Porsche IMS Bearing Inspection

Update (07.17.17): Kjeld sent me a forth bearing (added to the top of the page)!

Update (03.15.17): Rob (a true legend) sent me a third intermediate shaft bearing from his 986. This bearing is added to the top of this page. I've included high res images and a few rough 60x magnifications of the damaged areas on the bearing race. Like the other bearings, these damaged areas seem to be spaced with the ball bearings. By my amateur option, the bearings show spalling damage (See this document) which seems consistent with excessive load and poor lubrication. All three IMS bearings had intact seals and engine oil in the bearing. 

2000 Porsche Boxster (Base) 77k Miles

Like all other bearings inspected, this single row IMS had oil inside. It had noticeable play, suggesting it was more worn than the others. In addition to the pitting at bearing intervals, there are signs of smearing which suggest in my mind a lubrication problem. Click on the images for higher resolution copies. You may need to right click and download the image for the full resolution copy.

2003 Porsche Boxster S 3.2L IMS (59k Miles and Regular Maintenance)

Bearing Damage at 60x Magnification

Damage detail @ 60x Magnification

Bearing Scoring 60x Magnification

You can view all the full resolution images of this bearing here.

Porsche Boxster 2.7l IMS (49k Miles and Regular Maintenance)

Porsche Boxster 2.7l IMS with 49k miles (click for full size)

Porsche Boxster 2.7l IMS with 49k miles (click for full size)

2000 Porsche Boxster S 3.2L IMSB with 97k Miles and Unknown Maintenance

2000 Porsche Boxster S 3.2l IMS with 97k miles (click for full size)

2000 Porsche Boxster S 3.2l IMS with 97k miles (click for full size)

None of the ball bearings showed visible signs of damage and were thus not included in the images.