The rear main seal on my son's 850 is shot. Two questions:

What should he expect to pay to have it replaced? If you have someone reasonable you would recommend in Atlanta that would be even better.

If I decided to do it myself, how long would it take someone who has never done this repair on a front-wheel drive auto? Would it be madness to even try?

Thanks in advance,
John Martin

 

Most places will charge you book time which is about 10Hrs. labor.It is a big job that will take you more than the 10 hrs. because it is your first time.You will need and engine craddle to hold the engine when you remove the subframe.I have done them before and sometimes it is a pain in the butt.If you dont have any experiance with front wheel drive i wouldn't touch it.

 

Have to agree with tech your looking at about 8 - 10 hours if you bring it into a dealership or small garage. I had to do mine in the summer and it really was a PAIN in the BUTT. To get at it you would have to take the transmission out which is a big job. I have to agree with tech if you don't know what your doing then let a garage do it for you. (although you'd be paying near $700 - 800 to get it done not including the seal) Also when you do have the seal out look for any oil around where the seal is. It's a good thing to check. If there is then post that you did.

Good luck with it