It is recommended to use special tools to remove and install the seals. To access the front seal installed in the lower timing chain cover, remove the vibration damper. The procedure for accessing the rear seal is described below.
1. Remove the manual transmission or AT (see chapter Manual gearbox and clutch or Automatic transmission).
2. Drain the engine oil (see chapter Vehicle settings and routine maintenance).
3. Remove the flywheel (see section Removal and installation the flywheel).
4. Remove the oil pan mounting bolts from the transmission side (see illustration).
5. Loosen the upper oil pan mounting bolts (see section Removal and installation the upper section of the oil pan).
6. Remove the bolts securing the crankshaft rear oil seal cover.
7. Carefully separate the oil pan gasket from the rear oil seal cover and remove the cover.
After removing the rear oil seal cover, check the condition of the oil pan gasket. If necessary, remove the oil pan and replace the gasket (see section Removal and installation the upper section of the oil pan).
8. Since 04.1998, a new type of oil seal has been used in series and during replacement (without spiral coil spring expander). This seal must be stored with the special sleeve only. If the seal has been stored without the sleeve for more than six months, do not use it.
In the new design, the working edge of the seal is very sensitive and must not be bent under any circumstances. Do not touch the working edge with your hands.
9. The rear oil seal cover is supplied complete with the oil seal. If necessary, remove the old oil seal from the cover and press in a new oil seal.
10. Replace the rear oil seal cover gasket. Apply a thin layer of Drei Bond 1209 sealant evenly to the corner joints of the cover plane with the oil pan.
11. Lubricate the crankshaft seating surface with oil, install the crankshaft rear oil seal cover, avoiding distortion, and tighten all oil seal cover mounting bolts.
12. Further installation is carried out in the reverse order of component dismantling.