Hi all,

Have a '98 Civic EX with an Auto. I'm planning to remove the trans soon to replace a leaking rear main seal. I've read over the manual, and can visualize the process in my head. Within the last year, I've replaced the axles and the oil pan gasket, so at least I know those bolts won't be too frozen when I need to remove them.

It seems pretty straight forward in the manual, but I figured I'd ask if anyone has any tips they could pass along from experience to help avoid aggrivation.

Thank you!

 

Are you sure the rear seal is leaking? Did you remove the flywheel cover and see oil dripping from behind the flywheel? Also, an improperly installed oil pan gasket will continue to leak oil. Are you sure the oil is not coming from higher up, such as the distributor O-ring, VTEC solenoid, or valve cover?

 

It's definitely not the valve cover gasket (replaced recently, and not leaking, and the distributor was the first thing I checked, and checked for any other leaks - oil seeping from the filter, solenoids, etc.

The new oil pan gasket has held tight for a year, but you've got a good point on the flywheel cover - I'll pull that tonight and check it out!

Thanks!

 

Also make sure you are not seeing transmission fluid leaking from the driver side axle seal.