Should I replace the front crank seal?

[merlin's S4]

I'm about to put the belts back on the S4. I haven't replaced the front crank seal as it's not leaking, although I do have the replacement part to hand. I've read that I should replace it whilst I'm in this position but have also read that it's a complete beeaatch to get the old one out! Any tips or advice? Thanks!

[mcandmar]

If it dont leak i would leave it alone. If you do change it chances are you will find a groove worn into the crank where it seals, according to the workshop manual you are meant to press the new seal in fully so it rides on a clean unworn section of the crank. I had to do that on my 7A to cure a leak, but every other car i leave it alone unless needed.

[UrS4boy]

I'm about to put the belts back on the S4. I haven't replaced the front crank seal as it's not leaking, although I do have the replacement part to hand. I've read that I should replace it whilst I'm in this position but have also read that it's a complete beeaatch to get the old one out! Any tips or advice? Thanks!

I just did this on my RS2'd 93 S4. Seal was fine (206K km) but I had borrowed this 3203 tool so removed and replaced the old seal with a new one (need a big socket to help press (hammer) the new one in):

[steverrquattro]

I'm about to put the belts back on the S4. I haven't replaced the front crank seal as it's not leaking, although I do have the replacement part to hand. I've read that I should replace it whilst I'm in this position but have also read that it's a complete beeaatch to get the old one out! Any tips or advice? Thanks!

I've always replaced it as it's a lot of work to get to it if/when it does start to leak.

I always do the camshaft oil seal at the same time as well.

[merlin's S4]

I've done it now. I wasn't 100% sure that it wasn't leaking a bit so I went for it. Drilled a hole through the metal ring and then managed to prise the old seal out with a flat screwdriver which wasn't too bad. Let's hope the new one seals ok!!