Here's a general outline of the process. Specific steps may vary slightly depending on the year of your LeBaron. Always consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle's year and model for detailed instructions and torque specifications. A Haynes or Chilton manual is a good investment.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Repair Manual: Absolutely essential!
* Socket set and wrenches: Various sizes.
* Torque wrench: Crucial for proper tightening.
* Drain pan: For oil.
* Pry bar: Possibly needed to remove the pulley.
* Pulley puller: May be needed to remove the crankshaft pulley. This can be rented.
* Seal installer: A specialized tool to prevent damaging the new seal during installation. Improper installation is a common cause of seal failure. You can sometimes improvise, but a proper installer is best.
* Clean rags: Lots of them.
* New crankshaft seal: Make sure you get the correct part number for your engine.
* Penetrating oil (PB Blaster, etc.): To help loosen bolts.
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safety.
General Steps (Consult your repair manual for exact procedures):
1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Support the vehicle securely on jack stands.
2. Drain the Engine Oil: Completely drain the engine oil into a drain pan.
3. Remove the Accessories: This typically involves removing the serpentine belt, power steering pump, alternator, and possibly other components to access the crankshaft pulley. This is often the most time-consuming part.
4. Remove the Crankshaft Pulley: This can be tricky. You'll likely need a pulley puller. Use penetrating oil to help loosen it.
5. Remove the Old Seal: Carefully pry out the old seal using a small pry bar. Be very careful not to damage the crankshaft. Clean the crankshaft surface thoroughly; any debris can cause the new seal to fail.
6. Install the New Seal: This is where the seal installer is crucial. Use it to carefully install the new seal, ensuring it sits flush and square. Do not hammer it in directly.
7. Reinstall Everything: Reinstall the crankshaft pulley, accessories, serpentine belt, etc., in the reverse order of removal. Use the proper torque specifications from your repair manual.
8. Refill with Oil: Refill the engine with the correct type and amount of oil.
9. Check for Leaks: After running the engine, check for any leaks around the new seal.
Important Considerations:
* Cleanliness: Keep everything meticulously clean to prevent debris from getting into the engine.
* Torque Specifications: Following the correct torque specifications is crucial to prevent damage.
* Seal Alignment: The new seal must be perfectly aligned; otherwise, it will leak.
This is a simplified overview. Again, a repair manual specific to your vehicle is absolutely necessary. Attempting this repair without proper knowledge and tools can result in significant engine damage. If you're unsure about any step, seek professional help.
