preppyr6

Hey guys, so to start Ive worked on plenty of porsches and bmws for the last couple decades and I generally know my way around a car.

I have an 03 C4s.

This is my first IMSB replacement...Everything was going slow and easy until I got to the stage of removing the flange.
Cams are locked, all 3 tensioners are removed.

I've had an incredibly difficult time removing the flange cover. A lot of pry bar force was needed before it began to finally start working its way out. I also noticed that when I rotated the flange cover, the bearing shaft was rotating with it as if it was binding. As Im working the cover out Im noticing that rather than leave the shaft in, the cover may be pulling the shaft with it. As I ease the cover side to side, the shaft is also moving side to side.

At this stage Im really really hesitant to try to pry any further because I dont know what will happen if the shaft comes out with the flange cover or perhaps if its just the end of the shaft that is about to snap.

Looking for any support or experience with this. I also noticed the shaft nut and the shaft itself dont look like other pictures I've seen so Im not sure if this might be an afterrmarket bearing although the cover is OEM and it doesnt appear like its been removed before.

Worst case scenario I have to give up and take this to a shop and pay the humility tax.


Adding pics for reference.

hbdunn

You are fine to keep using a pry bar working all three points on the flange. You can also try prying on all three points at the same time. It will come eventually. The flange is just stuck to the inner race. Everything you are pulling on needs to come out.
Make sure you have the removal tool with the nut that allows bearing removal if the bolt breaks.

Can you spin the bolt?

Porschetech3

That's definatly an aftermarket IMSB and nut/shaft, I have seen that design before ( obviously not an LN)..

The shaft is probably a little large/tight in the flange, you can pry on the flange while tapping on the shaft ( with a brass drift or brass hammer) and get it out... It HAS to come out to replace the IMSB..

LIke Brad says, its not the end of the world if the shaft breaks off, the LN removal tools has a special nut to use with the removal tools in this instance...good luck !!

preppyr6

Thank you guys. Minor victory. Got the flange cover out. Will share some pics of the bearing. the shaft very loose so will be extracting shortly. I noticed the RMS had been replaced so makes sense the IMSB is aftermarket as well. There was no documentation when I bought the car though the seller thought it had been done previously. Ill be happy to get this damn thing out.

preppyr6

Good news, bad news. O



Good news, I didnt break anything yet. Overall headache

Bad news, whatever bearing this is has a slightly larger shaft than OEM and doesnt work with the LN kit. I will have to think up some kind of adapter to work with the tool to extract this.

Is anyone able to identify this roller bearing style IMSB? It looks like the same as from this ebay listing, but I cant make out the brand. Seller claims this is made in Germany and commonly used.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/333982697572?var=543024030564

hbdunn

Don't you have this with the LN kit?

preppyr6

Yes, Im just a bit wary to push the bearing stud back into the IMS to install this without knowing if that extractor will fit this aftermarket bearing. Ive already had one heart attack today so maybe a good nights sleep will clear my head to think through if that extractor will work in this case.

hbdunn

The inner race diameter is the same as the flange diameter. Can't see how it could be an issue.

preppyr6

Ah, good point! Thank you! Tomorrow I'll research a bit more and then possibly go in for the extraction.

wildbilly32

Nevermind...

hbdunn

Just remember to take the snap ring out, and be carful not to drop it in the engine! I think I've seen posts of people not being able to get the bearing to budge only to figure out the snap ring is still in there.

Porschetech3

Yep, Thats the one I remember and is the one you have in there...

That guy used to be here on Rennlist but he got banned for being a pr*ck.....

preppyr6

THANK YOU BRETHREN! What an experience...

IMSB is out. @hbdunn thank you for the tip re inner race diameter. The LN extraction adapter worked flawlessly. The ONLY challenge I had was that the inner race wouldnt stay in the bearing because its not held in by anything so it kept slipping into the shaft. Getting the LN adapter behind the race took some effort with an extra tiny pick to hold keep the race in place. From there it was a tense 15 minutes of trying to get the threaded rod onto the adapter, again without the race falling behind the bearing and then getting the rest of the tool set up and SLOWLY extracting the bearing.

I realized I mistakenly locked the intake/exhaust cams on Bank 2 instead of 1 (LN instructions are a bit confusing for me for some reason between what is right and what is left). I pulled the plugs and checked the Bank 1 cams and theyre aligned so I dont think I have an issue there, but I locked the Bank 1 exhaust cam before doing any additional work. I dont think I have a jumped tooth issue, but Ill check the cams before I button everything back up.

Thanks again, community!

DBJoe996

Good job!

preppyr6

Took 3 attempts to install (frozen) bearing with LN tool and dead blow due to confined working space and trouble getting it centered. But its installed!

Quick question for the experienced crowd. Do you oil the bearing at this point or just rely on LNs assembly grease and install flange and button it up?