Should I replace the rear seal when replacing the clutch?

[DennisDunbar]

I have an older Explorer that is in need of a new clutch. (about 140,000 miles). One repair shop is recommending replacing the rear engine seal at the same time, but that just about doubles the cost of the repair.

Is this a strongly recommended replacement, or just a nice idea? (It makes about $700 cost difference.)

 

[96firephoenix]

$700 difference for a $20 seal? these guys are either unashamedly ripping you off, or not planning to surface your flywheel. Or they might be quoting you for the clutch replacement at 800, and then the book says that just the RMS is 700. Either way, time to find a different shop for the work.

Rear main should be easily accessible with the flywheel off. at this point, it's just a 5 minute job to pull the old one and drive the new one.

 

[DennisDunbar]

Good point, I got estimates from 2 places and the first did not mention the rear seal so I thought that accounted for most of the difference.
I'll call back the less expensive place and ask more about what's included in their estimate.
I had thought the rear seal might be an expensive install.

What about the slave cylinder? Is that one of those really should do, or just kind of a nice idea options?

 

[RangerX]

I agree that they are probably quoting the cost to replace the seal if that was the only thing being done. Meaning dropping the trans just to do the seal. But you're already paying them to drop the trans for the clutch. They're trying to charge you twice. Either they are clueless or devious. Either way, I'd find a different shop.
Yes, do the slave if you're doing the clutch. Make sure to only use a slave from the Ford dealer. Maybe go buy it yourself and bring it. Otherwise, you'll get a parts store slave that will fail in a year or two. Plenty of threads here on that topic if you want to read up.
Flywheel resurface should cost $40 or so, by the way.

 

[Jason94sport]

What he said....
I'll be doing this in the summer time.

 

[jd4242]

Yea thats robbery. .the seal literally is right there,wouldnt take them 5 mins to do in addition. .if its not leaking,leave it be..there is nore horror stories of crappy replacements leaking after installed..