Any body experienced rear engine seal leaks? Mine leaked in 2016 about 50k miles. I had it replaced by my trusted mechanic who has a shop. He is factory trained mechanic. It lasted 7 years. Now leaking again, 72k miles.
I kept the seal the first time replaced. The seal itself appears undamaged. Still supple. This leak seems to be a slow seep mode. I have other cars older than this, more miles, no rear seal leaks.( 2005Toyota Corolla, 2003GMC Envoy, 96 Impala SS). I am thinking that it is just an annoyance issue so ignore it unless it gets worse. The leak is not even showing on the oil dipstick level between oil changes. Any thoughts to share? this is an expensive job. Cost almost $1000.

 

You might have too much crankshaft play to keep a rear seal intact or a scratch or scuff in the crankshaft at the sealing surface. I'd leave it until you need to do other engine or transmission work. Then the issue can be assessed and dealt with.

 

on my BMW bike rear main seal is a common failure (straight on to the dry clutch) even on a old 2007 model year, heard a lot of experts telling how you must NOT lube the seal - it MUST be fitted dry - didn't believe a word of it - looked it up and indeed IF you lube the lip seal or the crank to help it fit / have an easy start in life - this action causes it to fail !!!!

 

Thanks.

 

where did you find this info? thanks.

 

Another possibility is transmission leak (transmission shaft seal or transmission pump oring)

 

who's point did u want more info on
PTFE:

• PTFE seals come with a plastic sleeve/installation tool on the inside bore of the seal. This is to keep the sealing area stretched so the seal can fit over the crankshaft.
• Leave the sleeve in place until the seal is installed.
• Install the seal DRY at the crank sealing surface area; no engine oil is required.
• A light coat of oil may be applied to the Outside of the seal to help with installation.
• Some Fel-Pro PTFE seals may come with a pre-applied lube – leave this in place.
• Once the seal is installed, the PTFE lip of the seal will “relax” and conform to the crankshaft after the installation sleeve is removed.

on The BM I refer too, apparently, alongside fitting it dry - you must once you removed the sleeve, WAIT 24hrs before running up the engine for the seal to relax on to the crank correctly

 

You're not even comparing the same brand/car/model/engine so not a good comparison.

I had to do a rear main seal replacement on my 2011 S550 4Matic when I purchased it (Had 247k km/154k miles). Same on my 2 other Benzes (Different engine - OM642 Diesel). 2014 ML350 Bluetec - leaking rear main seal at 135k km / 84k miles and same with my 2015 GL350 Bluetec - leaking rear main seal at 137k km (85k miles). I'm guessing it's a Benz issue because typically rear main seals on other brands last about 10 years / 200k km / 125k miles.