It appears my rear main seal is leaking (2006, 2.2L, auto trans, 153k miles). I already replaced the oil pressure sending unit, cleaned the block/pan up, and there's no visible leak. I searched the site, but couldn't find any documentation on the repair. A local shop quoted $1,100 for the repair (only $30 in parts).

How difficult is this repair?
What specialty equipment is required vs what equipment is recommended and/or makes things easier (transmission jack/cradle, etc.).

If not too difficult, the work will be performed in my garage. I've already replaced the steering gear, suspension, cv-axles, crank seal, etc..

Thanks

 

If there's no visible leak, why do you think it's the rear main?

 

Because that side of the oil pan, flywheel, and everything behind (rearward of) the oil pan is covered in oil. It's puking about 1 quart every few weeks.

I just put in Bar's stop leak last night to, hopefully, slow things down.

 

if the oil is on the driver’s end of the engine is it possibly the oil filter cap that’s cracked or the o-ring is damaged?
or possibly the valve cover gasket is leaking?
I’d spray the cold engine with a good degreaser or engine shampoo and then watch for oil leaks on the clean engine.
As you indicated it could be the oil pressure sending unit, or the knock sensor above the starter.

 

The leak doesn't appear to be coming from the recently installed (2 weeks) pressure sensor.
I cleaned the starter, block/pan when I replaced the sensor. Here's a video of the area, that was taken earlier today.

 

The labor flat rate is 6.9 hours + $31 parts + all that other stuff.

 

Based on video, does it appear to be the rear main?

What tool(s) will make this job easier/faster for a novice?
EX: transmission jack/lift

Am I fool hardy to consider doing this myself? I've replaced oil pumps in 350s, CV axles, steering gears, done numerous brake jobs, rebuilt carburetors, etc. But, I've never touched a transmission aside from dropping a pan and replacing filter/fluids.

Thanks

 

You need to either pull the engine, the transmission or the entire cradle. Not impossible, but a lot of work.

 

Just to be sure can you post a video from the top, above the starter and the oil filter cap, please.

 

If the oil is inside the trans bellhousing and covers the flywheel and torque converter I would have to say the rear seal is bad.
You would have to remove the trans for seal replacement.
Here's a video on a 2.4 which would be the same on a 2.2.
This video shows no special tools and you can get a feel for how its done.