How to professionally install oil seals on a Toyota
No matter where an oil seal is being installed, it is crucial to remove it and install it properly. Of course, in some places, like the rear main oil seal (engine crank shaft), simply accessing the seal is a major challenge, so here are some helpful tips as well as some "dos" and "don'ts" to make sure you don't get another leak.
Simple removal advice
1. Never use a screwdriver to remove the outer seal case from the housing. Grooves or scratches could allow oil to seep through or create distortion in the replacement seal being installed.
2. Similarly, avoid using a screwdriver between the seal and the shaft it is fitting over since scratches on the shaft could lead to the early failure of the new seal's lip.
3. There are a lot of tools and YouTube videos on how to remove a seal, but the fundamentals are always the same: never harm any face that the new seal will be running on or fitting against.
Preparation:
1. Examine the new seal for visible flaws or damage. Keep in mind that a seal may have traveled a distance to reach you, so be sure, for instance, that it hasn't been warped.
2. Before installation, check to see if the ring spring on a conventional lip seal has become loose. This spring forces the seal's lip against the shaft to maintain a proper seal.
3. Clean any surfaces where the new seal will be installed with a damp cloth. Brake & Clutch Parts Cleaner works well to get grease and oil out of surfaces.
4.Check the housing and shaft for any signs of wear; the majority of failures are caused by worn-out running surfaces or housings. Make sure there are no burrs, scratches, nicks, or grooves present.
5. Using the same lubricant that the seal will be using to stop leaks is a smart idea when lubricating the running shaft and the seal's lip. Some seals are pre-packed with a thin layer of grease; this is done to aid in the initial run-in of the lip seal and prevent heat buildup, which could lead to early failure.
Installing a new seal:
1. It may sound obvious, but always make sure the new seal is installed the right way around. You never know who's been doing what. The lip of the oil seal should always face the direction that the lubricant is coming from, along with the spring ring.
2. Make certain that the seal is mounted squarely on the housing or shaft. This is another crucial step in installation because a cocked seal could lead to heat buildup, spring dislodgement, or even the seal not matching properly with the surface it is running on.
3. Avoid tapping a seal with a screwdriver or punch on one portion of the seal as this will distort the seal's housing and therefore its running lip.
4. Use a tool that makes full contact with the seal's outside edge or face, which is where it is strongest. A variety of specialized tools are available, but even something as simple as a socket or tube can work. The ideal is to keep the seal square and true while applying even pressure at the right depth.
5. Ensure that the seal's lip always faces inward and isn't pushed backward during assembly; this typically happens when the seal begins to contact the shaft.
6. Ensure that the seal is seated at the proper depth; if the seal's lip does not properly engage the shaft or collar, the seal will be unable to perform its function.
7. Inspect breathers for obstructions, as they can result in internal seal pressure that forces oil out.
8.Take your time and make sure you are ready. A seal may appear like a simple, straightforward part to fit, but if done incorrectly, it will cause much more trouble.
