I bought a Valeo clutch and based on numerous recommendations I am planning on replacing the rear main seal while I have it apart.
Does anyone have any brand recommendations? Stick with OEM at $40? Are any of the other brands worth buying? Fel-Pro is $10 on Amazon.
I realize that with the money I spent on the clutch and the time it's going to take me $20 or $ $30 isn't that much, but I hate spending money I don't have to.

 

What's you time worth? When compared to a Civic, removing the transmission in a MINI is a Cat-5 massive PITA.

 

Stick with OEM. It's not something you want to have to do again.

 

I went with OEM. The original had 110K no leaks! I put a OEM original in again.

 

go oem, it's only a few dollars more
$18.95 vs $26
http://www.waymotorworks.com/search....=search&page=1

When I did mine I didn't have one ordered in time so went with fel-pro from my local parts store. The first one didn't fit! Thought it was me and tried for about 10 minutes to get it in. The second one looked completely different (same part number) and fit great. It took about 10 second to push in. It doesn't leak oil and I'm not really worried about it but next time I do a big job I'll wait for the oem parts.

 

No issue here with the VR or genuine MINI one. This is the larger one near the transmission side. 11111492244

https://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11111492244/

 

11111492244 seal Genuine or Victor Reinz have good reviews at that link. I'd stick to those options.

 

Thanks for the feedback. This is something I don't want to do more than once. I was considering the Victor Reinz because I can get it on Amazon Prime.

 

Welcome.

 

I'm replacing my clutch as well, and I am inclined to replace the rear main seal as a precaution. There's not one write-up anywhere on the forum, and the Bentley manual calls for some obscure MINI special tools that are a one-time use item. What is an alternative method of replacing the new seal without the use of those special tools? Soft punch and mallet?

 

be very careful to make sure it seats properly or you'll have some serious issues. Some have damaged the seal and we're stuck waiting for another seal.

 

Pry the old one out with a screw driver.

I use the old seal on top of the new one to tap it in. Soft hammer works fine too. Absolutely no special tools needed.

I wouldn't use a punch though, you might put a hole in it.

Also most of the local part stores stock the seal in case you screw it up,.

 

I recently did my clutch and used the Fel-Pro seal and an oil pan gasket. Have used lots of Fel-Pro products through the years w/ small block Mopars w/ no problems. Tapped the seal in carefully and slowly w/ a small rubber mallet. If you check out ModMinis videos on YouTube you can see it done. Easy, just take your time.

 

Cool another mopar guy, I mostly dealt with 440 stuff though. I think everyone of mine, and all my friends big blocks still leaked oil even after new seals were put in lol.

Fel pro is fine, I just happened to get one that didn't fit.

 

I meant a drift, not punch. Sorry for the mixup. Thanks for the suggestion, that really helps. I know I'm not one of the R50-3 crowd, but there's few threads on here covering this topic.