My rear main seal started leaking yesterday and oil is already pouring out of it while the van is running. Garage is quoting 8 hours and $1500 to do the job. I can get an engine hoist and floor jacks for around $400, and I have a garage to work in to do this, however I am concerned this may be too big a job to take on myself.

YouTube videos have been little help. I'm mechanically inclined and work on my truck regularly, but I'm worried that I'm going to get this half ripped apart and realize I'm in over my head. Anyone able to post a good "how-to"? This is my wife's daily driver, so I need to make a decision and get on it soon.

Thanks.

 

Not that I've done it so take this with a grain of salt...

I believe you will need to remove the front subframe from underneath (as in vehicle needs to be high in the air). I don't remember which vehicle (Venture or Impala so basically the same) but someone posted about simply replacing a solenoid on the transmission - honestly a 5 hour job for a shop because of what needs to be done to get to it and it isn't even really inside the transmission.

If this is the wife's daily and a shop is quoting 8 hours, and you are asking these questions, it will probably turn into more like a week long job especially if you can only work on it a few hours a day (assuming you work for a living).

Just for comparison sake, what kind of truck do you have that you work on?

 

I have a 1997 C2500 Ext. Cab L/B that I use as my summer rec/towing vehicle. Also have a 2011 Impala.

 

My biggest concern was the possibility of having to hoist the van to remove the trans and/or subframe, as I do not have an overhead hoist. I also have the issue with the fact that if this does cost $1500+ (chances are closer to $1700 by the time it's all said and done), is that the van is only worth maybe $7000. Right now, if I sold it "as is" I'd have to unload it for around $4K.

First world problems. Thanks.

 

And that's the problem with older vehicles, repairs costs vs vehicle value is usually a ridiculous ratio and yet this is probably only a $50 part.

The big pickup trucks, while they have added a lot of hoses and crap for fuel efficiency and emissions, are still relatively simple to get to most things like they were 40 years ago. The Uplander seal will be very similar how to do it on your Impala unfortunately, but that gives you more to search for those videos to get an idea.

 

You are "absolutely sure" the rear seal is the problem?

 

one thing to be concerned about is the subframe mounts as they are no longer available.i just replaced my transmission as i just bought this van this summer.if the nut that the subframe bolts attach to start to spin ,then you will have to cut a access hole through the floor to be able to remove the subframe bolts.i had one break on the right front and the two rear started to spin.the retainers that hold the lock nut in place had rotted out and allowing the nut to break loose and turn.i cut access holes in the floor in order to be able to get at the nuts.where i live in the great white north they tend to use alot of salt on the road ways which doesen,t help.you might get lucky and your bolts may come out.if your gonna drop the tranny you should change the pressure solenoid and replace the filter and oil while your at it.good luck .

 

I bought a 06 Uplander w an engine tick.
It turned out that I needed a new engine.
I found a lowmiles salvaged for 550 and a private mechanic who did it for 600.
I pd 2500 for the van w bad engine.

My mechanic said bearing 3 and 5 were spun.
I do not really know how he lifted it so high. He said he had a lift but I did not see his garage. I considered to do it but couldnt imagine lifting it 3 or 4 ft with my jacks and stands. He told me later on, that once the subframe is dropped to the floor a good quality cherrypicker can lift the car because the car is then lighter.
I had considered myself, but when i looked at the curb weight it all did not calculate so well in my mind.
I kinda had after thoughts that i chickened out and that maybe it would be a fun challenge to do the changout myself, but let me tell you that everything on that van seems to be hard to work on.
So , my advice is to ask a yard if they know of people who will do private work. You must find somebody you believe in. Things worked out well for me.
I suppose that used cars can be a bargain, but when things go wrong it becomes agony when you see the repair to become equal to the value of the car.
I was even thinking of lifting the car from the garage joists but I couldnt find anybody or a carpenter to say my joists would take the strain.
I dont think my wife loves me enough for the garage to cave in upon her stuff. I did bow out and had the job done for me. No regrets. I since changed the trans fluid and reality crept in with that red stuff dripping in my face. Ugh.
Best wishes, Rick

 

Almost like cutting the nose off in front of the A-pillars, probably 90% of that weight is being pulled out. And I'm not sure of the geometry, but with the rear tires on 2x8's you could probably just lift the front end above it so you are not going to be anywhere near curb weight.
Depending on your location, age and driving record the insurance can be a major savings advantage to driving used cars since you are usually required to carry full coverage when you are making payments on a car loan. Let's say you save $100/mo on insurance on top of not having a $100+ car payment = $2400/yr. Besides replacing the engine or transmission you won't spend that much in maintenance, and if you do replace the engine or transmission you should only have to do it once and be good for at least a few years. The real key is in finding the right vehicle, and then learn to take care of it as if it cost a fortune instead of driving it into the ground just because it was cheap.

 

have you seen the leak? remove the bellhousing inspection cover and have a look. If its leaving a puddle, address it, if its just a seep let it go and keep an eye on it. You don't tow with this thing correct?