Rear main oil seal — replacement
Note: If the rear main seal housing is removed from the engine block, special tools must be used to properly center the housing over the end of the crankshaft. This alignment procedure is critical because a seal that is slightly off-center will leak.
1. Remove the transmission (see Automatic transmission).
2. Remove the drive plate (see Driveplate — removal and installation).
3. Pry the oil seal from the rear cover with a screwdriver (see illustration). Be careful not to nick or scratch the crankshaft or the seal bore. Be sure to note how far it’s recessed into the housing bore before removal so the new seal can be installed to the same depth. Thoroughly clean the seal bore in the block with a shop towel. Remove all traces of oil and dirt.
17.3 Carefully pry the old seal out with a screwdriver at the notches provided in the rear cover
4. Don’t lubricate the seal or touch the sealing lip. Make sure the seal is installed in the correct orientation (it has a reverse-lip design). The seal part number must be visible when it’s installed. Preferably, a seal installation tool (available at most auto parts store) should be used to press the new seal back into place. If the proper seal installation tool is unavailable, use a large drift and carefully drive the new seal squarely into the seal bore and flush with the rear cover (see illustration).
17.4 The rear oil seal can be pressed into place with a seal installation tool, a section of pipe or a blunt object shown here — in any case be sure the seal is installed squarely into the seal bore and flush with the rear cover
5. Install the drive plate (see Driveplate — removal and installation).
6. Install the transmission (see Automatic transmission).