A leaky rear main seal can be one of the most frustrating leaks on a vehicle. Many small oil leaks can go unnoticed for long periods of time and cause very few problems in the day to day operation of your vehicle. A rear main seal leak, on the other hand, can quickly cause a lot of problems. First, your rear main seal is the lowest seal in your engine so even a small tear or deformation in the seal can cause a very high leak rate. High oil leak rates can cause dangerously low oil levels in your vehicle very quickly leading to permanent engine damage. The other problem with a rear main seal leak is that it is so low on your vehicle that dripping oil will be blown back onto your transmission, chassis, electrical wiring and other important components on the bottom of your vehicle while you drive.
Oil covering the underside of your vehicle may not seem like a bad thing at first, but it can cause lots of problems for your vehicle. Oil covered components can start to attract road grime and dirt which can start to cause things to gum up and possibly malfunction. Also, electrical wiring is safe from oil as the insulation used in automotive wiring is oil resistant, but the plugs, connectors and junctions can easily fill with oil and cause degradation of the plugs, plastic and connections.
For these reasons it’s important to make sure you fix your rear main seal leak to help keep your car safe. In order to fix a rear main seal leak it helps to understand why the leak has started.
Causes of a rear main seal leak:
- Lack of Use
- Low Oil Level
- Excessive Engine Wear
- Normal Wear and Tear
The Rear Main Seal in your car is the seal at the back of the engine that surrounds the crankshaft and keeps the engine oil contained while your engine is running. The first way this seal can get worn out is from a lack of use. As your engine is running, oil is splashed onto your rear main seal and the oil helps keep the seal soft and clean due to the conditioners and detergents in your oil. Without this regular oil bath, seals can quickly dry out and crack or lose their form. Also, as an engine sits without running for long periods of time, the crankshaft can cause deformation in the seals on the bottom causing a leak when the engine starts and the crankshaft begins to spin again.
Low engine oil level or excessive engine wear also can lead to a rear main seal leak. A low oil level will leave the crankshaft spinning on the seal without any lubrication that can lead to excessive wear and a leak. Also, excessive engine wear can leave metal particles suspended in your oil which can quickly cut away at your rear main seal leading to a leak.
Lastly, high mileage and normal engine wear can lead to a rear main seal leak. No matter how good of a job your oil does lubricating the rear main seal and even if all other conditions are perfect, your rear main seal will slowly wear down due to the contact with the spinning crankshaft.
In any of these cases, your rear main seal is most likely salvageable. Whether it is from normal wear, a lack of use or other reasons, your rear main seal can be restored to its original size and sealing capability by using BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. BlueDevil Rear Main Seal is a chemical sealing agent that will be absorbed by your rear main seal. This will cause your rear main seal to return to its original size and shape sealing your leak and protecting your engine and vehicle.
For more information about BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer, check out our product information page here: Rear Main Sealer.
You can find BlueDevil Products, like our Rear Main Sealer at any of our partnering local auto parts stores like:
- AutoZone
- Advance Auto Parts
- Bennett Auto Supply
- CarQuest Auto parts
- NAPA Auto Parts
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Pep Boys
- Fast Track
- Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts Specialists
- S&E Quick Lube Distributer
- DYK Automotive
Pictures Provided By:
rear_main_seal_leak.jpg – by Christos Georghiou – Licesnsed By Thinkstock Photos – Original Link
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.
55 responses to "How to Fix Your Rear Main Seal Leak"
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Can I use this on an LS engine because the manual says not to add any additives it’s a 2000 Camaro SS?
Mike-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer can be used on LS engines. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi!can i use it on bmw x3 2007?
Antonio-
Yes, BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer will and has worked well in BMW’s; it is 100% compatible. Once the product is added you can expect to start seeing results after about 100 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2010 Hyundai santa fe can I use it in that
Tammy-
Yes, BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer (http://store.gobdp.com/rear-main-sealer-00234/) is safe and compatible to use in your Hyundai.
Thanks!
-BDP
Will it work on my 2003 Chevy Tahoe Z71 4WD 122,000 miles
Bob-
The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is safe and compatible to use in your Chevy Tahoe. 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 2010 santa fe too with the same problem…any word on this being a factory issue?
