Anybody change a rear main seal on a 1992 Chevy S10?

Question

It is the 4.3 Ltr (Z code) engine with manual tranny. Also, the Oil pan leaks....

I was quoted about $1100 to fix both. I was told that it could be done by a fairly handy person (like yours truly) using ramps...

Anybody done these repairs? - if so, I am looking for your advice.

Also looking for a good local repair shop (ITP) ini Atlanta.

Answer 1

ive changed them before and i didnt take the motor out.all you do is drop the oil pan and take off the rear main bearing cap,then use a thin screwdriver and lightly tap the top seal out from top of the crank,and when you look at the cap,you will se the other half of the seal.if its a rubber seal,before you install it,oil it up(so you wont have a dry start up.also if its rubber,make sure the lip of the seal faces the front and the same goes for the cap seal.then before you install the cap,get some rtv high temp.silcone sealer and put a dab on both corners of the seal and then put the bearing cap on and torque it to the specs.if the oil pan leaks,maybe you can get someone to brase it.before you install the pan,take a hammer and flaten out the bolt holes.it sounds difficult but its not really,its just time consuming.hope i did you some good.good luck.

Answer 2

The rear main seal is not a job for a "handy person". It should only be done by a certified mechanic or someone w/ alot of mechanical knowledge. The engine or the transmission has to be removed from the vehicle to change a rear main seal (which is located behind the flywheel) It is very labor intensive and requires a large amount of tools. On a rear wheel drive truck most shops would remove the Transmission to get to the seal and on most FWD cars the egine is removed to replace the seal. I have replaced rear main seals MANY times on numerous cars and trucks, hope this helps ya!

Answer 3

If you are handy it is not that bad would take about a day of good work.The transmission has to be taken loose.Since it is a manual transmission and since I had it down already I would also change the clutch,pressure plate and throwout bearing.You would need the ramps and it sounds like the repair shop is going to charge about $100 per hour.

Answer 4

i own a repair shop,and on this one you have a choice,you can either pull the engine out or the transmission,either one you want to do will work, the seal is a one piece design,and CANNOT BE DONE with just dropping the oil pan off of it,it don't work that way on the newer ones,good luck,i hope this help,s.

Answer 5

Who told you that? its a big job you have to drop Tranny or move it out of way and slide it back. i wouldnt try that in my driveway on stands. you have to be able to get under car to the main seal to pull it out its not hard but you need to have the right equip and knowledge. 1100 is a fairly good price if that includes parts. Its poss to do in your driveway but not something i would want to do its hard on your back even on a lift doing that take it from me a vet mechanic but hey if your young and have some buddies go for it. also you need to be able to align the clutch and pressure plate back up you need special tools or an old input shaft and the knowledge to do it right.