Rear Main Seal

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

2.4L Engine

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Transmission and clutch assembly, if equipped.
   • Flywheel or the driveplate and the adapter plate, if equipped. Matchmark for reassembly.
   • Oil seal

     Fig. 1: Exploded view of the crankshaft, rear main seal, and related components — 2.4L engines

   NOTE: Take care not to gouge or damage the metal surrounding the seal. Inspect the sealing surface at the rear of the crankshaft. If a deep groove is worn into the surface, the crankshaft will have to be replaced. Lubricate the sealing surface with clean engine oil.

   To install:

3. Using a seal installer of the correct size, install the new seal into the bore of rear oil seal case. Make certain that the flat side of the seal will face outward when the case is installed on the engine. The inside of the seal must be flush with the inside surface of the seal case.
4. Install or connect the following:
   • Rear plate and bell housing cover
   • Flywheel or drive plate, observing the matchmarks made earlier
   • Transmission and related components as necessary

3.0L and 3.5L Engines

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Transmission and clutch assembly, if so equipped.

     Fig. 2: Exploded view of the crankshaft, rear main seal and related components — 3.5L engine shown; 3.0L engine is similar

   • Flywheel or driveplate and adapter plate, matchmark for reassembly. For the 3.0L engines, use the Mitsubishi tools (MB990767-01 and MIT308239) to hold the crankshaft and flywheel stationary while loosening the flywheel bolts. For the 3.5L engine, use Mitsubishi tool (MD998781) to hold the flywheel in position.
3. Remove the rear oil seal as follows:
   1. Cut out a portion in the crankshaft oil seal lip.
   2. Cover the tip of a small prytool with a cloth and apply it to the cutout in the oil seal to pry the oil seal out.

      CAUTION
      Take care not to damage the crankshaft and oil seal case.

      To install:

4. Inspect the sealing surface at the rear of the crankshaft. If a deep groove is worn into the surface, the crankshaft will have to be replaced. Coat the sealing lip of the seal with fresh, clean engine oil. Press the new seal into the case with a seal installing tool. The seal must be pressed in squarely until it bottoms in the case. It is necessary to use the proper tool (MD998718-01) to fit the seal into place.
5. Install or connect the following:
   • Rear plate
   • Transmission mounting plate
   • Flywheel or drive plate and adapter
   • Transmission and related components as necessary