Rear main seal will not budge

Tiny
KEEPTRUCKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 DODGE RAM
  • 5.9L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 190,000 MILES
I am working on my truck myself because I can't afford the mechanic fees to have the rear main seal replaced. It has a 2 part rear main seal, after removing the oil pump you remove the rear crankshaft bearing block which also houses the lower half of the rear main seal. I have read to remove the upper part by tapping it through with a hammer and punch but it is stuck solid. I even read to try loosening the other crank bearing bolts which I tried but its still stuck. Is it worth risking buying/trying an air hammer?(I don't have one but could get one pretty cheap at harbor freight). The last thing I need is to have to remove the motor to remove a mangled upper seal as it is still in good enough shape to not leak too bad. Any advice is appreciated, thanks!
Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 12:34 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

No, do not even consider the air hammer. You will damage the crankshaft.

Loosen all the main bearing caps so the crank drops down a little.

There is a tool called a Chinese finger that you use to remove and install the seal. It screws into the seal and pulls it around. Parts stores carry them. If you have a NAPA store, they have them.

Roy
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Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
KEEPTRUCKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Okay, I will give it a shot. Just to be clear, the seal on this truck is a rubbery silicone substance molded onto a thick steel wire core, not the hose type of seal. Would that tool still work?
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Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 1:30 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, no it will not.

You need to use a thin screwdriver to release both sides and try to get it to move.

It will take time and patience to remove it.

Roy
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Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
KEEPTRUCKIN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Alrighty, thank you!
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Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 1:52 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Saturday, August 17th, 2019 AT 3:06 PM

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