Campbell Jeeps - 4.0L Rear Main Seal

The 4.0L has a reputation for being an incredible engine. I would be one of the people who believe in how dependable, simple, and powerful it truly is. The 4.0L is also notoriously known for an oil leak from the rear main seal. I don't have many pictures of the process when I completed this repair on my TJ, because I have done so many, I didn't think to stop and take pictures. I will add more the next rear main that I complete.

You'll need:

Basic hand tools
Torque Wrench
Oil catch pan
6 qts oil
1 oil filter
Oil pan gasket
Rear Main Seal

The is where one piece of the two-piece rear main seal is found; the rear main bearing cap.

Once the rear main bearing cap is removed, you will have access to the upper piece of the seal. You'll want to use a screwdriver (a flat-ended punch works best) and a hammer to gently tap the seal on one side to begin removing the seal.

Once enough of the seal is exposed, grab a pair of needle nosed pliers to carefully remove the seal.

Once you have removed the seal, install the new seal carefully trying not to "force" it back in place. Be sure the new seal's lip faces the same direction the old one came out, or you'll be doing this over again. The main bearing cap gets tightened to 80ft/lbs.