This procedure involves removing the transmission to access and replace the rear main crankshaft seal, which prevents engine oil leakage at the crankshaft-to-transmission interface.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear main crankshaft seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (Toyota FIPG) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil — 5 qt
• Toyota WS ATF — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system deactivation
3. Raise and securely support vehicle on jack stands at all four corners
4. Install engine support fixture across engine bay or attach engine hoist with load leveler
5. Remove engine splash shields and undercovers
6. Drain engine oil completely using oil drain pan
7. Mark driveshaft-to-differential orientation for reinstallation alignment

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove exhaust system front section
   Disconnect oxygen sensor electrical connectors. Remove exhaust manifold-to-front pipe fasteners and separate exhaust system. Support and lower front exhaust section to provide clearance for transmission removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect transmission electrical and fluid connections
   Disconnect all transmission electrical connectors including shift solenoids, speed sensors, and range switch. Disconnect transmission cooler lines at transmission and plug openings to prevent fluid loss. Remove dipstick tube if equipped.
   ⚠ATF may still drain from cooler lines despite draining pan. Have additional containment ready.
3. 3

   Remove driveshaft and starter
   Remove four driveshaft-to-differential flange bolts. Support and lower driveshaft, sliding it rearward out of transmission. Remove starter motor mounting bolts and position starter aside with wiring attached.
   ℹ️Keep driveshaft alignment marks visible for reassembly to maintain balance.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect shift linkage and transmission mounts
   Disconnect shift cable from transmission lever and remove cable bracket. Remove rear transmission mount through-bolt and crossmember mounting bolts. Lower crossmember slightly while supporting transmission weight with transmission jack.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove transmission-to-engine mounting bolts
   Position transmission jack securely under transmission pan with adequate contact area. Remove all transmission-to-engine bellhousing bolts, working from top and bottom access points. Verify all electrical connections and mechanical attachments are disconnected.
   ⚠️Transmission weighs approximately 200 lbs. Ensure jack is secure and have assistant help guide during separation.
   Torque spec

   Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Separate and remove transmission
   Carefully pull transmission rearward ensuring torque converter remains fully seated in transmission. Move transmission straight back to clear engine dowel pins and lower assembly from vehicle. Inspect torque converter hub seal for damage.
   ⚠Do not allow transmission to hang on input shaft. Support weight completely during separation.
7. 7

   Remove flexplate and inspect crankshaft flange
   Mark flexplate-to-crankshaft orientation with paint marker. Use flywheel holding tool or wedge to prevent crankshaft rotation. Remove all flexplate bolts in cross pattern. Lift flexplate from crankshaft and inspect for cracks or heat damage. Clean crankshaft flange thoroughly with brake cleaner.
   Torque spec

   Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove rear main seal housing
   Remove all rear main seal housing bolts working in cross pattern. Carefully pry housing away from engine block using plastic pry points if provided. Do not pry against sealing surfaces. Remove housing and old gasket material completely.
   ⚠Housing sealing surface must remain perfectly flat. Any damage will cause oil leaks.
   Torque spec

   Rear Main Seal Housing12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove old seal and prepare surfaces
   Using seal pick or pry tool, carefully extract old rear main seal from housing. Clean all old RTV sealant from housing and engine block mating surfaces using plastic scraper. Wipe surfaces with brake cleaner and lint-free cloth. Inspect crankshaft sealing surface for grooves or damage.
10. 10

    Install new rear main seal
    Lightly lubricate new seal lip with clean engine oil. Position seal squarely in housing bore with spring side facing engine. Using appropriately sized seal driver or large socket, tap seal evenly into housing until fully seated and flush with housing surface. Verify seal is not cocked or damaged.
    ⚠Seal must enter housing perfectly square. Cocked installation will cause immediate oil leak and require repeat procedure.
11. 11

    Apply sealant and install seal housing
    Apply thin continuous bead of Toyota FIPG or equivalent RTV sealant to housing mating surface following manufacturer pattern. Install housing to engine block within 3 minutes of sealant application. Install all bolts finger-tight, then torque in cross pattern starting from center bolts working outward.
    ℹ️Sealant must not cure before housing installation. Work quickly and have all components ready.
    Torque spec

    Rear Main Seal Housing12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install flexplate and transmission
    Align flexplate to crankshaft using orientation marks made during disassembly. Install flexplate bolts and torque in star pattern. Position transmission on jack and raise into position. Align torque converter to flexplate and slide transmission forward onto dowel pins. Install and torque all transmission-to-engine bolts.
    ℹ️Ensure torque converter is fully seated in transmission pump before mating transmission to engine. Hub should be recessed approximately 1 inch from bellhousing face.
    Torque spec

    Flexplate Bolts85 Nm (63 lb-ft)

    Transmission-to-Engine Bolts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install transmission crossmember and torque mount bolts to specification
2. Reconnect shift cable and adjust if necessary per service manual procedure
3. Install starter motor and torque mounting bolts
4. Install driveshaft aligning marks made during removal and torque flange bolts
5. Reconnect all transmission electrical connectors and cooler lines
6. Install exhaust front section with new gaskets if needed
7. Install engine splash shields and undercovers
8. Remove engine support fixture
9. Install oil drain plug with new crush washer and torque to specification
10. Fill engine with correct amount and grade of engine oil
11. Fill transmission with Toyota WS ATF to correct level
12. Reconnect negative battery terminal

Verification

• Start engine and verify no oil leaks from rear main seal area while observing from underneath
• Check transmission fluid level with engine at operating temperature and adjust as needed
• Test drive vehicle through all gears verifying smooth operation
• After test drive, recheck oil and transmission fluid levels and inspect for leaks
• Allow engine to idle for 15 minutes and perform final leak inspection of seal housing area

More procedures for this vehicle