I am doing a timing chain job on my 2007 R56 S - and I see a reference to a special mini tool to seat the front crank seal... pretty expensive tool!!! What does everyone else do/use to install and seat the seal? Thanks!

 

It seems that this person has made a clone (if this is what you are describing). If you have a friend with a 3d printer they can print it out for you. (Or if you are willing to pay postage and a few bucks for beer money I could print one)

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1457074

 

I used the 2" PVC fitting method to install the seal. No leak or seepage in 2000 miles.

 

changed mine and cleaned up that side of the engine while car was up on jack stands (waiting on clutch parts) it had been leaking a while.
the tool is probably nice as it pushes the whole seal in at the same time, but i just rolled the inside of it enough to get it over the crank by hand- inner seal holds its shape but "springy" enough to form tightly.
outside - the race it goes into is beveled so it's pretty easy to get the whole seal started straight then i just worked in slowly with an old pushrod till it was clear of the bevel . not sure if the tool sets it at a proper depth or not didn't really seem to be any placement that would benefit

 

Take the seal to Home Depot and find the correct size PVC then buy an end cap to fit that PVC piece so you can tap in the seal.

 

That is what I bought! Not paying 160 for the mini tool - already spent a bunch on all the other special tools needed for the Timing chain replacement.... It would not be that hard to put stop tabs on the outside of the PVC coupling to achieve the correct depth.... should be easy to measure the original depth.

 

Just record the depth before starting and slowly tap it in until correct. Don’t go too far - you will be sorry. Ha.

Same method applies for rear main seal.

The transmission shaft seal for a manual however - won’t work.

 

^^ you can make your own tool. Follow this as a guide.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...st-post-2.html