Hi everyone,

I'm six hours into my rear main seal replacement and I cannot put a socket onto the very back two bolts of the oil pan because there is a rubber strip on either side of the bolts. Its in between the flex plate and the back of the oil pan.

Could anyone please tell me how I could get this piece of rubber off?

 

I had to hammer a socket on there. These usually break off and need to be replaced when removing the oil pan.

Edit: just curious what have you been doing up until now? Sholdnt of took 6 hours to get to this point LOL

 

Hahaha was working on and off today but thank you very much I'll try that!

 

No problem! I also replaced those bolts with allen key head bolts,
So if they ever need to be removed again, its easier and dont have to buy that rubber piece again.
Just an idea

 

Thanks a lot! I'll post here and let you guys know how it goes!

 

That's interesting all the ones I have done have a metal strap that goes end to end and you gotta take off the inspection cover anyways it usually gets hooked on the pan.

 

never seen the rubber piece, all 4 of my 4.0s had the metal strap. maybe remover the flexplate cover to gain a little more access?

 

Thanks for the input everyone! Finished up my RMS Thursday night.

I couldn't hit a socket onto the bolts so i ended up sharpening a screwdriver and cutting off the end pieces. Worked better than a chisel!

 

George,

Love your humor:
Engine: V12 Dual Turbos,
Misc Accessories: Rubber Ducky

Works for me.

 

Hahaha thanks!