Thread: oil leaks -crankshaft oil seal -front; + front axle

I have recently been looking into replacing my front crank oil seal after a persistent slight oil leak from the front became worse.
Seems like its easy once you have got the bolt on the pulley undone. The pulley should then just wiggle off and the seal is easy to remove and replace. I was advised to get a socket and long bar on the bolt, get the bar wedged against the chassis and turn the motor over with the starter trying not to let the engine fire. If it did fire not the end of the world as the bolt would just spin out. Not sure if I fancy the technique but I would remove the fan and rad to give room and more importantly get them out of harms way. Also look for leaks from the cam sensor as there is an o ring there.
I took the fan off so I could get a better look for the leak and found the single bolt holding the valley gasket was just holding in place, completely undone.
After re-tightening no more leak.

Rave recommends 250nm of torque to tension that crank pulley bolt, I got the seal and paid my $50 to get my mechanic to replace it...

Hey Hoges,

Whenever I share a meal with my P38 I try not to look her in the eyes and talk about her little foibles... I figure it's not lying to avoid sharing some of those less important details. I just treat her to a little spa session every now and then down at the preferred repairer!

Funny though, I just had her last oil leak taken care of a fortnight or so ago (pressure switch and seal at $80) and something else appears to be leaking now... wonder if it's one of the same issues you guys have? Will need to have a good look at her again and if so, (at seal plus $50) I might have to "treat" her to another "spa session" again soon.

BTW, given my Mrs near hatred of the "Pretty Pig" these days I tell her virtually nothing about maintenance and $'s required. Even though her Cruiser takes more of the budget for servicing/maintenance, I think she may have a bit of a competition/jealousy thing going on.

I keep borrowing her car because "the truck" is indisposed Mind you the Astra AH hatch is 7 yrs old with less than 50,000km and I keep it humming along in showroom condition...which makes her very happy... I suspect the REAL reason is that the upstairs front room of the house, which opens onto the deck where the cars are parked (we're on a steep hill) serves as my workshop there's a domestic "land rights" discussion brewing something about 'fit for purpose' etc.

What's that old saying... something about possession being 9/10's of the law! Suggest you could also barracade your borders! And maybe set a few booby traps here and there!!!