing, in most cases, this failure may result from the combination of different factors. Therefore, when diagnosing your Porsche, some of the factors considered would include:
- Fatigue: When you drive your Porsche, various components are working to ensure you have a smooth ride. When you turn the ignition switch when your Porsche comes to a stop, these components may exert mild, moderate, or extreme power depending on the driving condition. One of these components is the IMS bearing. All intermediate shaft bearings have a limited lifespan from the date of purchase. It is only logical that the lifespan of the IMS bearing reduces as you drive your Porsche. If you use your Porsche for high-performance driving, your IMS bearing may wear down faster, leading to IMS bearing failure.
- Insufficient or lack of proper lubrication: This is another factor that contributes to the failure of your IMS bearing. If your bearing lacks the proper amount of lubricant, it can result in the IMS bearing overheating. These high heat conditions can be dangerous to the extent of facilitating the intermediate shaft bearing failure.
- Overload: Depending on how much you drive, your maintenance routine, and other driving conditions, your IMS bearing may be burdened with an overload of functions. The presence of an overload combined with a lack of lubricant causes frictions which pushes your intermediate shaft bearing to embark on strenuous jobs well beyond its capability. This will invariably cause it to wear down or crack. From the above, you can see that sometimes these factors can work together over time to cause IMS-bearing failure.
Signs and Symptoms indicating IMS bearing failure in Porsche
Unusual sounds are perhaps the most obvious sign of a failed IMS bearing. When your IMS bearing fails, you may hear a knocking, metallic, or rattling sound emanating from your engine rear. When you notice this sign, it is advisable to inspect your Porsche immediately to prevent severe damages.
Oil leakage close to the back of the engine is another sign that your IMS bearing is failing. Also, you may discover metallic debris in the oil pan or on the filter when changing oil. This indicates a failing intermediate shaft bearing. This debris should be easily noticed because of its shiny and sparkly appearance. At this point, the IMS bearing should be replaced to prevent aggravating the damage.
When your IMS bearing shows signs of failing but is left unattended, this can ultimately lead to an engine failure in your Porsche. This is the worst-case scenario possible. In this case, the failure of the IMS bearing would cause the camshaft to slip out of tune with the engine, making the piston and the valve come in contact with each other. This then causes engine failure.
Should the damage in your Porsche get to this extent, you most likely will need a complete engine replacement.
Manfred’s Import Auto: Leaders in European Auto Service Since 1986
Keeping your vehicle’s high-performance comfort and reliability is not an easy task. It requires ensuring that your car stays 
on schedule with all service needs. At Manfred’s Import Auto, our certified technicians have decades of experience working with European vehicles and providing drivers with complete maintenance and repairs.
With the unique service requirements for each European make and model, you don’t want to trust your car with just any mechanic. Our trained technicians understand the importance of accuracy. That’s why our shop always uses the latest factory-grade tools & equipment. The result is the highest-quality service possible for your car without the extended wait times of going to a dealership.
We are located in Cary, IL and also help drivers throughout town and surrounding cities of Barrington, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Lake Forest, and Lake Zurich. Please call or visit our shop today to schedule an appointment.
* Porsche Car image credit goes to: tomeng.
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