Rear main seal centering ring needed?

[Melo]

So I am replacing my rear main seal. The problem is that I am not having too much luck finding a vendor that includes the ring with the kit. Those that advertise that the tool is included either don't have it anymore or can't source it. What are my options now? Does anyone have one laying around? Is the centering ring really needed to install?

[julex]

Centering ring? You mean seal ring? The purpose of it is to stretch the seal so that you can slip it onto the crank.

I don't remember the exact diameter but either a piece of pvc pipe works in that instance. Shape it with heat gun get the exact diameter you need if it doesn't match 100%.

Having said that I installed one without any tool by being gentle and using soft plastic knife to slip the seal on top of crank. Just take it easy and do it slow, pre-lubbing with oil helps a lot... .that's what she said.

[Scotty@Advanced]

The ring you speak of is just a plastic installation tool that makes it easier to put the seal lip over the crank. If your careful you do not need the tool.

[Melo]

Thanks for the replies so far gentlemen. To clear it up a bit the piece I am talking about is the plastic ring seen in this pic:

[Scotty@Advanced]

Thanks for the replies so far gentlemen. To clear it up a bit the piece I am talking about is the plastic ring seen in this pic:

yes that is the install tool. It is designed to prevent the seal lip from catching on the crank flange, but if your careful it is not needed.

[sweets4style]

Yeah you really dont need this tool. I have installed several with no issue. Just be careful and it will slide right on. No hammers and whacking until you slide it on by hand smoothly first. Then its cake from there. If you must have it you can use a socket, or pipe, or piece of PVC and it will do the job. Your goal is to keep the crank seal lip parallel to the crank surface instead of having it bend up.

[Matt Danger]

You can use a thin feeler gauge and go around the crank to help walk the seal on.

[Matt Danger]

You can also get the seal from a parts store and reuse your flange.

[Scotty@Advanced]

You can also get the seal from a parts store and reuse your flange.

yeah and save like a hundred bucks!

[Joey0918]

I just did the RMS and didn't use the ring.... that being said. I had to do the RMS twice. FML

[domantas]

no tool used here, so far so good. I would get insane if it started to leak

[mr.awesome]

I wasn't all that careful and mine worked out fine without it
edit: also nice to see that im not the only one that went with the 20 dollar method as opposed to the 130 dollar method.