RMS (Rear Main Seal) - has mine gone ?

mwadams · Jun 26, 2004

Well my car has developed a small oil leak I believe this week, as I rarely inspect the garage floor to be honest.

It is very minimal, barley covered the bottom of a small beaker after my usual run home from work last night, and checking first thing this morning.

Jacked the car up to try and look which was difficult I found, have taken a couple of digital pics, can anyone advise please ?

What is the cost of doing it ?, have seen some comments from £250 ~ £500, as my car is 5 and a bit years old ( 6yrs in Novemeber) obviously I won't be able to get it done at an OPC for free.

Grant · Jun 27, 2004

Unfortunately sounds like it could be the dreaded rear main oil seal, it doesn't so much leak rather weep, drops of oil on the garage & a smell of oil when hot were my first signs ! As this is a known "issue" it may be worth asking your OPC if they would consider putting in a good will claim to Porsche( for at least part of the cost), all depends on mileage, service history etc. But worth a shot. OPC's quote around £770 for a manual (£1100 for tip!!) but good specialist should be less. Best of luck

Black80XSA · Jun 27, 2004

And the other good news is that the clutch may need doing too

Rotorhead · Jun 28, 2004

Club and Boxster Register are apparently talking to Porsche Cars about various matters including RMS. It's disappointing that the 996 Register isn't more pro-actively involved in this issue.

mwadams · Jun 29, 2004

Adrian, glad it helped !!

I am not really impressed and after 15 yrs of various PORSCHES's I am real dissapointed in the 996 build quality.

The £36K I stumped up for this car was a big mistake in my mind.

The build quality on my 964 and 993 was much better.

Probably get this sorted and go back to the Air Cooled versions I think.

PORSCHE should take responsibility for this ongoing problem with RMS failures

Mark

Grant · Jun 29, 2004

ORIGINAL: mwadams
PORSCHE should take responsibility for this ongoing problem with RMS failures
Mark

I agree with you Mark, my first 996 was a 98MY & it had to have no less than three seals fitted, they have definitely modified the design since 98. Have you asked your OPC if they will consider a good will claim ?
With regards to your "aircooled" comment, to be fair the 996 has (overall) been one of the most reliable 911's, bearing in mind they are now used as daily transport most of the time. Best of luck.
Regards
Grant

TISPKJ · Jun 29, 2004

Hi Guys, please see my post "911 / 996 reliability"

I have the RMS problem on my 98 C2, which is under warranty but as you say does not cover oil leaks, I am currently in dispute with Porsche over this as I have only done 1500 miles in it since October but now I am using it every weekend the problem has got worse.

Not sure what to do if Porsche do not remidy under the good will gesture, but either way will not be paying £90 per hour to them, I see the independants offer this at £299 fitted should push come to shove.

Lets hope we get somewhere with Porsche Club / Porsche Cars.

Regards