Repair costs are often difficult to accept and understand. Unless you do all of your own maintenance on your vehicles, you’ve probably been to a garage where you got an estimate on a repair and just had to wonder if they were ripping you off, over charging you or replacing things that really didn’t need to be fixed. Getting a second opinion can be frustrating and driving all over town looking for the repair shop that will give you the best price can be time consuming.
In my experience there can be quite a discrepancy from one mechanic to another in how much a job will cost to fix the problem. There are a few reasons for that. Being a mechanic can be a tough business with a lot of overhead to cover. Consider all the costs that go into having a repair garage.
Costs of running an automotive repair shop:
- Insurance in case you damage a customer’s car
- Very expensive lifts, tools and diagnostic equipment
- Hazardous material disposal
- Building Rent
- Stock inventory of parts for many different makes on model cars
- Current repair manuals and procedures for new vehicles every year
All these different costs go into how much a mechanic has to charge you for repair work, in addition to their time and expertise. To help keep costs down, many garages will only keep on hand certain tools, especially when it comes to large equipment. So before you bring a big job to a garage make sure they have the right tools for the job.
Costs for a Rear Main Seal Leak
In the case of a rear main seal leak, many specialty tools can be required. Often with a rear main seal leak the engine has to be removed from the vehicle to replace the seal. The rear main seal is what seals the crankshaft to the engine block and keeps engine oil from leaking out around the crank. It’s called the rear main seal because it seals the rear of the crank shaft where it bolts to the transmission. In order to properly complete this job a garage would have to have a transmission jack, engine hoist and engine stand. Many garages do not have this equipment on hand, and the ones that do often charge a premium for them.
All of these things put together make replacing a rear main seal a very expensive ordeal that often will leave your vehicle at the repair shop for days or even weeks. If you’ve discovered you need a rear main seal replacement and are trying to determine a fair price for the job, consider finding an online automotive forum specific to your make and model car, for example, http://www.camryforums.com/forum/. Often times these forums will include other people’s experiences with similar repairs to the one you are facing and can help estimate the cost.
Before you go to Google looking for the appropriate forum, try heading to www.gobdp.com and checking out BlueDevil’s line of automotive stop leak products. BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is guaranteed to stop the leak or drip from your rear main seal without the costly repair bill. BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is not a petroleum distillate so it will not destroy or harm your seal. You can add BlueDevil rear main sealer to stop your rear main seal leak and it can safely stay in your engine oil until your next oil change, if not, Blue Devil Oil Stop Leak works great on oil leaks as well.
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BlueDevil Products can be found on Amazon.com or at AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto Parts, NAPA, and other major auto parts retailers.
90 responses to "What Does a Rear Main Seal Leak Cost to Repair?"
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I have a ford f 450 super duty mason dump with a 7.3 Diesel engine…. The rear main seal has a small leak…. About how much should I expect to spend on repairing this problem?
John-
We recommend using 1 bottle of the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. The product retails for around $14.95 and can be purchased locally through AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, O’Reilly Auto, and/or other auto part retailers.
The cost will vary some to have it repaired at a shop. The vehicle year and whgat part of the country you are located on will change the price some but you can expect to pay around $650 – $900.
-BDP
I need for someone to look at an oil leak on my frightliner it’s an 01. My number is 616-881-3999 my name is George please give a call. Thank you
George-
Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we may hopefully be able to assist you.
Thank you!
-BDP
Can you use this blue devil product on a Mercedes Benz c300?
Daniel-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is safe and compatible to use on your Mercedes Benz c300. You should expect to see results after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
My 2002 Chevy suburban has a valve leaking from the rear main seal.. Can you give me an estimate on how much it will cost to repair it, an some much needed advvice.
Gaylon-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy Suburban. Depending on location and a few other factors, rear main seal replacement can range from $800-$1200. If the leak you are experiencing is slight, you can try sealing the leak using the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. You would use one oz. of the product per quart of oil. Expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Will Blue Devil Main Seal create any clogging issues any where else?
