GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the transaxle from the vehicle. Refer to Transmission Replacement in Manual Transaxle.
  2. Remove the pressure plate assembly and the clutch disc. Refer to Clutch Assembly Replacement in Clutch.
  3. Mark the flywheel-to-engine position.
  4. Remove the following components from the crankshaft:
  5. • Six flywheel retaining bolts
    • The flywheel
  6. Remove the following components from the engine:
  7. • 14 bolts
    • 2 nuts
    • The crankshaft position sensor
    • The engine oil pan

    Object Number: 261773  Size: SH
  8. Remove the 5 bolts for the rear main seal housing.
  9. Remove the rear main seal housing.

  10. Object Number: 261715  Size: SH
  11. Using a hammer and a drift, carefully remove the rear main seal (1) from the rear main seal housing (2).
  12. Carefully install the new rear main seal into the rear main seal housing with a hammer. Tap the rear main oil seal into place so that the end face is flush with the housing seal end face.

Installation Procedure

Tool Required

J 35271 Flywheel Holder


    Object Number: 261773  Size: SH
  1. Install the rear main seal housing onto the cylinder block with a new gasket.
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Secure the rear main seal housing with five bolts.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the 5 bolts on the rear main seal housing to 11 N·m (97 lb in).


    Object Number: 261691  Size: SH
  5. After the rear main seal housing has been torqued to specifications, trim any excess gasket material from the oil pan rail.
  6. Apply a continuous bead of GM P/N 12346240 or of an equivalent, to the mating surface of the engine oil pan.
  7. Install the engine oil pan to the cylinder block, and secure the engine oil pan with 14 bolts and with 2 nuts, starting at the center.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the engine oil pan bolts and the nuts to 11 N·m (97 lb in).

  9. Install the gasket and the drain plug for the engine oil pan.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the engine oil drain plug to 35 N·m (26 lb ft).

  11. Install the crankshaft position sensor.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten the crankshaft positon sensor bolt to 11 N·m (97 lb in).


    Object Number: 261694  Size: SH
  13. Install the flywheel to the engine crankshaft.
  14. Install the J 35271 Flywheel Holder to the cylinder block and to the flywheel.
  15. Notice: Apply the proper amount of the sealant to the fastener when assembling this component. Excessive use of the sealant can prohibit the component from being assembled properly or allow the fastener to loosen. A component or fastener that is not assembled properly can loosen or fall off leading to extensive engine damage.

  16. Apply GM P/N 12345493 or equivalent, to the flywheel retaining bolt threads.
  17. Install the flywheel, and secure the flywheel with 6 flywheel retaining bolts.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the six flywheel retaining bolts to 75 N·m (55 lb ft).

  19. Install the pressure plate assembly and the clutch disc. Refer to Clutch Assembly Replacement in Clutch.
  20. Remove the flywheel holder.
  21. Install the transaxle to the vehicle. Refer to Transmission Replacement in Manual Transaxle.