The rear main seal in Porsche is a seal situated at the rear end of the engine, between the transmission and the engine. The primary function of this seal is to keep the engine oil contained within the engine. Damages in the rear main seal have two serious primary consequences in the Porsche vehicle;

• When the engine oil leaks outside through RMS damage, the oil level drops in the vehicle. This directly causes engine component friction and overheating, which progresses to become fatal engine damage.
• In manual transmission vehicles, the engine oil splatters onto the transmission module and saturates the clutch disk, making it slippery. This causes the disc to slip and fails to engage at the correct time.

On top of these impacts, the damage also causes oil to leak outside and damage the environment, as well as damage the resale value of the Porsche.

Master Mechanics Auto Repair in Kalamazoo provides full auto repair and services, including RMS damage repair, for European models like Porsche. Here is what you, as a Porsche owner, should know about the RMS seal damage, its warning signs, and its repair, so that at the time of need, you can take an informed decision regarding your Porsche.

Signs of RMS Damage in Porsche

Upon damage to the rear main seal, the Porsche shows several malfunction signs that point towards an oil leak in the vehicle. These include;

Oil Puddle Under the Car Frame

This is the most indicative sign of an oil leak in the Porsche. A patch of dark, slick engine oil on the ground directly under the area where the engine meets the transmission can be seen. It starts as a few small drips at first, but progresses to a noticeable puddle.

A “Weeping” Undercarriage

The area around the bell housing, where the transmission is bolted to the engine, appears wet. This dampness attracts road grime, creating a dark, greasy buildup.

A Burning Oil Smell

When the leaking oil drips onto nearby hot exhaust components, it burns and vaporizes and produces a distinct, acrid burning smell, especially at a stop after a long drive.

Consistently Low Oil Levels

When the oil is continuously leaking, the oil level is obviously going to drop. Thus, you have to top off your engine oil more frequently than usual. Without any other visible leaks, the RMS damage could be the culprit.

Solution for Rear Main Seal Leak

Although the rear main seal is not that much of an expensive repair, the labor required to access the seal is quite substantial. That’s why substantial diagnosis and other component services are often done while the RMS is being repaired.

Professional Inspection

When you see leak signs in the Porsche, you suspect a leak. The first step of the solution is a thorough inspection by a trained mechanic experienced with Porsche engines. Leak tests include UV dye test, smoke test, and are conducted to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.

Repair Processes

The repair involves separating the transmission from the engine, or for some Porsches, it is the removal of the entire drivetrain. The old seal is carefully extracted, and the crankshaft surface is thoroughly cleaned and inspected. A new, updated seal is installed, ensuring perfect alignment and depth.

Other Component Inspection

As there is an extensive removal involved, many components that are situated surrounding the RMS are inspected and repaired if needed. These include;

• Clutch Replacement: Replace the clutch, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing, even if they aren’t completely worn out, during RMS damage repair.
• Air-Oil Separator (AOS): Often, a faulty AOS is the root cause of the RMS leak. Replace it with mandatory preventative maintenance.
• IMS Bearing: For Porsches with the M96/M97 engine, this is the right time to replace the Intermediate Shaft (IMS) bearing with an upgraded solution.

RMS Leak Repair at Master Mechanics Auto Repairs in Kalamazoo

At Master Mechanics Auto Repair, we provide full auto services, including leak repair and RMS seal damage repair, by the ASE-certified master mechanics we employ. Our facility has more than 20 years of experience, and in the Kalamazoo area, we serve a vast array of brands that include European, Domestic, and Asian import brands.

Our facility uses high-quality, genuine parts and components for all our repairs. We ensure your vehicle gets brand-approved fluids for all the fluid services. Operating from Kalamazoo, we also extend our services to the surrounding cities, including Battle Creek and Portage.