Replace the front crankshaft main seal by removing the timing cover and harmonic balancer, requiring timing chain alignment and precise torque procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front crankshaft main seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (anaerobic type) × 1 — Hyundai genuine or equivalent

Fluids

• Hyundai Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt
• Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool before starting work
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 3 minutes for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on clip attachments
4. Drain engine oil completely and replace drain plug with new crush washer
5. Drain coolant from radiator drain valve into appropriate container
6. Remove front splash shield and undercover panels
7. Remove drive belt by rotating tensioner counterclockwise
8. Support engine from above using engine support fixture or from below with floor jack and wood block on oil pan

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove right side engine mount
   Remove the right side engine mount assembly to access the timing cover area. First remove the upper mounting bolts from the engine mount bracket, then remove the lower mounting bolts securing the mount to the frame. Carefully support the engine weight as the mount is removed.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove crankshaft pulley bolt
   Lock the crankshaft using a suitable holding tool or by placing the transmission in gear (manual) or Park (automatic). Use a breaker bar or impact wrench to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt (turning counterclockwise). This bolt is torqued to 180 Nm and may be a torque-to-yield (TTY) fastener requiring replacement.
   ⚠Do not use the starter motor to hold crankshaft. Use proper holding tools only.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove harmonic balancer
   Install a harmonic balancer puller onto the crankshaft pulley hub. Tighten the puller evenly to draw the balancer off the crankshaft. Do not use a jaw-type puller that grips the outer edge, as this will damage the balancer. Once removed, inspect the balancer for wear or damage.
   ⚠Never strike the harmonic balancer with a hammer. Use only a proper puller to avoid crankshaft damage.
   Torque spec

   Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect necessary hoses and wiring
   Disconnect the crankshaft position sensor electrical connector. Remove any coolant hoses attached to the timing cover (typically water pump bypass). Disconnect any wiring harness brackets attached to the timing cover. Label all connections for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove timing cover bolts
   Remove all timing cover bolts in reverse of the tightening sequence. There are two sizes: 10mm head bolts and 8mm head bolts. Keep them organized separately. Remove the front section of the oil pan bolts where they meet the timing cover (lower section only). Carefully separate the timing cover from the engine block.
   ℹ️Timing cover may be sealed with RTV. Use a plastic scraper to carefully separate if needed.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

   Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Verify timing alignment before proceeding
   Before disturbing anything further, verify that the timing marks are visible and note their positions. The crankshaft should be at TDC (top dead center) for cylinder #1. Install timing pins if available to lock the camshafts and crankshaft in position. Take photos for reference.
   ⚠️Do not rotate the crankshaft or camshafts from this point. Loss of timing position can result in valve damage.
7. 7

   Remove old front main seal
   Using a seal puller or carefully with a pry bar, remove the old front crankshaft seal from the timing cover or engine block (depending on design). Pry evenly around the seal to avoid damaging the bore. Clean the seal bore thoroughly with brake cleaner and inspect for any damage or scoring.
   ⚠Do not damage the seal bore surface. Any scratches or gouges will cause the new seal to leak.
8. 8

   Install new front main seal
   Lightly coat the new seal outer diameter and lip with clean engine oil. Position the seal squarely in the bore with the lip facing inward toward the engine. Using a crankshaft seal installation tool of the correct diameter, drive the seal in evenly until it is flush with the timing cover surface or seats against the stop in the bore. Ensure the seal is not cocked or damaged during installation.
   ⚠Use only a proper seal driver. Uneven installation will cause immediate leakage.
9. 9

   Clean and prepare timing cover mating surfaces
   Thoroughly clean all gasket surfaces on both the timing cover and engine block using a plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Remove all old gasket material and RTV residue. Ensure surfaces are completely dry before proceeding. Clean the crankshaft nose and harmonic balancer bore.
10. 10

    Apply RTV and install timing cover gasket
    Install the new timing cover gasket onto the engine block, aligning all bolt holes. Apply a small bead of RTV silicone sealant at the points where the timing cover meets the oil pan and cylinder head. Apply RTV to both sides of the gasket per manufacturer specifications. Work quickly as RTV begins to cure immediately.
    ℹ️Install timing cover within 5 minutes of applying RTV to ensure proper seal.
    Torque spec

    Gasket Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install timing cover
    Carefully position the timing cover onto the engine block, ensuring the crankshaft nose passes through the new seal without damaging the seal lip. Align all bolt holes. Hand-thread all timing cover bolts before tightening any. Install the front oil pan bolts where they intersect with the timing cover.
    Torque spec

    Oil Pan Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque timing cover bolts in sequence
    Tighten the timing cover bolts in the proper sequence (typically starting from the center and working outward in a crisscross pattern). Torque the 10mm bolts to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft) and the 8mm bolts to 25 Nm (18 lb-ft). Reconnect all sensors, hoses, and wiring harness brackets removed earlier.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

    Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install harmonic balancer and pulley
    Clean the crankshaft nose and harmonic balancer bore with brake cleaner. Lightly oil the crankshaft nose. Slide the harmonic balancer onto the crankshaft, aligning the keyway. Install the crankshaft bolt and washer. Torque the harmonic balancer bolt to 180 Nm (133 lb-ft). If this is a TTY bolt per service manual, replace with new and follow specific tightening procedure.
    ⚠Verify if bolt is torque-to-yield (TTY) type. TTY bolts must be replaced and may require additional angle torque.
    Torque spec

    Harmonic Balancer Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall engine mount and accessories
    Reinstall the right side engine mount assembly. Torque mounting bolts to their specified values (27 Nm for smaller bolts, 47 Nm for larger bolts). Remove engine support fixture. Reinstall the drive belt by rotating the tensioner and routing the belt per the underhood diagram. Reinstall all covers and shields.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts27 Nm (20 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Refill engine with 5.0 quarts of Hyundai Genuine 0W-20 engine oil and new filter
2. Refill cooling system with Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) to proper level
3. Reconnect negative battery cable
4. Start engine and verify no oil or coolant leaks from timing cover area
5. Allow engine to reach operating temperature and recheck fluid levels
6. Check for proper engine operation and any unusual noises
7. Reset any maintenance reminders or fault codes if necessary

Verification

• Visually inspect the timing cover and front main seal area for any oil leakage with engine running
• Check for coolant leaks around timing cover water passages
• Verify engine oil level is correct on dipstick after running engine
• Confirm no abnormal vibrations or noises from front of engine
• Monitor for leaks over the first 100 miles of driving
• Verify crankshaft position sensor is functioning properly with no fault codes

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