Front main seal replacement?

Tiny
DAVENOOB
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
Just found out my front main seal needs to be replaced. I need to do some research but can you help with any information you have? Thanks
Friday, June 27th, 2025 AT 3:59 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 14,753 POSTS
That one isn't that hard to do, other than you need to do it through the wheel well. Install an engine support bar then the engine mount. They want you to remove the starter and use a holding fixture but I've just used an impact and a strap wrench while the belt is still on before. The bolt is the hardest part. Now remove the belt and lower the engine about 2 inches to get room under neath the subframe. Install a puller on the crank pulley and remove it. Inspect the surface for wear. Clean it up. Now pry the old seal out of the cover, Use an installer to drive the new seal into place DRY, no lube or sealant. Now apply some oil to the seals inner lips and to the crank pulley. Line it up with the key and use an installer to pull it into place. Don't try using a hammer, they can crack. Now install the NEW bolt, These are a torque by degrees bolt which is a BEAR to install sometimes. That is because the initial torque is 75 ft lb, then an additional 150 degrees! Now the proper way is to install the holding device so the flywheel is locked but a shortcut method is to install the drive belt, then torque the bolt to the 75 ft lbs, now make a mark on the head of the bolt and a line on the pulley, now make another mark 150 degrees from that one (I cheat and go straight across from the first mark, then thinking of them as a clock face my target mark will be at the 2:15 point. Then you keep tightening it, I have seen people use the impact for this as well, not that I'm telling you to do that. Now you just reverse the removal of the mount and have a new main seal.
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Friday, June 27th, 2025 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
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Thanks. How many motor mounts is there needed to loosen and drop engine the 2".
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Friday, June 27th, 2025 AT 10:34 PM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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Just the one on the side of the engine with the dog bone.
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Saturday, June 28th, 2025 AT 12:58 AM
Tiny
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How does that lower the engine? I've replaced the mount, and the engine doesn't drop or need to be supported. Thanks
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Saturday, June 28th, 2025 AT 7:47 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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HMM, there is a section missing, There should be a section on the lower mount as well. Sorry, might have deleted it during an edit. Anyway you still release that mount, but use the engine support to lift the engine off the front mount that you can get to from underneath the car. Unbolt it and lift the engine, remove the mount and now you can lower it. The upper one will keep it from tilting with the lower removed.
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Saturday, June 28th, 2025 AT 6:10 PM
Tiny
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What's the engine support to lift engine? Can I use a jack?
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Sunday, June 29th, 2025 AT 11:27 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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If you can find a solid spot, I normally use a support bar as shown. Some parts stores have them as rental tools.
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Sunday, June 29th, 2025 AT 7:57 PM
Tiny
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Thanks. Im sure they come with instructions but what do you support it with and attach it to? Do I need a cherry picker?
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Monday, June 30th, 2025 AT 11:25 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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That bar goes across the engine bay with the legs on the flange that holds the fenders on over the struts. A cherry picker would also work to do the same thing.
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Monday, June 30th, 2025 AT 1:47 PM
Tiny
DAVENOOB
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Thanks.
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Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 AT 6:43 AM
Tiny
STEVE W.
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You're welcome.
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Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025 AT 8:09 AM

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