Military Mom-
The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer does not harden or thicken in anyway, so it would not clog flow or restrict ports whatsoever.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a rear main seal leak in my 2004G
M.C.5.3engine.How much would it cost to replace?
Jimmie-
The average cost to repair a rear main seal is anywhere from $659-$831, depending on where you live and the shop that does the work.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2010 Tiquan Volkswagen, whit rear main seal leak, can the blue devil sealer seal that leak
Kamau-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is safe and compatible to use on your Volkswagen Tiguan. You should expect to start seeing improvement after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Someone told me my rear main seal needs to be replaced on my 1995 Ford Thunderbird that has 124k on it. But it is not leaking engine oil, it is leaking tranmission fluid. Would that be the rear main seal or what that be something else. The leak is coming from where the tranmission meets the engine. I would put tranmission fluid in and almost instantly the fluid I put in starts to leak immediately
Eddie-
Yes, it can be the rear main seal leaking transmission fluid. We do manufacture the BlueDevil Transmission Sealer but based on your description of the leak it may be too large for what BlueDevil is intended to fix. The only solution may be to have the seal replaced.
Thank You!
-BDP
No the rear main seal can not leak trans fluid. That would be the front seal on the trans
Better better known as the front pump seal.
The rear main seal can not leak trans fluid that would be the front seal on the trans
I have a 2000 vw jetta vr6 auto n i have an oil leak between trans and oilpan. My bro said its problably rear crank seal but cant find any info on how long the job takes cause my mechanic hasnt gotten back to me on the labor cost. He charges 50 an hour n i hope this is a 10hr max job.
Erik-
Another option would be to try the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. This is an additive that we manufacture and it is designed to stop oil leaks exactly like what you are experiencing. The product can be purchased through AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto, Advance Auto Parts, and other local parts retailers.
We hope this helps!
-BDP
Check the hpop fittings, Ford has a kit to repair them .If they are bad, oil can fill the valley of the block and the oil tends to run down the back of the block where it meets the trans
VW Dealer ship tells Mr my crank case main seal is seeping oil and will need to replace main seal 1,956 is what vw is charging. Too much money.
Sheliah-
Based on your description, we would recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak, found here: http://store.gobdp.com/oil-stop-leak-49499/ . You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 1974 vw bug and the rear main seal is leaking . About how would it cost to have it fixed?
David-
In general, the cost to replace a rear main seal, with labor, is between $650 – $900. Another option you could consider is adding a bottle of BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer (http://store.gobdp.com/rear-main-sealer-00234/) to your oil. The product carries a success rate of around 95%. Once it has been added you can expect to start seeing results after about 100 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a grand touring 09 mazda cx7. It is leaking oil and I need to have the rear main seal replaced and the v/c gasket turbo gasket replaced as well. Can i use this product or should I change everything completely? How much will this run me?
MHyppolite-
Thank you for asking about your Mazda Grand Touring. Based on your description, we would recommend using the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. You can expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
IV read your forum about this blue devil sealer for oil but doesn’t that change the consistency of the oil and does it damage the engine
Millicent-
BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer will not change the viscosity of the engine oil. The product works by slightly expanding, reconditioning, and rejuvenating the rubber seals & gaskets within the fluid oil system. The product will not harm the engine in any way.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a rear main seal leak it was pouring out. I put one bottle in and it stopped for the most part, I still see a small leak should I put another bottle in? When I change oil should I continue to put this in. I have a 2002 Ford Explorer with over 200K miles. Thanks for the reply.
Bernice-
Yes, we recommend adding a 2nd bottle of BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. If you will be changing the oil within the next 200 – 300 miles of driving then we recommend waiting until after the oil is changed to add BlueDevil.
Feel free to contact our tech support team at 888-863-0426 with any questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Can I use e Blue Devil Seal on my 2001 Acura MDX that is using Synthetic High Mileage Oil? If I will use the Blue Devil does it have to be put in when I am doing oil change or can I be put in any time. Because my car just started dripping oil a couple of days ago.
