Stan944

I'm in the middle of a clutch job on my 944, and am wondering if I should replace the rear main seal too ? The actual question is how hard is it to remove this seal after having the flywheel off? Do I need special tools? Does anybody have a write-up on replacing the rear main seal?
Thanks, Stan

RJB

Replace it. Once you have the flywheel off, it is easy to pry off the seal and replace it with a new one. You do not need special tools because a screwdriver will pry it off. Just be careful that you do not score the metal around the seal. When you are ready to put the new one back on, I found that pressing it in with my hands and, then using the old seal, hammer the new one in with a rubber hammer. The old one will protect the new one. I did put some oil on the new one to help it slide in place.

You have taken so much time to get to this - do it. When I asked the same question about a month ago, everyone suggested that you get the seal that is brown in color. After some research, I found out that the brown one is made of stronger material and wil hold up better.

Ski

and don't forget new flywheel bolts and torque to spec. I also like to paint the TDC mark on the flywheel white when it's off so in the future, even with dust, it's easier to spot TDC.

Jakerx

yep the brown one is the best. trust rodney...you REALLY don't want to reuse the seal after having come this far.

CurlyDE

I agree with what the others have said ... do not reuse the seal. My car's PO had the clutch replaced, but failed to replace the rear main. I had to do it a few months ago, which is rather annoying when you are not replacing the clutch.

Stan944

Thanks guys, I'll order the seal and install it.