Oil leak at Rear main seal

ADU

MEMBER
MAZDA

An oil leak diagnostic test done at a popular mechanic shop has revealed a leak at the rear main seal.
The mechanic shop recommends replacing the seal, the cost of which is $500.
Is this a DIY activity?
Are there any alternative solutions to this problem like oil additives which stop leaks? If yes how effective are they?

Thanks,
adu

Thursday, January 4th, 2007 AT 7:46 PM

3 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

You may have to pull the tranny to get to it, are you capable?

If you figure a seal is $20.00 and the rest is tax and labor, that puts it about 6 hours to do the job for a pro. That's quite a few snicker bars :)

D-I-Y is purely specific to the individual.

Don't use an additive that plugs leaks or you''ll plug more than a leak.

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Thursday, January 4th, 2007 AT 8:40 PM

COSMO

MECHANIC
347 POSTS

What engine and vehicle is it that you have. The answer may lay in the information you give me.

Cosmo. Mazda TEch

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Thursday, January 4th, 2007 AT 8:54 PM

ADU

MEMBER
15 POSTS

Mazda 626 V6 - 1995
136000 miles.

I chk the oil levels even more regularly now.
I am not losing oil significantly.
How long can I live with this problem safely?
What other problems could this lead to?

Thanks,
adu

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Thursday, January 4th, 2007 AT 9:54 PM