Crankshaft Front Oil Seal Leaks

[2000co]

I have oil leak which looks like it's coming from the front crankshaft oil seal.

How hard is it to replace and is there DIY (I wasn't able to find)?
Any other parts I should replace while I'm doing it?

 

[mbrando1994]

If you're not too experienced with DIY repairs I'd leave this one to a mechanic. Personally that's what I'd do. Though it isn't impossible. I believe the radiator, fan, balancer, compressor, and power steering pump have to come off, then the timing cover/front cover. Then you should be able to access the seal. This is off of memory however so it's just a picture of what it would involve. Always have the AC compressor system professionally depressurized.

Here's a site that depicts your problem: http://repairpal.com/crankshaft-seal

 

[2000co]

I'm comfortable with working on my cars. Just trying to figure how long will it takes and if I should replace other parts while I'm there.

 

[mmasire88]

You will need to remove the fan shroud, perhaps the fan(don't recall off the top of my head w/o looking at my truck, and the radiator. I had to purchase a bolt type puller from Harbor freight to get the crank pulley off. Also, I believe the crankshaft pulley bolt is TTY, so it will need to be replaced upon re-installation. Crankshaft bolts are a little tricky to get off sometimes, I lay a big breaker bar up against the frame, and tap the starter real fast. It works like a charm.

 

[2000co]

looks like i should also replace the harmonic balancer while I’m at it since my truck have 120k

 

[SideTrackTap]

I think one issue you may have is that the oil seal in the timing cover is removed and installed using a special tool. However, the attached PDF indicates that is an "in-vehicle" repair. So maybe if the cover is removed, you can replace it without the special tools.

I currently have the timing cover off my 02' for chain issues, and in my conversations with StreetRod, that came up. I would like to replace it, but the tools to do it are ridiculously priced. It wasn't leaking much, if any before I removed the cover, so I'm hoping I can reinstall everything without upsetting the seal.

I'm still learning my way around this repair, so maybe someone with more experience can clarify.

Chris