Greg-
It sounds like you may be a candidate for the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer as well. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
Same issue… 2010 Santa Fe 158,000km
Jenna-
It sounds like you also may be a candidate for the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have just noticed oil drops on garage floor from 2010 Sante Fe with 156K. Leak on LHS. Can see when put steering on full lock turning right
Roger-
Thank you for asking about your Hyundai Santa Fe. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak (https://store.gobdp.com/oil-stop-leak-49499/). BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak is more concentrated and is the universal application that will work for various leaks such as oil pan leaks, rear main leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, etc. Whereas the Rear Main Sealer is specifically formulated for only a leaking 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
Can I use the sealer on a 2002 Ford Explorer truck
Pat-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is compatible with your Ford Explorer.
Thank you!
-BDP
I’m buying a 96 ford explore. Guy says it’s using a court of oil a week. Will blue Devil fix that or will I have to replace the rear main seal
Allen-
Thank you for asking about your Ford Explorer. Based on your description, we recommend using the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer (https://store.gobdp.com/rear-main-sealer-00234/). You should expect to see results after approximately 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I gotta say I was skeptical at first. I have a 2005 Scion xB with 170,000 miles. It developed a rear main seal leak about 8 months ago. I would just add oil as I needed.
Then I came across your Rear Main Seal repair product. Within 3 days the leak has disappeared. I keep checking after every drive to see if any oil is show up under my car. Not a single drop.
This $13 miracle in a bottle saved me the cost of having my transmission dropped to replace the seal. Not sure how much that would be. Let’s just say it would be more than $13.
I would recommend your product line to anyone. Thanks again!
Autobody shop recommended that i replace my rear main seal. They just replaced a valve due to a small leak. There is no current leak but was told that it looks as if it will be leaking soon. Can i use this product before a leak occurs instead of replacing the main seal for a whopping $900?
Brandee-
Thank you for you interest in the product. Yes, you can use the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer to revitalize and recondition the rubbers in the system, to swell or expand them back to their original state. You should expect results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
hey I have a chevy cruze engine is new,my mechanic replaced the rear main seal.and my car is still leaking in the same spot.will this fix the issue you guys say it bonds to metal.
Angel-
The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer only has an effect on rubber seals. It would not bond to metal. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound as though the product would work for the leak you’ve described. We’d recommend bringing the vehicle back to the mechanic that did the work for assistance.
Thank you!
-BDP
Can I use the Seal Leaker on a Chevy Tahoe (05)
Earl-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is compatible with your Chevy Tahoe. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
I just got my oil change like a 2 days lata I seen a lil leak coming from the main seal so I’m asking if it’s safe to put in my car now even though I just got an oil change
Latroy-
Yes, it is 100% safe to add BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer after an oil change. You will leave the product in up until your next scheduled oil change. Expect to start seeing results after approximately 100 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a couple of leaks on honda accord 1988, oil pan, rear main seal, valve cover, to seal all 3 how much do i use
Billy-
We recommend adding 1 bottle of BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak (http://store.gobdp.com/oil-stop-leak-49499/) as it is the universal application and more concentrated than BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. BlueDevil Oil Stop Leak will address all three leaks and should stop any oil loss you are experiencing. Expect to start seeing results after about 100 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a Honda Accord Hybrid 2005. Can I use Blue Devil to seal me leak?
Fawn-
Yes, you may use the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer to your Honda Accord Hybrid. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2007 chevy silverado (V-6 engine) that was diagnosed as having a rear main seal leak. can I safely use your product?
Steve-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is safe to use in your Chevy Silverado. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Does it work on a 1992 Honda Prelude?
Denny-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is compatible and safe to use in your Honda Prelude. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
how does blue devil seal the leak?
what exactly does it do and how does it interact with the seals chemically?
