TheSamba.com :: View topic - Replacing manual transmission drive flange oil seal

Mon Apr 08, 2024 4:33 pm

I did the “drill hole and screw” trick on my seal today… I don’t recommend it. The seal was in there so good my side hammer, prying, nothing would get it out. Took 7 screws prying to get it out.

I was as careful as I could be, but one of the times the drill caught and pulled it all the way in. I knew I screwed up but its tight under there. Got the seal out.

I think its… fine. But obviously im bummed. It hit the shielding on the bearing but didnt go all the way through. Everything spins nice with no noises. Still pretty mad about it though.

This is the vanagon life though I guess.

Mon Apr 08, 2024 4:46 pm

While not ideal, it’s likely ok. There is no way to replace that bearing without disassembly. To anyone who comes across this thread, you won’t find this method in the factory manual and is in my experience unwise. Spend the few dollars and buy a universal seal puller.

Mon Apr 08, 2024 5:11 pm

This is why I posted this, a word of warning of sorts.

I think it should be okay, it looks like it missed anything vital. I will clean up any burrs and whatnot. Just kinda mad xD

Didnt scratch the seal surface at all though haha

Mon Apr 08, 2024 9:55 pm

Heat it before prying

Mon Apr 08, 2024 10:07 pm

Punch mark the adjusting nut so you can get it back right where it started, and then unscrew the nut and remove it. This way you can knock the seal out from the back side.

When using the screw method, you want to drill the hole(s) right next to the outer edge of the seal, just so the screw goes through the metal part of the seal but doesn't score the recess for the seal up. Always use a sharp punch to center the hole.

Tue Apr 09, 2024 5:06 am

an $8 Harbor Freight seal puller works fine for this.... those double-beaked T handled things. or splurge and get the Lisle brand for $12.