Noemi-
BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer does not have to be added to fresh oil. You can add the product now and expect to start seeing results after approximately 100 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi
I am interested in a number of aspects regarding your product – before I go ahead and pour it in willy-nilly.
1) Does it stop oil from finding its way through a “porous” aluminum tappet cover ( I had to get mine welded after it was cracked when it was torqued down incorrectly or perhaps over tightened by an app’y.)
2) Can it or does it soften all the rubber hydraulic oil seals, If so can the seals turn to a mushy jelly?
3) Is there any chemical reaction with the oil or can it change the characteristics of the oil in any way, because If it does is there any deleterious affect I need to know about or watch as some products do have an affect on some of the additives that the oil companies put into their oils to get the best out of an oil eg. the anti foaming agents or the detergents in diesel engine oil etc.
4) Is there anything I need to be careful of such as overdosing etc?
Thanks you
Regards Jeremy
Jeremy-
The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is only intended for rubbers. It would not have any affect on any other type of material or the oil itself. The product works to revitalize and recondition the rubbers in the system and will expand them, or slightly swell them back to their original state. It would not over-swell or over-soften the rubbers. The product does not harden or thicken in any way, so it would not have any adverse affects on the engine. You will be using one oz. of the product per quart of oil in the system. Using too much can over dilute the system, and kind of limit the results you would get. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
It has a major oil leak. constantly leaking from the bottom
Dean-
Based on your description, unfortunately, it sounds like you are losing oil a little too quickly for the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer to be effective. A hard part repair may be your best option.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a Buick Enclave with some amount of rear engine seal leak. If BlueDevil does not work, how many hours of labor for engine R&R to change seal?
TNX
Dakaz-
Thank you for asking about your Buick Enclave. As long as you are not losing oil too quickly, you would be a great candidate for the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer (https://store.gobdp.com/rear-main-sealer-00234/). Typically, it would be about 6-8 labor hours for R&R the rear main seal.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a Trailblazer that I suspect rear mail seal is letting oil get in the transmission because i just change the transmission fluid and two days later it turned darker and transmission started slipping. It’s this possible? And does this product will work sealing this type of leak?
Thank you!
Henry-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy Trailblazer. It is very unlikely that engine oil leaked into your transmission fluid. Please contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 so that we can get a little better understanding of the vehicle’s condition and be able to make any appropriate recommendations.
Thank you!
-BDP
Before I start using your product I have a 89 Chevy picked up C 1500 with a 350 5.7 liter valve seals are leaking causing my truck to smoke Blue Smoke will your product help with this also.
Luke-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy C1500. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak http://store.gobdp.com/oil-stop-leak-49499/. The Oil Stop Leak is a universal application, so it would treat leaking oil pan gaskets, valve cover seals, rear main seals, etc. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi,
Interested in your Rear main seal leak stop product, however, I am trying to find in the product detail the specific vehicles that are compatible with the product, Can i use this to stop leaks of VW or Audi cars? Also, I am living in Canada and I am not quite sure how the product performs in extreme cold temperatures? Our local NAPA doesn’t have this item, but i will try to look and ask again. Thanks.
Marcus-
The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is safe and compatible to use in all gasoline or diesel engines. It is only intended for rubber seals. Ambient temperature would not have any affect on the product. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Thanks BDP, appreciate the quick reply. Unfortunately, I can’t find a store selling this product up here. It would be great if you know an AB retailer, maybe i could give them a phonecall.
Marcus-
The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is available for purchase on our website, http://store.gobdp.com/products/.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2010 VW Tiguan 73000 miles and now it needs a rear main seal (Curse VW and the Dealer that sold it.) If the oil level is just a bit under can I add this product without it going over the full level?
