Camshaft seals; replace during timing belt change?

[wizard124]

I will be doing the timing belt change soon. Can you pull and replace the cam seals during this job with the cam wheels removed?

[dmwhiteoak]

Yes you can. I did not replace my cam shaft seals last year when I changed my belt because they were not leaking. Two months later I wished I had. I hear it is not that bad of a job.

[vandor]

You just have to be sure to be able to keep the camwheel from turning when undoing and then installing its bolt. An impact wrench makes this job a lot easier.

[wizard124]

Thanks! It looks like it is doable with the wheels removed. My manual only describes the process with everything dis-assembled.

I am thinking a couple of sheetmetal screws into the seal will give me the ability to pry them out past the cam ends.

[131]

I am thinking a couple of sheetmetal screws into the seal will give me the ability to pry them out past the cam ends.

Push a flat blade screwdriver through the seal at the edge of the metal and pry it out, being careful not to damage the cam surface where the seal runs. May as well do the aux. shaft seal while you're at it.

[spider2081]

Be sure not to mix up the cam wheels. The exhaust and intake cam timing marks make the wheels exhaust or intake only.

I use the sheet metal screw method and tighten the screw till it pushes the seal out a little Then pull on the screw with pliers. Seal pops right out.