1995 Mazda 626 Rear Main Seal Leak

MAZDA
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ADU
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An oil leak diagnostic test done at a popular mechanic shop has revealed a leak at the rear main seal.
The mechanic shop recommends replacing the seal, the cost of which is $500.
Is this a DIY activity?
Are there any alternative solutions to this problem like oil additives which stop leaks? If yes how effective are they?

Thanks,
adu
Jan 4, 2007 at 11:46 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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You may have to pull the tranny to get to it, are you capable?

If you figure a seal is $20.00 and the rest is tax and labor, that puts it about 6 hours to do the job for a pro. That's quite a few snicker bars :)

D-I-Y is purely specific to the individual.

Don't use an additive that plugs leaks or you''ll plug more than a leak.
Jan 4, 2007 at 12:40 PM
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COSMO
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What engine and vehicle is it that you have. The answer may lay in the information you give me.

Cosmo...Mazda TEch
Jan 4, 2007 at 12:54 PM
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ADU
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Mazda 626 V6 - 1995
136000 miles.

I chk the oil levels even more regularly now.
I am not losing oil significantly.
How long can I live with this problem safely?
What other problems could this lead to?

Thanks,
adu
Jan 4, 2007 at 1:54 PM

Suggested Repair

Replace the rear main seal; access typically requires removing the transmission, so most of the cost is labor. Do not use leak-plugging oil additives. Attempt it yourself only if you can handle transmission removal.

Conversation Summary

A 1995 Mazda 626 V6 with 136,000 miles was diagnosed with a rear main seal oil leak, and a shop quoted about $500 to replace the seal. An expert said the transmission usually must be removed, DIY depends on the owner's ability, and leak-plugging additives should not be used. The owner said oil loss is not significant and asked how long the leak can safely be left and what further problems it could cause, but those questions were not answered.

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