J eggleston-
Thank you for asking about your VW Tiguan. Based on your description, you should be able to safely add the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer (8 oz.) to your oil with it over-filling. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I got a 2003 gmc yukon xl denial. Looks like I have a rear main seal leak not pouing out .What u think
Should I change seal or will blue devil rear main seal work. Do I got to put it in ever oil. Change .
Michael-
Thank you for asking about your GMC Yukon Denali XL. Based on your description, you would be a great candidate for the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer (https://store.gobdp.com/rear-main-sealer-00234/). You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi there,
I’m having oil leaking in my lexus 1999 es300,
I can see small drops everyday under the engine,
The oil appear between the transmission and the engine, I think that’s from the seal between the engine and transmission,
The under my car looks engine oil,
So what do u suggest?
Thanks.
Adel-
Thank you for asking about your Lexus ES300. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak (https://store.gobdp.com/oil-stop-leak-49499/) to help stop the oil loss you are experiencing. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2002 chevy trailblazer I went today and got a oil change and the mechanic told me that I have a rear main sealant leak but it’s small will blue devil sealant work or is it best to go ahead and get it fixed
Ardella-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy Trailblazer. Based on your description, you would be a great candidate for the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer (https://store.gobdp.com/rear-main-sealer-00234/). You should expect to see results in approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
our acura rl 2002 had a rear main seal repair in 2016 at 196000 miles. It is not under warranty any more and it needs to be done again at 212000 miles and I am asking why. Not looking forward to another huge payout. What would cause this to happen again and is there an explanation for this. what at my options Thanks..
Mary-
Thank you for asking about your Acura RL. Unfortunately, over time, rubber seals will start to deteriorate in vehicles that aren’t driven on a daily basis or driven very little. We recommend using the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer to revitalizd and recondition the rubber seal, and hopefully eliminate the necessity to replace the seal yet again.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe with 4.8 liter engine I have a leak where the back of the engine meets the transmission will your product stop my leak or should I just repair the seals on the engine and transmission?
Mario-
Thank you for asking about your Chevrolet Tahoe. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. As long as the leak is not more than a seep or a light drip, you would be a good candidate for the product. You should expect to see results after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2007 Chevy Suburban 1500 I just recently had a oil change and the mechanic told me I have two leaks front in and rear.Will your product stop the leaks or should I consider getting repairs done?
Vicky-
Thank you for asking about your Chevy Suburban 1500. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak. BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is more concentrated and is the universal application that will work for oil pan leaks, rear main leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, etc. Whereas the Rear Main Sealer is specifically formulated for just the rear main seal. If you are not 100% sure where the vehicle is leaking or there seem to be multiple leaks then we recommend using BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak.
Thank you!
-BDP
Elisa Hartfield, December 11, 2018, I noticed a small. oil leak after 4 to 5 weeks of a oil change. I dropped it off at the shop to see what’s the problem. The mechanic states, the rear main seal has a leak. Approximately $300 – $350 to repair. Will blue devil stop the leak or should I make the repairs?
Elisa-
The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer would be able to seal the leak you’ve described. You should expect to see results after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2013 gmc terrain that the PCV valve froze and caused increased crank pressure and blew my seal. GM has a bulletin 14882 but for some reason of course my car isn’t included it it. Even tho its listv2013 gmc terrain with the same motor that’s causing the problem. Would this product help me be able to drive my vehicle about 30 miles to a repair shop? Or will this fix my problem for good. It’s got a pretty decent leak.
Adam-
Thank you for asking about your GMC Terrain. As long as the leak isn’t coming out faster than a seep or lightly dripping, you would be a good candidate for the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. You should expect to start seeing results after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2006 bmw and we noticed some oil in the driveway in the am. I drive 1,000 to 1,200 miles a week. My mechanic said rear main seal is leaking – would this product work for my car?
Deborah-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is safe and compatible to use on your BMW. You should expect to start seeing results after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2005 Isuzu Ascender that is leaking oil, the mechanic said rear mail seal is leaking, its seems to be a small oil leak, will the product work on my SUV?
