GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Special Tools

    • J 41476 Front and Rear Cover Alignment Tool
    • J 41480 Front and Rear Cover Alignment
        For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

    Object Number: 63228  Size: MH

    Note: 

       • Do not use the crankshaft rear oil seal or the engine rear housing gasket again.
       • Do not apply any type of sealant to the rear housing gasket, unless specified.
       • The special tools in this procedure are used to properly align the engine rear housing at the oil pan surface and to center the crankshaft rear oil seal.
       • The crankshaft rear oil seal will be installed after the rear housing has been installed and aligned. Install the rear housing without the crankshaft oil seal.
          - The crankshaft rear oil seal MUST be centered in relation to the crankshaft.
          - The oil pan sealing surface at the rear housing and engine block MUST be aligned within specifications.
          - An improperly aligned rear housing may cause premature rear oil seal wear and/or engine assembly oil leaks.

  1. Inspect the rear oil gallery plug for proper installation.

  2. Object Number: 1552544  Size: SH
  3. Install the rear housing gasket (519), rear housing (518), and bolts (517).
  4. Tighten the bolts finger tight. Do not overtighten.
  5. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 64204  Size: SH

    Note: Start the J 41480 alignment tool-to-rear housing bolts. Do not tighten the bolts at this time.

  6. Install the J 41480 alignment and bolts and tighten the tool-to-engine block bolts to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  7. Object Number: 63243  Size: SH

    Note: To properly align the rear housing, the J 41476 tool must be installed onto the rear of the crankshaft with the tool mounting bolts parallel to the oil pan surface.

  8. Rotate the crankshaft until 2 opposing flywheel bolt holes are parallel to the oil pan surface.

  9. Object Number: 65286  Size: SH

    Note: The tapered legs of the alignment tool must enter the rear housing oil seal bore.

  10. Install the J 41476 tool and bolts onto the rear of the crankshaft.
  11. 6.1. Tighten the tool mounting bolts until snug. Do not overtighten.
    6.2. Tighten the J 41480 alignment tool-to-rear housing bolts evenly to 12 N·m (106 lb in).
    6.3. Tighten the rear housing bolts to 30 N·m (22 lb ft).
  12. Remove the tools.

  13. Object Number: 63240  Size: MH
  14. Measure the rear housing-to-engine block oil pan surface for flatness.
  15. 8.1. Place a straight edge onto the engine block and rear housing oil pan sealing surfaces.

    Avoid contact with the portion of the gasket that protrudes into the oil pan surface.

    8.2. Insert a feeler gage between the rear housing and the straight edge. The housing must be flush with the oil pan or no more than 0.5 mm (0.02 in) below flush.
  16. If the rear housing-to-engine block oil pan surface alignment is not within specifications, repeat the housing alignment procedure.
  17. If the correct rear housing-to-engine block alignment at the oil pan surface cannot be obtained, replace the rear housing.