I thought is would share the replacement of the front crankshaft seal. The front crankshaft seal is located behind the harmonic balancer. The use of the specialty tool designed to install the seal evenly and to the exact depth makes this an easy operation. I am sure the seal could be installed with out the tool however I have read the depth of the seal id important. Most likely the depth could be measure with a veneer caliper before removing the old seal and then use that to get the new seal close. I elected to use the specialty tool and it works very nicely.



The tool is two parts the inner part mounts to the crankshaft using the bolt holes the harmonic balancer uses.



place the new seal on the inner part of the tool and then mount to the crankshaft







Then use the outer part of the tool to push the seal in place. Rotate the nut on the top of the tool until the outer collar is full seated to the engine block. The seal is now installed to the proper depth.

 

you can clearly see the location of the plastic block seals being discussed in a different thread.

 

Got a link to that thread?

Also, how much did that tool run / where did you get it / got link?

I will probably never have to go near this thing, but the one time I did, I replaced the balancer without replacing the seal and -- out of an abundance of caution -- wound up having the shop replace the seal when I circled back for a water pump upgrade. Links would definitely give me a more precision sense of DIY options.

 

Kommen Tools OEM Ref 118 800 (0496127) $80.00

Front Crank Seal Installer Compatible for BMW B38, B48, B48B, B47D, B57, B58 (118 800)