Jerry-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is safe and compatible to use on your Isuzu Ascender. Based on your description, you would be a good candidate for the product. You should expect to start seeing results after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2013 Ford F-150 with 202,000 miles looks like the rear main is leaking getting worse on my carport will the BDS work on my ford V8 engine Randy
Randy-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer would be able to treat the leak on your Ford F-150. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I was told by the shop about 6 months ago that I need a rear seal replacement for my 2014 VW Touareg TDI (turbo diesel). They said it was barely starting to leak. Just this week I noticed a small leak on the garage floor.
Will Blue Devil work in this instance?
Frank-
Thank you for asking about your Volkswagen Touareg. Based on your description, you would be a great candidate for the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 1999 gmc yukon denali that has an oil leak at the rear main seal it is enough to lose about a quart a day. Would this be a product I could try and not have to replace the seal?
Danielle-
Thank you for asking about your GMC. As long as the leak isn’t more than seeping or lightly dripping, you would be a good candidate for the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. You should expect to start seeing results after 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2012 Toyota Sequoia with 140,000 miles that has a rear main leak causing the oil to leak about a quart every 809 miles. I’ve been give a quote of $ 850 to repair and told it would take approximately 3 days. I asked the mechanic about your product and was told it would cause swelling and would end up costing more. Does this product cause the seals to swelll?
Michelle-
Thank you for asking about your Toyota Sequoia. BlueDevil does not contain any petroleum distillates so it will not deteriorate the seal over time. The product works by revitalizing and reconditioning the rubber seal, to get it back to its original shape and original flexibility. Also, the product does not harden or thicken in any way, so it is 100% safe to use.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2010 jeep commander. I have to put oil in it every 2 weeks. When I got the transmission rebuilt I went to get oil change later on they said my rear main seal was damage and need to be replaced. What would it usually cost to replace it on my truck.
Louise-
Thank you for asking about your Jeep Commander. Rear Main Seal replacement for your vehicle can average around $650-$800, depending on location. It requires about 8 hours of labor.
Thank you!
-BDP
I wanted to find out how much it would cost in total to get a rear main fixed for a 2007 GMC Yukon Denali (AWD). How much and How many days would it take to get it fix?
Lee-
Thank you for asking about your GMC. Rear Main Seal replacement cost for this vehicle can range between $650-$850, depending on your location. The majority of that cost is labor, as it will usually take around 8 hours to complete the job.
Thank you!
-BDP
How much will it be to get a rear main seal fixed on a 2003 gmc yukon? I went for an oil change this morning and they told me it’s getting worse
Shena-
Rear main seal replacement for you GMC Yukon typically ranges between $600-$800. It is a very labor intensive job. If you are not losing a lot of oil, we recommend trying the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. The product works by revitalizing/reconditioning seals. Once the product seals, it would be a permanent seal and would keep you from spending money on this costly repair.
Thank you!
-BDP
How much will it be to replace the rear main seal on my 2006 Pontiac GTO? I will try your product first but want to know worst-case scenario just in case. Thanks!
Scott-
The average cost for rear main seal replacement on your Pontiac GTO would be around $800-$900. As long as the leak isn’t more than seeping or lightly dripping, you would be a good candidate for the product.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2004 Suzuki XL-7 LX Sport Utility 4D V6 with 123k miles that keeps leaking oil and was told it needs the rear main seal to be replaced. How much would this cost?
Melissa-
Depending on your location, rear main seal replacement cost averages around $800. The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is intended for leaks that are seeping or lightly dripping. As long as you aren’t losing oil too quickly, you would be a good candidate for the product. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Thank you for your reply. I live in Texas, approximately 85 miles from Houston. It’s definitely not a slow leak or just a little bit. It’s leaking a lot and fast. I was told it would $4,000 to replace. I knew it was going to be a bit expensive being where the leak is, but I think I’m being taken advantage of with that price.
Melissa-
Yes, that price seems extremely high. It would defitinely be worth going to a different mechanic and getting a second opinion.
Thank you!
-BDP