I was told I need to replace my rear main seal on my 2000 Honda Civic?

Question

I would like any information that will help me make the right choices. Options, price to repair..etc...

I have about 125M miles on my car and I had an oil change about a month ago and my mechanic says he added 2 quarts of oil. This is the second person who has made me aware of the gasket leak.

Would a transmission repair be the best place totake it? What should I be prepared to pay? If they have to pull the transmission should I replace anything else while their in there?

Answer 1

The rear main seal is not an easy fix and it will be pricey as the transmission has to be removed to get to it. As such, I would get a second opinion.

A second opinion would give you assurance that the problem is the rear main seal.

Although you didn't mention the mileage and condition of your car, a 7 year old Honda with a rear main seal leak is somewhat uncommon.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You've been extremely Lucky thus far that the engine oil warning light has not popped on because of the unusual consumption. It's not necessary to remove the transmission to remove the oil pan, remove the rear main cap and replace the seal. The exhaust pipe may be the only thing you need to remove. The parts are all quite inexpensive. It would take a good mechanic the better part of 4 - 6 hrs. to do the complete job. Call around for prices. Remember new car dealerships cover their overhead with mechanics labor costs. Off-shore car dealers usually charge $75.- $85.00 per hour. That's $10.00 -$20.00 more than American made new car dealer rates. Be sure the parts come from Car Quest, NAPA, Advance Auto or Auto Zone. Honda will charge 2-3 times more for identical parts.

Answer 3

Any ASE certified mechanic can do the work. If the car is a manual shift car, you should inspect the clutch and replace if needed. Also replace the front transmission seal. If the car is an automatic, do the seal behind the torque converter. Have the mechanic inspect everything while it is out.

Answer 4

If the rear main seal is leaking, it will only get worse. It not only wastes oil, but money, since oil is not free. The longer it is driven without being fixed, the faster the oil will leak out.
Any good ASE certified mechanic should be able to replace it, but shop around for estimates. Ask for references and CHECK THEM OUT before making any commitment.

Answer 5

its a pain of a job but any good mech can do. they might even be able to just remove the oil pan and using a special tool (sneaky pete) to remove and replace the seal

Answer 6

how many miles on the car? how much oil are you leaking between service intervals ?