GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Cbolt18 on 07 October 2025, 17:43
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Hi All,
I'm a bit stuck. After about 6 months of owning my 7.5 manual pp I noticed the rear mail seal had a slight leak. I was recommended a decent gearbox specialist with good reviews and I managed to get the work done under the 3rd party warranty that came with the car.
The first install was found to be leaking again during an MOT so I took it back and the garage agreed and said they'll re-do it. I just got the car back today and it leaking again, but even worse than before! Actually leaving oil on the drive now.
I've read pretty much everything there is to read on these rear mains, and I'm convinced they're just not installing it well. I'm sure they're not using the special tool despite me telling them about it.
I think they are going to try and get out of doing the repair again as before this repair they said if it leaks again it's got to be something else wrong, and referenced the crank moving.
I've read about crank walk and I'm almost certain I don't have that. The clutch and car drives fine. I know about the pcv valve but fact that the leak is now worse after the install attempt just tells me they're installing it wrong.
Is there anything I'm missing here? Ideally I'd just walk away from this garage but I don't have £1000 to throw at a main dealer and there doesn't seem to be anyone else around Manchester willing to do the work.
I'm really gutted. Does anyone have the part number for the install tool? I'm might have to buy one. And does anyone have a link to the billet upgrade?
Thanks
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Where in Manchester are you?
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South Manchester, but everywhere is pretty close.
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South Manchester, but everywhere is pretty close.
I’ve sent a PM
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Its a PTFE seal and they should be installed bone dry, no lubricating the lip seal when assembling.
You install them, leave for a few hours, rotate the engine say 180 degrees and leave for a few more hours.
This let's the seal mould it's shape to the crank.
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South Manchester, but everywhere is pretty close.
I’ve sent a PM
Think you need 20 posts to receive a PM?
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I've got the PM, thanks. It's ten posts I think.
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The garage is sourcing an aftermarket seal and has said theyl fit at their cost, which is good. But after reading the forums I'm not sure an aftermarket seal will be much better.
I'm waiting to hear which one they source, but I'm tempted just ask for my money back and go to VW and get them to fit OEM.
Welcome peoples thoughts.
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I think the question needs to be put to the garage. Should it fail again…. What then?
Might be nice if you could inspect the seal before and after? Not saying you should watch them do the work but it would be worth a nosey.
Can you download the work instruction from erWin? For the sake of £8.00 would be worth having a copy
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They have sourced an Elring rear main seal, does anyone have any experience with these?
https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/elring-crankshaft-seal-369440770?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=16073774535&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16079346400&gbraid=0AAAAAD1aCJiTeMLir20MbITYP9-AUrgJP
I have asked what happens if this doesn't work and although they are saying they really want to get it sorted they're being a bit evasive, suggesting that something else may be wrong.
I fear I don't have much of a choice but to try this new RMS. If that doesn't work then I'll just have to fight my corner.
Unfortunately I've got a two week old baby so can't really spend any more time checking their work. Id stand there and watch them all day if I could.
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I've not had to do the RMS on mine, but I see AKS do some upgraded kits for them, and this one uses an Elring seal...
https://www.akstuning.co.uk/shop/home/3276-iabed-industries-tsi-billet-aluminum-rear-main-seal-upgrade-ea888x-engines-462103171f.html
Good luck!
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Thanks for the link. That's interesting, so the billet iBed one uses an elring seal. It's not the version that they are proposing to use but it must use the same actual seal section.
God I really hope it works.
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The OE one is made from PTFE, not sure about the Elring one, but Elring are an OE manufacturer.
I would say it's not the seal at fault but the fitting of it, you would be extremely unlucky to have 2 seals themselves failing, they are probably lubricating the lip as you would a non-PTFE seal which causes them to leak.
(https://i.postimg.cc/G3PmVYPw/Screenshot-20251010-171838-Firefox.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)
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Yes I agree. This seal comes with the alignment tool so I'm hoping that makes a difference.
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Update. The car was back in the garage today and so far there are no leaks.
Couple of things they did differently...
- used the Elring seal lifted above which comes with an alignment/install tool.
- once installed they let the car sit overnight. Apparently you are supposed to do this.
I really hope this is the end. no further updates is good news.
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Update. The car was back in the garage today and so far there are no leaks.
Couple of things they did differently...
- used the Elring seal lifted above which comes with an alignment/install tool.
- once installed they let the car sit overnight. Apparently you are supposed to do this.
I really hope this is the end. no further updates is good news.
Fingers crossed for you!
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Update.
The garage used the part previously linked that came with the alignment tool. They installed it dry. They also let the car sit over night.
It was fine for about a week but it has started leaking again. I don't know what's going on.
I have now requested my money back and I'm going to have to take it to VW and do another warranty claim.
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Refund received. Car booked in with VW.
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Hope that gets it sorted. Been a bit of a mess up to now.