Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal and Housing Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Savana and 2003 Chevrolet Chevy Express. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 35621-B Rear Main Seal Installer

CAUTION: 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.

Install the crankshaft rear oil seal housing retainer stud.
Tighten

Tighten the crankshaft rear oil seal housing retainer stud to 6 N.m (53 lb in).

Fig 1: Installing Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Housing Retainer Stud
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: Always use a NEW crankshaft rear oil seal housing gasket when installing the crankshaft rear oil seal housing.
Install the NEW crankshaft rear oil seal housing gasket.

Fig 2: Installing Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Housing Gasket
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the crankshaft rear oil housing onto the crankshaft rear oil seal housing retainer stud.
Install the crankshaft rear oil seal housing nut and bolts.
Tighten

Tighten the crankshaft rear oil seal housing nut and bolts to 12 N.m (106 lb in).

Fig 3: Installing Crankshaft Rear Oil Housing, Nut & Bolts
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Apply a small amount (2 to 3 drops) of clean engine oil to the bore of the crankshaft rear oil seal housing.
Apply a small amount (2 to 3 drops) of clean engine oil to the outside diameter of the engine flywheel pilot flange.
Apply a small amount (1 drop) of clean engine oil to the outside diameter of the flywheel locator pin.
Apply a small amount (2 to 3 drops) of clean engine oil to the crankshaft seal surface.
Inspect the J 35621-B flange for imperfections that may damage the crankshaft rear oil seal.
Minor imperfections may be removed with a fine grade emery cloth.

Important: DO NOT allow oil or any other lubricants to contact the seal lip surface of the crankshaft rear oil seal.
Remove the sleeve from the crankshaft rear oil seal.
Apply a small amount (2 to 3 drops) of clean engine oil to the outside diameter of the crankshaft rear oil seal.
Install the crankshaft rear oil seal onto the J 35621-B .
Install the J 35621-B onto the rear of the crankshaft and hand tighten the tool bolts until snug.
CAUTION: Proper alignment of the crankshaft rear oil seal is critical. Install the crankshaft rear oil seal near to flush and square to the crankshaft rear oil seal housing. Failing to do so may cause the crankshaft rear oil seal or the crankshaft rear oil seal installation tool to fail.
Install the crankshaft rear oil seal onto the crankshaft and into the crankshaft rear oil seal housing.
1. Turn the J 35621-B wing nut clockwise until the crankshaft rear oil seal is installed near to flush and square to the crankshaft rear oil seal housing.
  Increased resistance will be felt when the crankshaft rear oil seal has reached the bottom of the crankshaft rear oil seal housing bore.
2. Turn the J 35621-B wing nut counterclockwise to release the J 35621-B from the crankshaft rear oil seal.
Remove the J 35621-B from the crankshaft.

Fig 4: Installing Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Using J 35621-B
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Wipe off any excess engine oil with a clean rag.