I am merely curious as it sounds terrific
I have a 1997 grand Marquis, uses one quart for about 500 miles
perhaps not bad as the car has 280,000 miles and runs real good
Harry-
Thank you for asking about your Grand Marquis. The product works by reconditioning & rejuvenating the rubber seals and gaskets within the fluid oil system. Once the product has been added you can expect to start to seeing results after about 100 miles of driving. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
My mechanic keeps saying I need to take care of a main seal leak in my 2006 Suburu Outback. I have left it for more than a year because another mechanic said it’s really ok until you notice oil on the ground. Which I haven’t noticed yet. What I don’t understand is how a $15 bottle of rear main sealer can do the job of a $1500 replacement? Also, I’m sure my undercarriage & various parts are getting really dirty from this leak. Is it simply a matter of cleaning the undercarriage regularly to get rid of the gunk that builds up? Thanks.
Siri-
Thank you for asking about your Subaru Outback. The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer works by revitalizing and reconditioning the rear main seal and slightly swelling or expanding the seal back to it’s original state. As long as you are not losing oil too quickly, you would be a great candidate for the product. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving. Yes, regularly cleaning the undercarriage for any build up that may would be a great idea.
Thank you!
-BDP
Thanks BDP. I guess my next question would be, will I have to have it replaced eventually? How long would your sealant last? There’s 185,000 miles on it now & I take it in for servicing every 3,000+ miles. I suggested this solution of yours to my mechanic & he just shook his head. I trust him (he can’t do the replacement job & doesn’t think anyone in our small town could) but I’m not prepared for the $1500 cost I was quoted by a mechanic in Phoenix. And I don’t have a lot of trust in dealership prices! Thanks for your help.
Siri-
Once the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer forms a seal, it would be a permanent seal. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2012 KIA Sorento and lost most of the oil, I think the leak is from the rear seal. Can I add Blue Devil Rear Main Sealer and if so do I need to add oil to bring oil level to normal or acceptable levels? Once I add this product is it safe to drive my car and if so what should I look out for to make sure I am not losing oil.
Joann-
Thank you for asking about your Kia Sorento. The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is intended for leaks that are dripping, or lightly seeping from the system. As long as you are not losing oil too quickly, you would be a great candidate for the product. The oil should be filled to capacity, leaving just enough room for the recommended amount of the product. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Can I use this product on a 2010 VW Jetta?
Bev-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is safe and compatible to use on your VW Jetta. You should expect to see results after about 100-200 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
I have a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder , noticed about a am oil leak stream over a week time. What happens if I use the sealer and the leak is to big. How would I know or not know if I can use the product.
Stacey-
Thank you for asking about your Nissan Pathfinder. The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is intended for leaks that are seeping or lightly dripping from the system. Typically with the product, you would start to see improvement after about 100-200 miles of driving. If you are losing oil to the extent that you would be losing your oil capacity before you get to that 200 miles or so, that would signify a more extreme leak.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hi I have a 1974 Ford F-250 will this work on my truck?
AJ-
Yes, BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is safe and compatible to use in your F-250. Once it has been added you can expect to start seeing results after approximately 100 miles of driving.
Thank you!
-BDP
Hello I have a small sweat and small 1 drop leak from the rear main seal. The car is a 2009 BMW X5 3.0si with 140,000kms on it. Also I have a small gasket leak. Which product should I use ?
Dominic-
Thank you for asking about your BMW X5. 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 various leaks such as oil pan leaks, rear main leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, etc. Whereas the Rear Main Sealer is specifically formulated for only a leaking 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
I have a 2011 Jeep Cherokee will it work on it
Michelle-
Yes, the BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is safe and compatible to use on your Jeep Cherokee. As long as the leak you are experiencing isn’t more than seeping or lightly dripping, 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 rear main seal leak in my 2009 BMW 335i twin turbo engine. I considered other products to condition the seal but stopped after reading that conditioners such as AT-205 will dissolve plastic and teflon. Some BMW engines have teflon piston rings. Does Blue Devil dissolve or damage other materials in the engine (like plastic or teflon) if added to the oil?
Steve-
Thank you for asking about your BMW 335i. The BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer is 100% safe to use. The product is not acidic, so it would not eat away at plastic or any other type of material. Also, it does not harden or thicken in anyway, so it would not cause any adverse effects on the engine. Feel free to contact our technical support line at 888-863-0426 with any other questions.
Thank you!
-BDP