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Rear Main seal leak?

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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 02:07 PM
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Rear Main seal leak?

It's my first clutch job and it looks like there is oil everywhere. Does it look like it'd be from the rear main seal? Also does the flywheel look like it needs replacing?



Note oil at bottom of motor.



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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 02:36 PM
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Yes. That looks like a rear main and/or the 'O' Ring. Neither are expensive or difficult to replace, but consult the FSM.
Seems like a little more surface corrosion on the face of the flywheel than I'm used to seeing. Could be nothing, but when you pull it off, closely inspect the part that inserts into the rear main. Make sure it's smooth and rust free. If so, the FW probably doesn't need replacing, but I'd have it resurfaced while it's out.
Be sure to clean up the mess with some towels and brake parts cleaner.
You can also re-torque the tension bolts while your in there too. Just follow the order and torque settings set out in the FSM.
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Old Jan 31, 2015 | 02:53 PM
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I was hoping not to take the flywheel out. I guess I should while I'm this far.
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Old Feb 3, 2015 | 01:51 PM
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Not only should you, you must take the FW off to fix the oil leak.
I'd also order up a rear transmission seal (where the driveshaft inserts). IIRC, it's < $15.
If you don't replace the clutch release bearing (throw-out) and pilot bearing, at least clean and re-grease the collar that the throw-out bearing rides on and hit the pilot bearing with just a little grease while your doing everything else.
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Old Feb 4, 2015 | 06:25 PM
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Pull the flywheel and post a pic so I can better see what may be leaking. It does look like the rear main seal. The flywheel should be resurfaced. Also, the spring is on the wrong side of the clutch fork. Should be like this:
Attached Thumbnails Rear Main seal leak?-335225569.jpg  

Last edited by IRPerformance; Feb 4, 2015 at 06:27 PM.
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Old Feb 7, 2015 | 03:22 PM
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Thanks for noticing and advice.

Now I'm trying to get the transmission back in but can't. Any tips? Its about an 1" from mating.
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Old Feb 7, 2015 | 03:38 PM
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*Do you use a pilot tool to center the clutch disc? Otherwise the transmission input shaft won't line up with the pilot hole.
*Adding too much grease in the pilot hole will result in hydraulic pressure keeping the transmission from seating.
*Sometimes it can be just be fiddly regardless. Be sure to keep the transmission horizontal. It's a lot easier with two people.
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Old Feb 7, 2015 | 06:27 PM
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The stock motor mounts allow too much engine movement so every time you try to push the transmission onto the motor, the motor rocks forward. Get a small block of wood and wedge it between the subframe and front of the motor. This will keep it from moving and fighting you. You may also want to check your motor mounts. The stock aluminum one is almost always broken. Put a prybar under it and see if it separates. Clean everything off and look under the car after a few days of driving. It looks like your oil pan is leaking as well. It would be a good idea to reseal it and install a reinforcement brace.
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