Disturb crank seal?

Struggler · Tuesday at 10:20 PM

I'm really on the fence about resealing the rear (flywheel) crank seal.

I know it's a common leak point and people recommend doing it, but on the other hand this is all the leaking it's done since new (1999) so I'm not sure if it's better to just leave it than disturb it.

colesy · Tuesday at 10:44 PM

Having been in your predicament, deciding to replace it putting it back together and it leaking again after a dyno session, I’m definitely on the side of leave it alone unless it’s pissing out. I was not happy pulling it apart again.

MAXRUNDOWN · Tuesday at 10:58 PM

I would change it, pull the cap, re seal it and a fresh seal, just make sure the crank is clean where the seal sits and use a proper seal driver to make sure it goes in square.

Yarp · Tuesday at 11:19 PM

I’m team leave it. I’m mid rebuild and not changing mine.

Although I know that freaks many people out.

npt · Tuesday at 11:27 PM

I'd do it, in general very few new seals leak

Brigsy · Wednesday at 8:30 AM

If you have not got access to the oem renault tool to fit the new one, id leave it personally.

Struggler · Wednesday at 9:02 AM

It's a tie so far so I've cast my vote to leave to balance it in the way I want!

Brigsy said:
If you have not got access to the oem renault tool to fit the new one, id leave it personally.

Which tool is that? The one to put the plastic seal on?

Brigsy · Wednesday at 12:14 PM

Struggler said:
It's a tie so far so I've cast my vote to leave to balance it in the way I want!

Which tool is that? The one to put the plastic seal on?

Mot. 991. Sets the depth of the seal correctly and gets it in square

Struggler · Wednesday at 1:55 PM

Brigsy said:
Mot. 991. Sets the depth of the seal correctly and gets it in square

I can confirm that i do not have that tool.

npt said:
I'd do it, in general very few new seals leak

i think my concern is removing the clasp that holds the main bearing and trying to seal that again with the sealant.

npt · Wednesday at 2:39 PM

Might be someone on here local to you that could lend a hand, with the tool required and done a few

Klumpy Dumpy · Wednesday at 3:38 PM

Personally I'd do it, just because it's peace of mind. Like Brigsy said, there's a proper tool so you don't make a hash of it

I've used a piece of PVC pipe to put them in before. Doesn't knack the seal, can't remember what size it was because it was from an old pump housing

Mr Trailer Man · 2026-03-05T10:25:16+0000

Klumpy Dumpy said:
Personally I'd do it, just because it's peace of mind. Like Brigsy said, there's a proper tool so you don't make a hash of it

I've used a piece of PVC pipe to put them in before. Doesn't knack the seal, can't remember what size it was because it was from an old pump housing

Seal is 85 x 105 x 8 i think, so something around that diameter should work.

Struggler · 2026-03-05T12:40:35+0000

Mr Trailer Man said:
Seal is 85 x 105 x 8 i think, so something around that diameter should work.

I assume this is ID/OD? Looks like you could probably use something like this (ebay special) as long as you can make sure you don't smash it in too deep.

It seems like the jury is now on the side of doing it=... lame!

I slacked the bolts off and couldnt get them done up again! (f**king e-torx!) so I've ordered new bolts there too.

Struggler · 2026-03-05T12:44:23+0000

also what sealant do people recommend?! since you lot are making me do this!!!

And anyone local to essex have the correct tool?

Matt Cup · 2026-03-05T12:54:25+0000

@Mr Underhill bought the tool from Renault.

Here

Installation of crankshaft oil seal?

Im going to take gearbox out due repair of leaking selector shaft and while will out, I want also change crankshaft oil seal on flywheel end, is leaking too. How do you guys install this crankshaft oil seal? I know that seal is installed not flushed with cylinder block flange. In service manual...

cliosport.net

MAXRUNDOWN · 2026-03-05T17:49:02+0000

Struggler said:
also what sealant do people recommend?! since you lot are making me do this!!!

And anyone local to essex have the correct tool?

Clio maxi build manual specifies DowSil 732 which is what I used, Loctite 5980 is fine too

Brigsy · 2026-03-05T22:27:10+0000

Bare in mind if using a sleeve to fit the seal you will need to make sure the depth is correct/in square. Easier said than done defo, ive done them on less fussy stuff with a bottle cut in half but f4r is a fussy one on location.

Search

Search

Disturb crank seal?

Should I disturb this seal on the crank?

I'd leave it, potentially more harm than good

Stop being lazy and do it

Struggler

colesy

MAXRUNDOWN

Yarp

npt

Brigsy

Struggler

Brigsy

Struggler

npt

Klumpy Dumpy

Not all gingers stink of piss. But I do.

Mr Trailer Man

Struggler

Struggler

Matt Cup

Installation of crankshaft oil seal?

MAXRUNDOWN

Brigsy

Similar threads