Thread: 300tdi rear main seal question

Originally Posted by Andy130

Hi Guys,

I pulled the rear main seal off today, to find that there was no gasket behind it, and it had been installed with RTX silicone or similar. ( it was not leaking into the bellhousing, but it was leaking to the rear, where the RTX had been applied)

Interested to know if this is an acceptable way to install this seal?

I've got the replacement seal and gasket ready to go on - I'm wondering if there should be a smear of gasket sealant on this gasket first- there is no reference to applying sealant to it in the manual, so thought I would put this to the brains trust. I do have both spray hylomar and RTX here - and Im tempted to apply the hylomar - opinions welcome.

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Our resident LR guru JC recommends not to use any sealant when fitting a rear main seal.

I used sealant but no gasket on the rear main without issue so far, 20K klm.
I also drilled out the bolt holes a little, so the actual oil seal determines the location of the oil seal housing and not the bolt holes.
Read it on here somewhere and seems to make sense.

Gaskets are just that a gasket, designed for the purpose, so they should not need interfering with by adding goop.

Originally Posted by Roverlord off road spares

Gaskets are just that a gasket, designed for the purpose, so they should not need interfering with by adding goop.

Ok thanks. Other gaskets have required ' goop' during the rebuild - like the axle flanges and diff cover on the sals for example ( hylomar) - so its a rookie question from me, but this is my first defender rebuild and I'm cautious as the rear main seal is something i hope to do only once on this project

Also guys - should the rear main be fitted dry, oiled or greased?

No reference to that all in the manual.

fit dry and do not touch the seal.
Some special coating is pre applied.
Leave the plastic protector on and push the seal into place.

Originally Posted by jboot51

fit dry and do not touch the seal.
Some special coating is pre applied.
Leave the plastic protector on and push the seal into place.

great,thanks mate. i'm good to go now, i'll get that done tomorrow.

And don't overtighten the lower 2 bolts on the seal carrier. This WILL lead to distortion of the lower edge.

Jc