To replace the rear main seal on a 1998 Dodge Neon, you'll need to do the following:
1. Transmission Removal: This is the most likely scenario. The transmission needs to be removed to access the rear of the engine and the crankshaft. This involves disconnecting the driveshaft, removing the transmission mount, disconnecting various linkages and electrical connectors, and carefully lowering the transmission.
2. Flywheel Removal (possibly): Depending on the transmission type, you might need to remove the flywheel to get a clear shot at the seal.
3. Crankshaft Seal Replacement: Once you have access, you can carefully remove the old seal and install the new one, ensuring proper seating and lubrication.
4. Reassembly: This is the reverse of disassembly, taking care to correctly reinstall the flywheel (if removed), transmission, and all related components. Torque specifications are crucial during reassembly.
Why not attempting it without removing the transmission is strongly advised:
* Limited Access: The space behind the engine is incredibly tight. You'll have very limited visibility and maneuverability, making it almost impossible to remove and install the seal cleanly.
* Risk of Damage: Improperly attempting the repair from a limited access point drastically increases your chances of damaging the seal, the crankshaft, or surrounding components, leading to more expensive repairs.
* Time Inefficient: Trying to work in such cramped conditions will take far longer than simply removing the transmission.
In short, while some might *think* they could do it without removing the transmission, it's overwhelmingly likely to be a frustrating and ultimately unsuccessful endeavor. The proper and reliable method necessitates transmission removal.
