Rear Main Seal Tool

[Mark Methods]

Hey Everybody,

Looks like my rear main is leaking a little out the bell housing, I'm hoping I am wrong but I'd rather be prepared before I pull the transmission for an inspection/replacement.

Currently 86k miles, supercharged for about 3k and turbo'd for about 5k currently.

I've been looking for a tool similar to what's available for the EJ motors to press the rear main seal in.

For example:
P&L Motorsports EJ Rear Main Seal Install Tool
ASF Machine Rear Main Seal Installation Tool (EJ)


However Subaru uses the same SST for both the EJ and FA which is what prompts my question. This might be because their tool isn't specialized for one purpose though.

Joe @ ASF mentioned:

The FA is 92x109x8mm

The EJ is 86x103x10mm

I've spoken to each manufacturer and P&L suggested they're working on an FA20 specific unit, ASF didn't mention anything yet other than their current tool probably won't work.

Anyone who has replaced this seal have any words of wisdom?

Thanks,
Mark

[theadmiral976]

I had a quick look at Company23 - no luck either. The Forester and Impreza forums seem to favor using PVC piping and a block of wood since the PVC is made in multiple ODs and relatively cheap.

That said, the one time I've seen it done in person it was by using a rubber mallet and a bit of prayer and luck. I'd probably go for PVC or some other plumbing related flange if I did it to my own car.

[theadmiral976]

Also, I think that all of the cars listed online as using that part have at least some sub-models that contain either the FA or FB engine. The F-series blocks should all be similar compared to the EJ block.

[Mark Methods]

Originally Posted by theadmiral976

I had a quick look at Company23 - no luck either. The Forester and Impreza forums seem to favor using PVC piping and a block of wood since the PVC is made in multiple ODs and relatively cheap.

That said, the one time I've seen it done in person it was by using a rubber mallet and a bit of prayer and luck. I'd probably go for PVC or some other plumbing related flange if I did it to my own car.

Originally Posted by theadmiral976

Also, I think that all of the cars listed online as using that part have at least some sub-models that contain either the FA or FB engine. The F-series blocks should all be similar compared to the EJ block.

This is my conclusion so far also, maybe I can persuade one of these vendors to have me beta test a new product.

[theadmiral976]

Originally Posted by Mark Methods

This is my conclusion so far also, maybe I can persuade one of these vendors to have me beta test a new product.

If you're adamant on using the SST, you can see if any of these are the correct tool. I don't have the full BRZ service manual handy so I'm not sure what tool part number is required for the FA20 rear main. But there appear to be a few good candidates on this list...

https://subaru.service-solutions.com...=2&search=Seal

[Mark Methods]

Originally Posted by theadmiral976

If you're adamant on using the SST, you can see if any of these are the correct tool. I don't have the full BRZ service manual handy so I'm not sure what tool part number is required for the FA20 rear main. But there appear to be a few good candidates on this list...

https://subaru.service-solutions.com...=2&search=Seal

From the Subaru manual SST18671AA020, 18657AA030:



From the Toyota/Scion Manual SST: 09223-15030, 09950-70010, 09951-07150:


I might order an aftermarket Toyota SST kit or go with the PVC route; looks like it has additional tools which may come in handy if nobody sells just a seal tool for the FA20.

I compared the WRX and BRZ part numbers to be the same but they are different sizes according to two aftermarket tool suppliers (EJ VS FA) which is an unexplained mystery to me. The Toyota rear main seal part number appears to be SU003-02181. I've already ordered the Subaru compatible part number 80679201 and might order the Toyota part to compare and verify they are the same.

[theadmiral976]

Originally Posted by Mark Methods

From the Subaru manual SST18671AA020, 18657AA030:



From the Toyota/Scion Manual SST: 09223-15030, 09950-70010, 09951-07150:


I might order an aftermarket Toyota SST kit or go with the PVC route; looks like it has additional tools which may come in handy if nobody sells just a seal tool for the FA20.

I compared the WRX and BRZ part numbers to be the same but they are different sizes according to two aftermarket tool suppliers (EJ VS FA) which is an unexplained mystery to me. The Toyota rear main seal part number appears to be SU003-02181. I've already ordered the Subaru compatible part number 80679201 and might order the Toyota part to compare and verify they are the same.

Here is the guide https://subaru.service-solutions.com...l.aspx?id=1306 (around $40 USD)

And here is the driver https://subaru.service-solutions.com...l.aspx?id=1305 (around $100 USD)

Not too terrible of a price for a specialty tool set. They really rip you off if you want the fuel pump ring installer - that ridiculous thing is a couple hundred for what amounts to a slightly enlarged oil filter wrench.

[Mark Methods]

Originally Posted by theadmiral976

Here is the guide https://subaru.service-solutions.com...l.aspx?id=1306 (around $40 USD)

And here is the driver https://subaru.service-solutions.com...l.aspx?id=1305 (around $100 USD)

Not too terrible of a price for a specialty tool set. They really rip you off if you want the fuel pump ring installer - that ridiculous thing is a couple hundred for what amounts to a slightly enlarged oil filter wrench.

That is certainly an option.

I found one aftermarket manufacturer that describes their seal size which is accurate to what I was told by Joe @ ASF.

For the FA20:
SKF 36315A
Shaft Diameter 92 mm
Bore Diameter 109.5 mm
Outer Diameter 109.7 mm
Width 8.5 mm
Construction Type HMSA7





I will have to think on which tool set I'll order.


This generic one has the Toyota SST and will hold the crank which is nice.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/Master-Engi...AAAOSwXJhcvjzw


Thanks,
Mark

[B T]

Have you tried that kit yourself?

[YamahaR86]

I think some autoparts stores have the tool for rental.