front crankshaft oil seal

**markgrff17** · 29-03-2010,11:16 PM

hi everyone

just wondering if anyone has had experience of replacing the front crankshaft oil seal. my is a 1.8t 1999 (engine code AEB) i.m just in the throws of doing the cam belt/water pump etc and have noticed lots of oil around the crankshaft area!!

seems a safe bet its coming from the crankshaft seal, is it easy to get the old seal out and the new one in?

cheers............. mark

**jammy86** · 30-03-2010,05:01 PM

I've got a similar issue. Somone told me not to bother changing the seal as they are meant to be quite expensive. Got no idea if its true though.

JAmes.

**markgrff17** · 31-03-2010,07:55 PM

Hi james

pick up an oil seal from GSF car parts today only £5.50. just hope the old one comes out easily!!!

cheers ............. mark

**jammy86** · 31-03-2010,08:08 PM

The guy I spoke to seemed to think the seal was on some plate thing that made it hard/expensive to change but as I said he might have been talking BS.

Let me know how you get on as I need to sort mine too! and will be super happy if its not too difficult.

JAmes.

**markgrff17** · 04-04-2010,10:40 PM

hi james

just a bit of an update, yes the seal is housed in a removable plate which is easily removed (3 x M6 capheads and 3 x M6 hex bolts) the seal is then very easy to remove and refit. the plate is sealed using liquid gasket compound.

a nice cheap and easy job to do when you're changing that cambelt

i have spec/dimension for holding tool you'll need to get the timing pulley retaining bolt if you need it. if you can not get a holding tool made you can have the one i made!!!

cheers................ mark

**caldirun** · 05-04-2010,07:38 AM

Originally Posted by markgrff17

hi everyone

just wondering if anyone has had experience of replacing the front crankshaft oil seal. my is a 1.8t 1999 (engine code AEB) i.m just in the throws of doing the cam belt/water pump etc and have noticed lots of oil around the crankshaft area!!

seems a safe bet its coming from the crankshaft seal, is it easy to get the old seal out and the new one in?

cheers............. mark

I would suggest the oil leak was due to pressure being developed inside the crankcase due to your breather problems. Have you inspected the oil strainer/pickup, breather problems can cause blockages here also.