Front Crankshaft Seal: Service and Repair

NOTE: On models equipped with airbag system, refer to Technician Safety Information for system disarming and arming procedures.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Remove timing belt.

Fig. 13 Timing Gear Removal:

Fig. 14 Oil Pump Replacement:

Fig. 15 Front Cover Oil Seal Removal:

3. Remove front cover seal, noting the following:
a. Remove belt pulley using suitable gear puller, Fig. 13.
b. Remove oil pump and lower front cover, Fig. 14.
c. Using a suitable tool pry old oil seal out of front cover housing, Fig. 15.

Fig. 16 Front Cover Oil Seal Installation:

Fig. 17 Oil Pump Body Sealant Application:

Fig. 18 Timing Belt Pulley Timing Mark Alignment:

4. Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
a. Apply small amount of clean engine oil to the lip of new oil seal.
b. Push oil seal slightly in front cover housing by hand. The oil seal must be tapped in until it is flush with edge of oil pump body. The oil seal protrusion should be 0.02-0.04 inches.
c. Using oil seal installation tool or equivalent, Fig. 16, tap oil seal evenly into housing.
d. Install new O-ring seal, then apply an even bead, 0.04-0.08 inches thick, of silicone to oil pump body, Fig. 17.
e. Install oil pump and gasket. Tighten mounting bolts to specifications. Remove excess sealant.
f. Install timing belt pulley, Fig. 18
g. Install pulley Woodruff key with tapered side toward oil pump body.
h. Install pulley lock bolt and tighten to specifications.
i. Start engine and check ignition timing.