How to on 1997 Formula

[Trash man]

i need a how to replace a rear main seal on a 1997 formula with a 4L60E transmission and tips/tricks will really help, were gonna be doing this in my garage

[Joe 1320]

Yikes. Gotta pull the exhaust, torque arm, and transmission and converter in order to get to it.

[Rob B (shoebox)]

The easy part is replacing the seal. Getting to it is where all the work is.

[Trash man]

i was afraid of the exhuast part, do the nuts usually come off with a lil bit of pentrating oil or am i gonna need heat? the car has like 60K on it. as far as i kno, it hasnt been driven any winters at all but it does sit outside

[fastTa]

Once you get to the seal, it is an easy R&R. There are 3 pry points to get the old seal out. Do not pry from anywhere else besides these 3 pry points. This will ensure that you don't damage the seal bore:



If this is your first time doing a rear main oil seal, you might be better off to use the GM RMS install tool. It is part number J-35621. Most dealerships and parts stores that stock it will allow you to borrow or rent the tool. You place the seal onto the RMS installer then you attach the installer to the crankshaft. Make sure you get the installer attachment bolts very snug. This will make sure the seal gets pressed on squarely. There is a large wing-nut that you will turn which will press the seal onto the crankshaft. Make sure you turn the wing-nut until it bottoms out.

When you pull the old seal off, inspect the end of the crankshaft for any nicks or grooves. If it looks OK, then go ahead with the seal install. Also, before you install the seal, wipe the end of the crankshaft very well with a dry rag. Then when you are ready to install the new seal, wipe the seal with some clean motor oil. One more thing.....the dust lip should face the back of the car.

[Trash man]

so i cant just take the housing off the r&r the seal?

[fastTa]

so i cant just take the housing off the r&r the seal?

You don't have to remove the rear main bearing housing to R&R the RMS. But, if you choose to remove the bearing housing, make sure you install a new bearing housing gasket.

[fastTa]

If you want the kit, I believe that this is it:

Summit Racing RMS set

[Trash man]

ok, i think ill just help him drop and get the tranny outta the way and let him do the rear main seal also i guess he bought the teflon rms i guess this is better then the other rubber. but hopefully it goes off without a hitch

[Rob B (shoebox)]

so i cant just take the housing off the r&r the seal?

You will have to remove the oil pan to remove the RMS housing. You don't want to have to do that, do you? Only if the RMS housing seal is leaking, would you have to remove it.

[fastTa]

ok, i think ill just help him drop and get the tranny outta the way and let him do the rear main seal also i guess he bought the teflon rms i guess this is better then the other rubber. but hopefully it goes off without a hitch

The Teflon seal is supposed to be more durable. It is also more expensive.

[Trash man]

ok, well i sent him the p/n for the tool and how much it cost, hes just gonna have a dealer do it

[fastTa]

ok, well i sent him the p/n for the tool and how much it cost, hes just gonna have a dealer do it

Well the RMS install tool is not a absolute neccessary item. I just felt like it would give you a bit more confidence in getting the RMS installed correctly the first time.

I can do them all day long with a hammer and a 2x4 block.

[Trash man]

i have no problem, its my friend. oh well if he changes his mind, least i will have the info