I just picked up a black on black 99' with 85k miles. The car is in excellent shape for its age and I am very pleased with it. The previous owners kept very good records and it looks like service was always timely. Records show the IMS bearing was replaced twice(?) along with a RMS twice. I have a lot of questions about initial driving impressions/noises/nuances I will post here soon.

 

Congrats and welcome. Nice 996.

How is the IMSB replacement listed in the records? Do you see a price for the part? I suspect that the IMS seal was replaced when the RMS was replaced. This is very common. The IMS seal is inexpensive - less than $200 if I remember correctly. The IMS bearing is more expensive and generally isn't replaced unless the owner requests it.

 

Welcome and congratulations. It looks like a nice example. Looking forward to hearing a little more about it.

 

Welcome from another newbie, I'm asking all the stupid questions so you don't have to.. HA!

 

I believe both receipts for the IMSB were in the $1200-$1500 range, I will check tonight. Most long term service was completed around 2011.

First question: the cranking seems slow when starting, is that normal? The battery is an Interstate from Jan 2011 so I would not suspect it to be bad unless it went dead over periods of sitting.

 

it shouldnt crank slowly, battery could be bad, take it to autozone and have them test it

 

Congrats...very nice looking car! I too am a very happy newbie...

 

Mine seems to crank slowly when it warms up, has a new battery too. Possibly a bad ground somewhere?

 

That sounds like about the right price for a change of your RMS and IMS seal. I'll be surprised if your IMS bearing has been changed. You'll have to check your receipts.

Slow cranking is a difficult one to answer. My 996 cranks slowly compared to my Cayenne, but it's a totally different engine.

 

Welcome! Sounds like a new battery is in order. Ensure you vent it..

 

My starter cranked slow for awhile and sometimes i would get that annoying cry after it would start. After changing the starter it cranks up quick and no more crying sound after.

 

Congrats on the 996! I had a 99' a few years back and loved it.

 

Thanks guys, I will definitely check the battery.

Other issue is shifting from 1->2 or 2->1 there is sometimes a thud. I searched this forum as well as others and it seems it might be clutch, trans mount, engine mount or suspension. I'm pretty sure its not a mount or suspension as it happens with the clutch depressed (no power to the drive train). One of the forum posts with a similar issue was the rubber clutch disc, does this sound right?

 

Very nice purchase, you'll enjoy driving it for sure.

Quick question regarding the thud, have you slowed your shift speed, if yes, do you still hear the thud and when the car is cold, do you hear it more than when hot?