Rear main seal replacement

[SHOtimer]

Do I need to buy anything else besides the acual rear main seal in order to replace it? The Helms talks about removing other things and need a rear main seal remover..is this necessary, or is all I need is a new rear main?
Thanx,
Doug

 

[luigisho]

Use 2 screws and carefully embed them into the seal. Use a pair of pliers and work the seal out.

<small>[ May 14, 2003, 11:00 PM: Message edited by: luigisho ]</small>

 

[SHOck]

I've found a chisel makes easier work of removing these types of seals in most cases. Tap under edge and leverage a little, then move over a few inches, repeat, all the way around. I leave the screw method for seals that just won't come out for anything.

If you're going to replace the rear main seal, it makes absolute sense to replace the carrier gasket while your there. The rear main seal sits in the carrier plate, and the carrier gasket seals the carrier plate to the engine so that it does not leak oil. Nothing like replacing the rear main seal only to have the carrier gasket start leaking a month later.

 

[sdpatt]

Another way to look at that is if the carrier gasket isn't leaking, there is no need to replace it. Since it does not seal moving parts, it won't "wear" like the main seal. I used the drilled holes and two screw method to remove the seal.

 

[rktmn]

I drill two small holes at opposite ends of the seal, and use a wood or metal screw. It is easier to use a claw hammer to remove the seal, since you can apply more leverage than trying to pry the seal out with a set of pliers.

JOse

 

[jdh00]

If you use the drill hole/screw method, be careful when drilling the holes that you don't damage any of the surfaces. The seal material is fairly soft so it is easy to punch the bit through and score surfaces that shouldn't be scored.

 

[shojuan]

sdpatt:
Another way to look at that is if the carrier gasket isn't leaking, there is no need to replace it. Since it does not seal moving parts, it won't "wear" like the main seal.

Valve cover gaskets don't seal moving parts either and they've been known to leak. wink As long as you're in there, replace the carrier gasket.