I just got a '99 996. It only has 47K miles. Took it in because the clutch was making a noise. After a review the mechanic has advised replacing the clutch and a few bearings in the transmission. He also checked the RMS and IMS and they both looked fine with no sign of leaks. My question is should i follow the 'if it isn't broke don't fix it' approach or should i be proactive and replace them both since the transmission is out anyway?

 

IMS RMS is your call but I would definately replace the AOS.

 

if it hasn't leaked in over 10 years, you are pretty safe leaving it as is. besides, there is specific tools to use to make the change.

 

RMS seal and even the IMS seal is one thing. The IMS bearing is another, and quite different. If the RMS is not leaking some say to leave it alone, others say go ahead and upgrade to the latest seal. The "if it ain't broke don fix it" approach is not really applicable to the IMS bearing. If the bearing fails it is not just a leak, but can be a totally destruction of the engine. If it was me, and I had the transmission out I would definitely to the IMS bearing upgrade.

 

+1 don't touch RMS replace IMS bearing with LN engineering bearing IF someone there is confident they can do it properly the first time. That person can call LN after reading the procedure online to discuss

 

+1^ been in your shoes, I should of replaced but waited, IMS went 61k miles out, LN Engineering.

 

Thanks for all your input. I'm going to go ahead and do the IMS and RMS.

 

I recently had my clutch replaced and did the LNE IMS upgrade ($500 part) and RMS seal (no leakage, but put in new seal as it was a $20 part and 1/2 hour labor). With the OEM clutch kit ($500 from Suncoast), the whole thing [clutch, new slave, throw-out bearing guide (worth replacing if the transmission problem is in the throw-out bearing), IMS upgrade and RMS upgrade + all labor) was $2,500 from my indy.

I viewed it as a no-brainer to make sure the major 996 big ticket items were dealt with while we had the transmission dropped and the labor for doing them was minimal -- both for peace of mind and resale.

The concerns expressed earlier in the thread "+1 don't touch RMS replace IMS bearing with LN engineering bearing IF someone there is confident they can do it properly the first time. That person can call LN after reading the procedure online to discuss" seems to be more of a DIY fear (e.g., dropping the RMS into the engine, etc.).

With a competent professional to do the work, I can't see why anyone that plans on keeping or selling their 996 wouldn't go ahead and do this work along with the clutch -- unless $$ [for important maintenance] were an issue, and maybe then one ought to be driving a different car.

 

I agree and have purchased the LN Engineering kit. I will also have them replace the RMS. Better to be safe than sorry.