How to replace Rear Main Seal on 2005 Ford explorer?

Rear Main Seal

Removal & Installation

4.0L Engine
VIN E SOHC Engine

1. Before servicing the vehicle, please familiarize yourself with safety procedures.
2. Remove the flexplate or flywheel.
   
   WARNING

   Avoid scratching or damaging the oil crankshaft seal running surface during removal of the crankshaft rear oil seal.
3. Using special tool 303-409, remove the crankshaft rear oil seal.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Rear main seal and related parts-4.0L engine
   
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Removing the seal-4.0L engine

To install:

NOTE

Be sure the crankshaft rear sealing surface is clean and free of any rust or corrosion. To clean the crankshaft rear sealing surface, use extra-fine emery cloth or extra-fine 0000 steel wool with metal surface cleaner.

1. Lubricate the crankshaft rear oil seal with clean engine oil and install on the special tool.
2. Using special tool 303-S524, install the crankshaft rear oil seal.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Using special tool 303-S524, install the crankshaft rear oil seal
3. Install the flexplate or flywheel.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the -Precautions- section.
2. Remove the flexplate.
3. Remove the spacer plate and the flexplate-to-crankshaft spacer.
   
   NOTE

   The crankshaft rear seal may have a metal speedy sleeve. This sleeve must be removed before attempting to remove the seal.
4. If necessary, remove the speedy sleeve using 2 screwdrivers or small pry bars.
   
   WARNING

   Avoid scratching or damaging the oil crankshaft seal running surface during removal of the crankshaft rear oil seal.
   
   
   
   
   

   

   Fig. If necessary, remove the speedy sleeve using 2 screwdrivers or small pry bars-4.0L (VIN E) engine
5. Using special tool, 303-514, remove the oil slinger.
6. Using special tool, 303-519, remove the crankshaft rear oil seal.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Rear main seal and related parts-4.0L engine
   
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Removing the seal-4.0L engine

To install:

NOTE

Be sure the crankshaft rear sealing surface is clean and free of any rust or corrosion. To clean the crankshaft rear sealing surface, use extra-fine emery cloth or extra-fine 0000 steel wool with metal surface cleaner.

1. Lubricate the crankshaft rear oil seal with clean engine oil and install on the special tool.
2. Using special tool 303-527 and 303-528, position the crankshaft rear oil seal.
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Using special tool 303-527 and 303-528, position the crankshaft rear oil seal-4.0L (VIN E) engine
   
   
   
   

   

   Fig. Using special tool, 303-529, install the crankshaft rear oil seal
3. Install the flexplate or flexplate.

4.0L OHV & 5.0L Engines

1. Remove the flexplate or flywheel.
   
   WARNING

   Use care to avoid scratching or damaging the oil seal surface or leakage may occur.
2. Using a sharp awl, punch one hole into the crankshaft rear oil seal metal surface between the seal lip and the cylinder block.
3. Screw the threaded end of the special tool into the oil seal. Use the special tool to remove the crankshaft rear oil seal.

To install:

1. Lubricate the outer lips and the inner seal on the crankshaft rear oil seal with clean engine oil.
2. Using the special tool, install the crankshaft rear oil seal. Alternate bolt tightening to correctly seat the crankshaft rear oil seal.
3. Install the flexplate or flywheel.

4.6L Engine

Fig. Rear main seal and related parts-4.6L engine

Fig. Retainer plate removal and torque sequence-4.6L engine

Fig. Rear main seal installation-4.6L engine

1. Before servicing the vehicle, please familiarize yourself with safety procedures.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   
   Flexplate

   Crankshaft rear oil seal slinger with a slide hammer

   Rear oil seal with a slide hammer
3. Installation is the reverse of removal. Note the following:
   
   
   Lubricate the inner lip of the rear crankshaft seal with clean engine oil.

   Use the two Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Installers to install the rear oil seal.

   Using the two Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Installers and the Crankshaft Rear Oil Slinger Installer, install the crankshaft rear oil slinger.

1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the -Precautions- section.
2. Remove or disconnect the following:
   
   
   Flexplate

   Crankshaft rear oil seal slinger with a slide hammer and proper removed tool

   Rear oil seal with a slide hammer and proper remover tool

To install:

1. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Note the following:
   
   
   Lubricate the inner lip of the rear crankshaft seal with clean engine oil.

   Use the two Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Installers to install the rear oil seal.

   Using the two Crankshaft Rear Oil Seal Installers and the Crankshaft Rear Oil Slinger Installer, install the crankshaft rear oil slinger.
   
   

   

   

   Fig. Rear main seal and related parts-4.6L engine

   
   
   

   

   

   Fig. Retainer plate removal and torque sequence-4.6L engine

   
   
   

   

   

   Fig. Rear main seal installation-4.6L engine