Does the Engine have to come out for rear gearbox oil seal change?

[Alastair B]

As title - can it be done in-situ but with the diff and propshaft removed?

Edited to add - K series - Ford 5 speed Type 9

[Tazio]

After watching Phil ( R&R) replace mine on his bench this morning with the proper tool, the amount of effort and leverage he required to get it out, the answer has to be a resounding yes, remove the engine.

[Alastair B]

Right then, that is a definitive answer. Thanks.

I'll drive it and monitor the situation whilst drawing up a should also do list.

 

[bahf]

Just thinking out of the box a bit ...... usually dangerous!!

Tazio - if the aluminium central tunnel was removed and the propshaft removed do you think it may be possible? I know that this will only apply to certain cars.

[SM25T]

Maybe remove diff and propshaft, then gearbox support mount to let tail drop ?

[Dave connors]

I have removed this seal with the gearbox in situ, diff and prop off took out the rubber part out  of the seal to leave the metal casing and used a  modified bearing puller to extract it, it helped a lot when I carefully warmed the gearbox housing up around the seal  with a hot air gun. 

[Tazio]

My comments are based on watching the correct tools being used and the actual physical efforts that a professional gearbox guru had to exert to get my old recalcitrant seal out, and if it's going to be an end of season task, make it eassy for yourself.

[Wrightpayne]

Having spoken with Alastair, the prop needs to come out for refurbishment and the gearbox rear seal is weeping - double whammy! 
 

I think its worth a go while the prop is out and the tunnel top is off. I agree it takes some force to get the old seal out (mine needed a cold chisel and hammer!)

[ScottR400D]

Out of interest, how do you get the new seal in, in situ? It must take a bit of a press? Having said that it can't be easy out of the car. 
 

[Wrightpayne]

Mine went in with the aid of a large socket and a dead blow hammer while out of the car.

[Iamscotticus]

Should this seal, and others like engine mains, be soaked in thier respecive oils before installation?

[Wrightpayne]

I would only lubricate the running face rather than soak a metal / rubber seal. 

[ScottR400D]

The RMS in the Sigma and Duratec should not be oiled at all when fitting. Indeed, they come with a thin plastic insert that is removed as you put the seal in place so it's not that easy to get at the actual sealing face. 

As for the gearbox rear seal, the way it is fitted, without the shaft present and the direction the shaft is then fed in, remove the main reason for oiling, which is to prevent the lip being damaged where it is being fitted over a shaft, lip first. 

Having said that, I have smeared oil on the prop when fitting into the seal and it doesn't seem to have done any harm! 
 

As ever, my experience and opinion, I stand to be corrected. 

[Tom_Arundel]

Not tried a series 3 but SV prop will just go over the diff (in situ.) by enough to replace the gearbox seal. As a matter of interest, how many Caterhams DON`T have leaky gearbox seals? Is this an inadequate breather and or a prop nose issue ?

[Alastair B]

Tom, the leaky seal is not major, but is a change, I think I might have been one of the fortunate few who did not have any leaks whatsoever from that area.....and the job can wait until later in the year.

The challenge of changing the seal in-situ does not seem to outweigh the pragmatic approach of take the engine/box out as there is a strong possibility you will arrive at this outcome anyway.