Hey All,

Been reading several posts on leaking rear main seals. I am looking to sell the car in the near future, so guess I need to tackle this hurdle before selling the car.

Was wondering if anyone had detailed instructions or postings of the service shop manual on how to go about replacing the rear main seal. I've got a buddy mechanic of mine to help me replace the seal, however he mostly works on Benz, Bimmer cars. So I was trying to gather as much detailed info/helpful hints before ripping into the car.

Aside from the rear main seal itself, is there any other seal/part I should change at the same time in that area?

Any info, assistance is greatly appreciated.

Thanks
MaximaBiz

 

I just finished replacing the rear main oil seal on an engine I just purchased for my 97. I was advised to change the front oil seal becuz the engine had been sitting for so long, but I didn't. Hasn't leaked so far.

If you're looking for how-to info, I can help. Most folks said that the trick to replacing the rear oil seal is to drop the upper oil pan so that you can secure the u-shaped rubber gasket in place. However, thanks to a few ideas from the forum I was able to find an easier way w/out dropping the oil pan.

There are two pins that holds the oil seal frame securely in place along with three 10inch bolts. With pliers/vice-grips, pull the pins out and you should be able to slide the new seal on w/ relative ease. Word to note, you will have to use a flathead screwdriver to slide the u-shaped rubber gasket in place.

 

Thanks DMaximus,

I have not had a chance to take a good look around under the engine (been busy doing a valve adjustment on my other car). I also read the posts on squeezing the new seal in place. Using this method, are you saying I do not have to worry about dropping the tranny or any other components.

From the sound of it, seems like if I loosen the three bolts and undo the clips that will give me enough space to wiggle out the old and install the new rear main seal. Does this sound right? Been a while since I last looked under the engine, but I'm drawing a mental picture in my head of what you are talking about.

Also, is there two parts to the rear main seal. I remember reading on the post that there was the main rear seal, and another half moon seal ( I think they said it goes around the bottom oil pan/transmission contact point). Is this another seal I should replace as well?

Thanks
MaximaBiz

 

You definitely have to drop the transmission and the flywheel to get to the rear oil seal. Most folks think you have to remove the front exhaust pipe and the cross beam that supports the front/rear of the engine, but you don't have to unless you want to make more work for yourself. Just unbolt the four bolts on the motor mount that supports the transmission. With a jack supporting the transmission, you mamy have to pry the tranny apart from the motor. After you pry it loose, just lower the jack.

Oh yeah, you will have to unhook some of the wires (ground wire, etc...)

As for the rubber half-moon shaped gasket, you will have to purchase it separately. It should come together with the other seal that goes around the spindle, but I guess that's another way for nissan to make money.


Good luck!

 

Thanks DMaximus for the info!!!

 

is any special modification needed for this process to ensure it does not leak later on?

Because i'm getting my clutch replaced on thursday and I talked to the mechanic on the phone who said he charges an extra 75$ for some sort of modification to the crankshaft? (not sure if that was what he mentioned) and that is to replace the rear main seal.. what the hell is this?

Is he trying to blow smoke up my *** and get an extra 75$ out of me?