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For 1990-2009 cars only

Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Replacement Two Piece Design

Tools Required

SA9121E Rear Crank Seal Replacer

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 872861  Size: SH

    Important: The SA9121E installs the seal 1 mm (0.04 in) deeper into the carrier than the factory. Installing the seal 1 mm (0.04 in) will make sure the seal lip contacts a different surface area on the rear crankshaft flange.

  1. If the rear oil seal carrier is removed from the cylinder block, use a screwdriver and hammer to tap out the oil seal.
  2. Important: Do not allow the screwdriver blade to contact the crankshaft flange seal surface.

  3. If the rear oil seal carrier is not removed from the cylinder block, use the pry tangs provided in the carrier to remove the seal with a screwdriver and hammer.

Installation Procedure

Carrier Installed


    Object Number: 872840  Size: SH
  1. Check the oil seal lip contact surface of the crankshaft for scratches or damage. If rust is present, remove using a Scotch-Brite® pad. Do not use emery cloth, sandpaper, or other abrasive materials. Rust removal is necessary to prevent seal lip damage during installation.

  2. Object Number: 871278  Size: SH
  3. With the crankshaft and rear carrier installed on the cylinder block, use the SA9121E to install a new oil seal. The service tool prevents rolling the seal's lip. Never tap on the seal or the seal installer with a hammer.
  4. Apply a film of oil to the seal lip and inside diameter of the carrier.

Carrier Removed


    Object Number: 872861  Size: SH
  1. If the rear crankshaft oil seal carrier is not installed on the cylinder block, apply a light coat of engine oil to the seal lip and inside diameter of the carrier.
  2. Important: The rear crankshaft oil seal should be installed with the crankshaft and carrier assembled in the cylinder block whenever possible. The SA9121E is designed to pull the seal into place and make sure it is properly seated.

  3. Using the SA9121E and an arbor press, push the oil seal into the carrier. Never tap on the seal or seal installer with a hammer.

  4. Object Number: 872295  Size: SH

    Important: The SA9121E is designed to guide the seal over the rear crankshaft flange. The service tool prevents rolling the seal lip.

  5. Apply a 2 mm (0.08 in) diameter bead of RTV to the carrier.
  6. Important: Assemble within 3 minutes, while the RTV is still wet. Do not wait for the RTV to skin over.

  7. Install the four rear crankshaft seal assembly bolts.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the crankshaft rear oil seal assembly-to-block to 11 N·m (97 lb in).

Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Replacement One Piece Design

Removal Procedure

    Notice: To prevent oil leaks and seal damage, the engine's oil pan must be removed if the rear oil seal carrier requires replacement.

  1. Remove engine oil pan. Refer to "Oil Pan - In Chassis" removal procedure in the General Information section of this service manual.
  2. Remove rear oil seal assembly bolts and discard bolts. New bolts are supplied with seal kit and will be used for installation.

  3. Object Number: 872777  Size: SH

    Notice: Do not pry in the area of the crankshaft flange sealing surface.

  4. Pry the outside edges of rear oil seal carrier away from engine block and remove seal carrier.
  5. Remove original RTV from engine block and oil pan using scraper or 3M Scotch-Brite® pads, or equivalent.
  6. Notice: Do not use petroleum cleaners such as mineral spirits. They leave a film onto which RTV will not stick.

  7. Clean the engine block sealing surface with a chlorinated solvent, such as brake cleaner Saturn P/N 21007432, alcohol, or equivalent.

  8. Object Number: 874388  Size: SH
  9. Check the oil seal lip contact surface of the crankshaft for rust, scratches, or damage. If rust is present, remove using a fine 3M Scotch-Brite® pad and clean thoroughly.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 874388  Size: SH

    Important: The rear crankshaft oil seal assembly comes with a plastic installation sleeve. The installation sleeve prevents the oil seal from rolling during assembly.

  1. Do not remove the sleeve from the seal assembly until after installation to the engine block.

  2. Object Number: 874347  Size: SH
  3. Apply a 5 mm (0.2 in) diameter bead of RTV to the stamped metal seal assembly as shown.
  4. Important:  Assemble while RTV is still wet, within 3 minutes. Do not wait for RTV to skin over.

  5. Apply a film of oil on the crankshaft scaling surface where the seal rides.
  6. Install the seal assembly to engine block and crankshaft with installation sleeve still in place in seal assembly.

  7. Object Number: 876316  Size: SH
  8. Install the four new (17 mm) rear crankshaft seal assembly bolts provided with seal kit.
  9. Tighten
    Tighten the crankshaft rear oil seal assembly-to-block to 11 N·m (97 lb in).

  10. Remove installation sleeve and discard.
  11. Install engine oil pan. Refer to "Cylinder Block Assembly" procedures in this section.