1997 4runner auto trans, Ok so before I attempt to install my used engine(again!), I was having difficulty installing the torque converter correctly but I understand how it goes now. I was noticing a little bit of trans fluid leaking from under the TQ(probably just left over from when torque converter was off) This got me to thinking if there is a seal in there. I did a search and found very little. What I found was there is a seal called a torque converter seal or front pump seal in there. I cant find anything about it in the fsm. I took the TQ off and looked. I see a metal ring with a rubber piece around it which i believe is the TQ seal. It appears ok but I do want to replace it while I hv everything apart especially since the trans hs alot of miles on it and the newer eng doesnt. I dont want to take this all apart again anytime soon! Question : How do i get that seal out of there. will it just pop out with a screw driver? And do i just tap the new one in with a hammer or maybe a block of wood? Im going to goto Toyota tommorow to see I can pickup a new one.

TQ off

 

Remove the pump to replace the seal. Remove those 7 screws, then use a long screw and some sort of weight to make a slide hammer to pull it off. There is a large o-ring on the oil pump that will need to be replaced once you pull it off.

 

wow I continued searching some people were saying u pull it(the torque converter seal) from the front without removing the pump. I was hoping this would be possible. Thanks
Im off to Toyota to see if they hv the part .

 

Removing the pump body is the Toyota recommended method to remove and replace the seal. It is possible to jam a screwdriver in there and scratch everything all to hell, just for the sake of applying the perceived minimal possible effort. It will be far easier to R&R the seal with the body out, and only takes a minute of your time to pull the body out and do it correctly. The seal has a steel body that can damage easily if you try to whack it in there with a socket or hammer. With the body out you can gently tap it in with a flat object & hammer, or with some sort of press, like the arbor press in the picture.

Your tranny is already out, finish it up correctly. I'd even press it in for you if you lived nearby.

 

Ok Toyota Had the part. They said its an updated part so maybe its a good thing I replaced it. They do look a tiny bit different. Cadman, Thanks for the advice. I sincerely appreciate any advice I can get since Ive never messed with transmission stuff before. The transmission is still in the truck and I didnt want to hv to remove the bell housing and pump. I hv to admit I was little afraid that if I took the pump apart I might not be able to get it back together right. The old seal came out fairly easily. I was able to pull it without touching anything but the old seal. I did probably damage the old seal but thats it. I picked up a piece of pipe exactly the same sz as the new seal so I could evenly tap it in. I put a lttle grease on the new seal and it seemed to go without too much trouble.
Old seal removed




Old Seal and New One


back side




new seal in place




This what I used to tap the new seal in place

 

Excellent!


Andreas