Hi guys, is it possible to replace the rear gasket without taking off the gear-box? Or will I have to take off the gear-box? Thanks! The engine is F23A4, it's a 2001 Honda Accord Coupe.

 

There is no way you will be able to change the rear main seal with out dropping the tranny and taking off the flex plate / Pressure plate, clutch, and flywheel

 

Thanks a lot for your response! So I suppose it's quite a big job then?

 

It isnt a terrible job. How much time do you have to work on it and how long can you be without your Accord? You will need a Haynes/Chiltons manual my step dad and I took about a month to do my sister's 89 prelude but I was doing most of the work after school and I was 13 at the time. It could probably be done in 1-2 weekends if you have the tools and know somewhat what you are doing.

 

no

 

dropping the tranny really isn't that hard, but it does take some time. Last time I did it, took me 2 days to get it down (stupid Axle nuts)

 

I despise those Axle nuts! Last time I changed a half shaft I broke a 1/2" Snap-On breaker bar! I was almost as pissed as when I found out the $20 socket we bought for the Prelude wouldnt fit the newer Accord...

 

haha last time I did the tranny I broke like 5 breakerbars and 2 1/2" drive wrenches and ended up chopping it off.

 

I stick my 18 inch autozone breaker bar on the end of an autozone rental socket, and I have no problem breaking it loose. If I need to, I'll use a 3 ft cheater pipe. Never broke anything doing that. It really helps to hammer out the indent in the nut.

 

i wish i had autozone here... we just have napa, carquest, sears, and schucks (o'reilys, or however they spell it) and none of those rent sockets... damn small towns! lol anyways i should add that that one that i broke the breaker bar on was extremely hard! the ones on the prelude and the other one on that accord weren't too bad. (definitely not breaking 1/2" snap-on sh*t bad)

 

everyone talks about their axle nut being worst time of their life, but I have never ever had a problem with them. I have always done my axles at my uncles house (he conveniently has a lift there), and I just unstake the indent and zip it off with his ingersoll rand impact.

This job will take a little bit of time, especially if it is done on the ground. But once you get it out and the new seal in, your are home free. Putting everything back is always the easiest part. You don't have to guess how to get something off at that point. Just take your time, mark your connectors and any lines, and get some buddies over to help.

 

Thank you everyone for your valuable input!