Porsche IMS Bearing Problem

IMG_0012gif2

Click Image

Problems with Carerra  IMS Bearing One of the weaknesses with the M96/M97 Carerra engine identified in recent years by Porsche has been the (IMS (intermediate shaft) bearing, which supports the intermediate shaft on the flywheel end of the motor. When the bearing wears out, the timing chains on the engine may disengage, and the engine will quickly self-destruct. When the bearing does begin to deteriorate, foreign object debris from the bearing circulates throughout the engine, causing damage to other areas in the engine.

Call 301-383-1277 to schedule an appointment

This appears to be one of the most common failure mechanisms present with both the Boxster and 911 Carrera engine. There are several warning signs. When you first start your car, you may hear a loud rattling noise that goes away after about 10 seconds or so. When you accelerate, you may also hear this noise too. This noise is the sound of the chains or the bearing rattling around in the engine because the bearing has deteriorated the engine is soon on its way to skipping a tooth on the sprocket and costing you thousands of dollars. If you have the car up on a lift, you can listen carefully and you should be able to isolate the noise to the area of the IMS.

Signs of a failing IMS bearing can also be found by inspecting the oil filter. Shiny metallic debris from the balls used within the bearing itself may travel through the oil system and become trapped in the oil filter as well as small bits of black plastic from the seal on the bearing. During a routine clutch job, you can also simply remove the IMS cover and take a closer look at the bearing itself (lock and check the camshafts prior to removing the cover). If the center shaft is wobbly (see video), or the center of the bearing doesn’t spin freely, then it’s probably on its way to failure. Luckily, there are a few solutions available.

First, change your oil every 5,000 miles or sooner and use a higher viscosity motor oil that has additional anti-wear additives. Use Porsche approved 5w40 viscosity motor oils, preferably one that carries an API SJ-SL rating. Also consider using an oil with more anti-wear additives (like Zn, P, or moly extreme). Recent regulatory changes in the United States have caused oil companies to revise their formulations of oil and reduce the amount of anti-wear components in them. The reasoning behind this is the belief that these components contribute to premature deterioration of the catalytic converters. The solution to this problem is to make sure that you run motor oil with the proper anti-wear formulations and change your oil often.

Call 301-383-1277 to schedule an appointment

Transmission Service and Repair

Transmission Service & Maintenance

Transmission fluid check & scheduled maintenance

Call 301-383-1277 to schedule an appointment

Your transmission is crucial to the proper functioning of your vehicle. If your transmission fluid is old and contaminated, it can cause expensive damage. And if your transmission filter is clogged, your engine will not be able to shift gears effectively. Whether you drive a manual transmission or automatic transmission, the auto service experts at Bowie Auto Clinic have the necessary experience for performing whatever maintenance it needs, from a fluid check or filter replacement to a system flush or transmission replacement.

Getting a transmission fluid change and transmission flush is important maintenance for your vehicle’s health – that’s why vehicle manufacturers recommend regularly scheduled transmission service. If you keep up with your transmission maintenance, your car can run newer, stronger longer. Our expert auto technicians can take care of all your vehicle transmission needs and keep your car functioning at peak performance.

What’s included?

  • Transmission fluid level check
  • New transmission filter
  • Linkage and controls inspection and lubrication
  • Call 301-383-1277 to schedule an appointment

Oil and Lube Service

Our Basic Oil Change

Call 301-383-1277 to schedule an appointment

Your vehicle relies on oil, lubrication and an oil filter to keep it running smoothly. Motor oil minimizes friction by lubricating, cleaning and cooling critical internal engine components. Normal driving will cause motor oil to become contaminated with wear metals, water and even fuel. Every three months or 3,000 miles, your vehicle should be ready for an oil change. Check your owner’s manual for the specific recommendations for your vehicle. Oil changes at your Bowie Auto Clinic include:

  • Removal and replacement of existing engine oil and oil filter
  • Checking the air filter
  • Checking and topping off all fluids under the hood
  • Lubricating all fittings
  • Checking engine for leaks
  • Checking belts and hoses
  • Checking tire pressure
  • Checking entire undercarriage
  • Call 301-383-1277 to schedule an appointment

Coolant Flush

Why You Need a Coolant Flush

Call 301-383-1277 to schedule an appointment

A coolant flush  helps ensure maximum performance from your car’s heating and cooling systems.

The heating system works off of the same coolant that circulates throughout your engine, performing a coolant flush also prevents overheating – the most common cause of breakdowns and internal engine damage.

New antifreeze will help your car’s engine run cooler, and flushing it will remove any dirt, rust or sediment which may damage the water pump and clog the engine water jacket and radiator.

4 Reasons You Need a Coolant Flush

  • Removes Rust and Scale Deposits
  • Lubricates the Water Pump
  • Removes Contaminants
  • Protect Against Rust and Foam

Here’s what we do when our trained technicians perform a coolant flush on your vehicle:

  • Pressure Test Cooling System
  • Inspect System for Leaks
  • Power Flush System
  • Set Coolant to Proper pH Level
  • Set Coolant to Proper Temperature Level

Call us at 301-383-1277 to schedule an appointment

Transmission Flush

Your Transmission

Call  us at 301-383-1277 to schedule an appointment

Your transmission is crucial to the proper functioning of your vehicle. If your transmission fluid is old and contaminated, it can cause expensive damage. And if your transmission filter is clogged, your engine will not be able to shift gears effectively. Whether you drive a manual transmission or automatic transmission, the auto service experts at Bowie Auto Clinic have the necessary experience for performing whatever maintenance it needs, from a fluid check or filter replacement to a system flush or transmission replacement.

A Transmission Flush

Getting a transmission fluid change and transmission flush is important maintenance for your vehicle’s health – that’s why vehicle manufacturers recommend regularly scheduled transmission service. If you keep up with your transmission maintenance, your car can run newer, stronger longer. Our expert auto technicians can take care of all your vehicle transmission needs and keep your car functioning at peak performance.

Call Us at 301-383-1277 to schedule an appointment

Signs You May Need a System Flush

  • Transmission Grinding or Strange Noises
  • Problems Shifting Gears
  • Slipping Gears
  • Surging of the Vehicle
  • Delay in Vehicle Movement

What We Do:

  • Perform a road test evaluation
  • Inspect the transmission for leaks
  • Drain the transmission fluid
  • Run new transmission fluid through the system to remove grime and contaminants
  • Fill with new transmission fluid
  • Change filters and gaskets as necessary

Call Us at 301-383-1277 to schedule an appointment