How to replace Camshaft Oil Seals?

[agaisin]

I am prepping myself mentally for the 90k service, just trying to wrap my head around the steps, parts and tools needed. Between the writeups here and the FSM, most of it seems well documented. I can't find any writeups or good FSM info on replacing the Camshaft Oil Seals. The FSM appears to onl talk about replacing cam seals in the context of removing camshafts as well and that looks way more involved.

Can anyone clarify a few things for me?

Is it as simple as (for each side - RH/PS and LH/DS):
1) Loosen camshaft pulley bolt (requires SST to hold cam in place)
1) remove camshaft pulley (requires SST to remove pulley)
2) remove camshaft seal (requires a tool - seal puller or screw in seal or flathead screwdriver)
3) put in new seal (requires SST or pipe to knock new one into place)
4) replace pulley and torque down bolt...

Stupid question - do I need to drain the engine oil prior to removing cam (and crank) oil seals? I assume yes, but wasn't sure.

Are there any gotchas to this job? I'm looking at it as a "while you're in there item" for the 90k service, just that the cam seals sound more difficult than other parts of the job - even the crank seal is apparently 'easy' compared to the cam seal.

So just wanted to hear from others how easy/hard it was to do this job and whether there are any useful tips.

Thanks!

 

[scottm]

I used a sheet-metal screw to pull mine, pics in this writeup: https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/431177-timing-belt-dummies-writeup.html#post6049754. I just tapped the new ones in place with a mallet. I was a little careless on the crank seal, it pulled out when I was just getting my prybar positioned, slightly scratched the crank right where the seal rides, had to polish it out, doesn't seem to be leaking.

I didn't drain the oil and none came out. Changed the oil after starting and running the engine.

 

[2000LC]

Hey there, I am totally new to the forum and have a 2000 cruiser with 222000 on the clock and this has never been done, and I am looking to do it myself when I do the timing belt and water pump. I have been through the forums like crazy and haven't found too many other resources on this topic, how did it go for you? Are there other pullers you can use besides the Toyota specific SSTs to get the seals off? Thanks!

 

[agaisin]

Funny I was just looking at my timing belt job sticker from 91k miles back in April 2011. I feel like I posted more details on another thread (will look later), but my recollection is that I bought a lisle puller but it ended up being useless so I ended up using scottm's suggestion and it worked great - just be cautious not to scratch anything as he warns. I'm at ~156k now and have started thinking about what to put on my list for the next timing belt job

 

[agaisin]

Here's my post I had in mind (post #57) and it was in Scottm's extremely helpful Timing Belt for Dummies thread:
Timing Belt for Dummies writeup

 

[ton504]

Hey there, I am totally new to the forum and have a 2000 cruiser with 222000 on the clock and this has never been done, and I am looking to do it myself when I do the timing belt and water pump. I have been through the forums like crazy and haven't found too many other resources on this topic, how did it go for you? Are there other pullers you can use besides the Toyota specific SSTs to get the seals off? Thanks!

I use the Lisle shaft type seal puller. I do have access to the SST but its quicker to just grab the lisle from my tool box.

 

[2000LC]

Thanks guys, really appreciate it. I have been lurking in these forums for a while now figuring it all out and planning. Also, Amazon/Aisin TKT 021 kit or more expensive Genuine Toyota parts?

 

[aljollano]

I bought all the parts from rockauto.com, I replaced everything suggested except for the cam seals. Mine look good.
If it is your first time doing thw timing belt my only suggestion is to be very organized when you remove parts, trust me it will make the job enjoyable.

A.J