w124 front oil seal replacement
 

I have searched the database on this exercise and have found excellent advice. Have located an impact driver for the damper bolt (re-torque to 180-200), rad removed etc... The one question I have is can anyone tell me which type and size of puller I should use? For example, should it be an outside 3-clawed 8 inch puller? I don't want to damage the damper. BTW Phil, amazing speed on parts delivery, one day from GA to MI !!! Thanks FastLane....

M103 or M104 engine? When I removed my M103 damper I was able to pull it off by hand. I may have bumped it with a rubber mallet but I know I didn't use a puller. ( cause I don't have one)

hey capn'
 

apologies all around...it is the 103 engine.

Cap'n right if I remember correctly - you don't need a puller for that one.

gentlemen, if this is so, you've just made my day. thanks, i will be on it this weekend and let you know if it beats me.

new seal
 

well, I got the new seal installed today. Very happy with the job. I took a photo of the damper location before removing it from the hub. The photo here is the new seal in place. All in all it took about 5 hours, including 2 diaper changes (had to wash before and after for that)...

Be sure and get that bolt tight when you reinstall. Run it a while and check it again. If it works loose and the damper runs out it will not be pretty!! Also check the wear surface on the balancer and make sure there is no groove cut by the old seal.

Hey Cap'n,
It was quite an ordeal getting 200 lbs on my torque wrench. I put an extension on it but it was a grunt. I will do as you say and check it in a while. The hub definitely had a groove warn into it. I used some emery cloth to clean the surface as best I could. I will consider ordering a new hub. Going back in is a breeze now that I know what I am facing. I had a prevalent leak and the old seal was very brittle. It has not weeped since I replaced it but I am going to give it the eagle eye. Thanks again for your help, in repayment I will do my best to pass your advice to the next person who needs it.