Toyota Corolla / Chevrolet Prism Accessory Belt / Crankshaft Seal Replacement

If a noticeable amount of black oily grim is forming by the passenger side of your engine near the accessory belt - or oil splatter hitting the engine hood by the belt - it more than likely is a worn crankshaft seal. The oil seeping out of the seal will migrate to the crankshaft pulley and fling off hitting everything within view of the pulley. A new oil seal is less than $10 and takes approximately one hour to replace when following the procedures outline in this article for a 1ZZ-FE engine type used in the Toyota Corolla, Celica, MR2, Matrix, Chevrolet Prism and the Pontiac Vibe.

If only the accessory belt is being replaced due to noise, the noise could be from worn bearings in the belt tensioner pulley. After the belt has been removed, simply remove the protective plastic cap on the pulley with a screw driver and remove the old pulley by turning the pulley bolt clockwise. Reverse the process to install the new pulley.

Approximately 60 - 70 foot pounds of torque will be need to relieve the tension on the pulley guide tensioner. Another pair of hands would be helpful in removing the belt while tension is being relieved on the pulley.

The pulley bolt can be removed with a standard electric impact driver. They are usually not very tight. After the bolt has been removed, the crankshaft pulley should slide out will little effort.

Using a screw driver or a seal removal tool, gently apply pulling pressure around the inside of the seal and the seal will eventually give way and pop out. Clean the seal mount surface area with a rag and coat with grease in preparation of a new oil seal.

Seat the seal in place by using a socket wrench socket that is about the same size diameter of the seal. Gently tap the socket until the seal lays flush with the side engine cover. Be careful. This seal can recess into the engine cover beyond the flush point.

Consider replacing the accessory / serpentine belt with a new one. The old belt is more than likely to be coated with oil.