Replacing the crankshaft seal
- Thread starter edortizr6
- Start date
Molson02536
New member
Not that hard to replace.
Your going to have to remove the radiator shrouds (top & bottom - you may also have to remove the fan to get the bottom shroud out also) then you only have to pull the serpentine belt off so you can then remove the crank pulley/balancer. Your going to have to remove the lower splash guard under the bumper to give you more options to get to the crank pulley/balancer and look exactly where the leak is coming from.
The crank shaft seal is behind the Harmonic Damper and pressed into the timing cover. The damper spins on the seal just like an axle seal or a pinion shaft seal, sector shaft seal..etc. and the surface of the harmonic damper that rides on the seal can wear down over time. There are some crank seal kits come with a sleeve to install over the end of the damper nub to bring it back to spec.
If its the crank seal thats leaking, the oil will drip down above the lower timing cover seal onto the lower seal and thats how you can tell if its your seal that is leaking or not. If the space between the crank seal and the lower cover seal is dry and its obviously spitting oil at you at the bottom then there is where your oil is coming from and thats the oil pan gasket. Also just an FYI, the key way in the crank can be a oil leak source too.
No other accessories need to be removed. If you suspect a front seal leak, check the crank pulley/balancer for wear as mentioned above. The lip seal can wear a groove in the balancer which can make a new seal leak when you reinstall everything back together. Before you go though all that problem, check your oil cooler lines from the remote oil filter to the radiator. There more common to leak which can give the impression its a front seal leak since the lines run right under the crank pulley.
CRANKSHAFT VARIATION RELEARN (CASE Learn)
”CASE” means: crankshaft angle sensor error. A crankshaft variation relearn must be performed if:
A diagnostic trouble code of P1336 is present.
The computer has been replaced or re-programmed.
The crankshaft position sensor has been replaced.
****The engine, harmonic balancer, clutch, or flywheel have been: disassembled, removed, or replaced.
The crankshaft position variation learning feature enables the computer to compensate for part manufacturing tolerances. This allows the computer to accurately detect an engine misfire throughout the engine RPM range. The learning process is stored in the computer’s memory and does not have to be repeated unless one or more of the above conditions are present.
To perform the relearn, proceed as follows:
Connect a scan tool to make sure there are no trouble codes stored in the computer’s memory. If there is any power train trouble code other than P1336 (Crankshaft Position Variation not learned), the computer will disable the relearn function until the problem that aused the code has been eliminated. Also, make sure that the engine coolant (check it when the engine is cold) and oil levels are at an acceptable level.
1. Set the parking brake and block the drive wheels. Make sure that the hood is closed.
2. Start the engine and make sure that the engine coolant temperature is at least 158 degrees F. (70 degrees C.)
3. Turn the engine off for at least 10 seconds.
4. Select the crankshaft position variation learn procedure (CASE Learn)on your scan tool.
5. Make sure that the transmission is in Park. Start the engine.
6. Apply the brakes and hold the pedal firmly.
7. Follow the scan tool instructions.
Remember: That you are going to increase the engine speed to approximately 3000 RPM, 4000 RPM, or 5150 RPM. That’s the variation learn fuel cutoff RPM (depending upon the engine), and that it’s important to release the throttle when the engine RPM starts to decrease as a result of the fuel cutoff going into effect. Failure to do such will result in over revving of the engine, causing possible engine damage.
8. Once the engine has returned to idle, check the status of Diagnostic trouble code P1336. If the scan tool indicates that the CASE has been learned, the relearn procedure is now complete. If CASE has not been learned, check for the presence of other power train codes. If any exist, correct the problem, then repeat this procedure.
Keep us posted and be safe.
Molson02536
Last edited:
Molson02536
New member
You very welcome and almost forgot, if you have a plastic timing change cover. There throw away parts and your going to have to replace it which means, the water pump will need to be removed and might as well replace it since its out.
There cheap enough and if you think it has more then enough miles on them, this is the perfect time to do it also.
Keep us posted
Molson02536