Took out my transmission about 4 days ago and been waiting for some parts. Went today to install my flywheel and cleaned things up with some brake cleaner on the back of the block. Cleaned everything up nothing crazy dirty or any signs of oil leaking. Step away for 10 minutes and come back and the rear main seal has oil underneath it. Wipe it away and continues to come back. I'm pretty sure I know the answer but could the seal just be leaking from the oil being against the seal constantly? Car has 76k on it.

 

If the seal is leaking, its time for a new one. Extreme caution when replacing. Can u post any pics? That's fairly low miles.

 

So I wiped it off this morning and the drip seems to have stopped. You can still see it isn't dry in the inside of the seal meeting the crank. I sprayed it down again with some break cleaner and will keep an eye on it. Thinking I'm just going to swap it just incase anyway.

IMG%5Dhttp://i65.tinypic.com/16i60pl.jpg%5B/IMG

 

You're fine.

It's probably all the residual leftovers from cleaning it off with brake clean.

 

Wouldn't you think the brake cleaner would evaporate though?

im doing a kraftwerks supercharger too so I don't want the added crankcase pressure to blow the thing out in no time.

 

Ya if I wer u I would replace. Keep ur peice of mind when ur boosting.

 

I would rather replace it now than having to find out that you have to replace it down the road with the transmission on. Even worse is that if it goes out and take out your clutch with it too.

I wouldn't wish dropping a transmission on an S on my enemy. Just replace the seal.

 

So on the fence with this. Seems to have stopped "leaking". I don't think it was ever leaking just residual brake cleaner. Haven't had the car started in over 6 months so there's no way oil was even near the seal. Apprehensive to touch the seal and not have the correct tool and not have the seal sit square. Might just leave it.

 

rarely do i read about rear main seal failures on s2ki

 

When you clean something with brake clean it doesn't all 100% wash off or evaporate, you will still have residue and now that it's mixed with oil/dirt/dust it'll be come less viscous and give the impression that something is leaking as the residue will drip.

Trust me, you're fine.

/thead