Having clutch done and it was noted the rear main seal and IMS seal were leaking. Luckily the IMS bearing is the larger bearing and does not need to be replaced, but I was quoted a large number of hours to replace the IMS bearing seal.....1500 in labor alone. Does this sound right? I would have thought it would be easy and quick since tranny is out for the clutch replacement.

 

13 hours of labor to replace RMS, IMS bearing and clutch so how many hours are they quoting for just the clutch?

 

When I had the RMS and IMS (with LN Solution) replaced the labour to replace the clutch was included. Mine is a 996 but that should not matter

 

They are quoting 9-13 hrs for the clutch and 13-15 for the IMS seal.....but my. Assumption was that this is double dipping on labor. Does my assumption sound right?

Perhaps the gent quoting everything is confused.

 

Should be no more than 13 hours total labor for RMS, IS bearing and clutch.

 

Thanks. I called my old shop from NY and they said the exact same thing...13 hrs total.

 

The incremental labor for the rear main seal (RMS) while doing the clutch is very minor. It makes a ton of sense to do it at the same time. But I'm not sure what an IMS seal is. Maybe they are quoting you the smaller IMS bearing replacement time by mistake? You already know the larger IMS bearing you have cannot be replaced without tearing down the engine.

 

Once the RMS is exposed the IMS end flange is also exposed. The labor to get at one is the same to get at both.

There is a bit more work to replace the IMS end flange. I believe the engine needs to be positioned just so and the engine locked from turning before the IMS end flange is removed.

While there is a bit more work involved to replace the IMS end flange it is not anywhere near $1500 worth.

Either who you talked to misundertand the question/situation -- didn't realize the RMS and the IMS end flange were being done at the same time and quoted you as if both jobs were done separately/independently of one another -- or you misunderstood the response.

You are or should be entitled to a written quote of the cost of the work. You need to see this and review it.

I would expect the cost to include only the labor to get to the RMS -- mainly removing the transmission (which might require partial removal of the exhaust system) and flywheel -- with possibly a bit extra labor (an hour?) to deal with locking the engine or whatever is required before the iMS end flange is removed.

If the shop wants to double tap you for the labor for both jobs, as if they were being done separately, find another shop.

Or better yet take the quote to the GM and ask him if this is standard for the service department to charge double the labor for this type of work.

 

Thanks. The RMS is pretty straight forward and is only about 1/2 hour labor rounded up. The IMS flange does require the engine to be locked at top dead center since the flange holds the shaft in place and they have agree that it is 2 hours at most for IMS flange/seal and RMS. Still not sure if the gent quoting was trying to double dip or was confused.

Nevertheless, new clutch, plugs and ignition coils, oil change and seals.....cat wait to get her back. Will be a joy to drive.