B6/B7 S4 RMS replacement

[Tony951]

Anyone done this? Engine is out and I find that if I press the seal on from the outside the inner sealing web deflects toward the outside - old seal had the inner sealing web deflected inward. I have replaced the RMS before on other cars, but this one has a significant amount of interference btw inner web and shaft. I got the seal from JHM and am also waiting on their advice...worst case I suppose I can machine a ring slightly larger than the shaft to push the inner web as I press on the seal.

[noznab]

Bump, interested in learning more about this

[Tony951]

Just to close this thread out - I did find a solution. Maybe it's obvious, but I had to essentially 'massage' the RMS inner web by hand so it would orient itself inward during installation. I also reversed it and halfway pressed it on the shaft to help invert the web for about a half hour to allow it to set in the proper orientation. During installation, I still did have to carefully go around and press in the inner web as I slid the seal on so it would not invert outwards.

I have not run the engine yet so no idea if it will leak (I don't expect it to). Also, there is only about 3mm clearance btw the RMS and timing chain/guide when installed so you have to be very careful not to press it in too far. There is no hardstop lip. I'm sure Audi has a special tool for this.

The front crank seal does have a hardstop lip and is similar but not as touchy with regard to the inner sealing web.

[SquiddyB6S4]

Yup, pretty standard for some significant finesse to be necessary on a RMS for any engine, in my experience, by my experience is all with newer engines (past couple decades), and mostly import engines at that.