Front crank seal replacement

[Sheermadnesskick]

I have a 1990 Suzuki Sidekick with 1.6L 8 valve engine and 5 spd 4X4 that is leaking at the front crank seal. I have purchased the seal and am going to attempt to replace it tonight. My question is: can I remove the front cover, timing belt and crank timing gear to replace the seal or is there more to it than that? Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. -Ed

[jtgh]

one of the best questions of them all.

first is to decide whether to drop pan or not? and pull pump and swap seal on bench.
i hear you yelling NO! see photo for reason why. attached

get lower cog off crank.
now take every precaution in protecting the crank snout! put a rubber hose on it or
something very strong.

here is what I recommend ( you will think of something better)
i strip the side out of a 1 liter coke bottle
now I have a long strip of plastic , same size and crank snout + 1/4 inch.
then i warp the snout with this and the hold it on with duct tape.
FSM shows special tool that looks like Rad hose.

You now have a crank condom.
LOL.

Ok, next is the seal attack.

I recommend not using a drill motor, as the chuck might grind thru the Protection device! just happened last week here.


next take an icepick ,prick punch or even a nail and punch a hole in the seal in 2 places.
180 apart.
next find a #8 or 10 screw and screw it into the hole.
now , pull the screw any way you can.
keep in mind the seal bearing surface is exposed here and do not TOUCH it.

The key here is to take your time and work the seal out and NOT cause any damage.

less is more.

get the coarsest thread screw you can , start small , so if you strip it ,you can go larger.

you can even cut the seal lips out and then pry with a flat blade screw driver the metal lip of the seal. Have razor sharp exacto knife at the ready.

If others can help, please advice.

there is a seal pulling tool.

1: one has a double tip rocking head.
2: is a brake spring puller and the below tool

I like #2 as it only touches the seal inner metal lip and you then pull with its T handle.

tool 2 is a brake spring puller , Harbor Freight , dirt cheap.
id never try it with out this, in fact just USE it and forget above ,cept protection

Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

[Sheermadnesskick]

Thank you sooooo much. I have the parts and am going to be ripping it apart in about an hour. I'll let you know how it went when done. -Ed

[Sheermadnesskick]

Well, I tore into it last night and found that the seal was not the trouble. It was an oil galley plug that was leaking. I romoved the plug, wire wheeled it, put some pipe dope w/ teflon on it and re-installed it. I will keep an eye on it and make sure it's fixed. Thanks for the reply and help. -Ed

[jtgh]

sounds like PO was playing with oil pressure gauges and gave up.
that is a rare find.
cheers.