2010 E70 X5 - Front of car oil leak

Sm[]key · Post by **Sm[]key** » Sun Mar 01, 2026 3:07 pm

Hi

Been holding this one off since the new year due to poor weather at weekends for a couple of month, had no excuse today to investigate the bad oil leak which has had the car parked up.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZXyDVGnMm9gv8EEZ8

Looks to be coming from the crankshaft pulley.

Has anyone come across this before?

Leslie · Post by **Leslie** » Sun Mar 01, 2026 5:35 pm

With the engine in this is going to be a bit tricky for clearance but yes looks like crank seal

getting something big enough diameter to tap it in should be the only issue after you get the pulley off which i think is a 4 bolt pulley , you changed that before so you know how to get it off.

Sm[]key · Post by **Sm[]key** » Sun Mar 01, 2026 6:20 pm

I'm guessing when the old pulley gave up its mis-balance knackered up the crankshaft seal.

Parts ordered, job for next weekend if they arrive in time.

Leslie · Post by **Leslie** » Sun Mar 01, 2026 10:44 pm

Just wear and tear at that miles it did well

Sm[]key · Post by **Sm[]key** » Sat Mar 14, 2026 7:20 pm

Attempted today, tried the two self tapping screws trick into seal to pull out. Wouldn't budge!

Ordered an overnight seal puller, Amazon job so not holding up much hope!

Sm[]key · Post by **Sm[]key** » Sun Mar 15, 2026 5:40 pm

My faith in Amazon tools was warranted! Snapped one of the puller arms within a couple of minutes of use. The seal didn't move either.....

Need something more heavy duty, and most likely more expensive to buy!

Leslie · Post by **Leslie** » Sun Mar 15, 2026 6:44 pm

Need some bigger screws

unfortunately the crank is in the way so using some more effective pullers won't work .

This vid they had similar trouble , I wonder would tapping it on in at one point tilt it and make it pop out at the other side to get a grip on and make removal easier

Sm[]key · Post by **Sm[]key** » Fri Mar 20, 2026 8:26 pm

Got another puller, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lisle-58430-Sh ... th=1&psc=1. Tried it this afternoon!

Snapped the end off within 10 seconds of using it.....

Plan C --> Thank god for same day Amazon prime, got this one 30 mins ago: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09339K3F1? ... asin_title

Slowly managed to ease it out took about 10 minutes though and a lot of perserverance.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Fri Mar 20, 2026 9:04 pm

The OEM puller is tubular seems to screw into the seal and then a bolt pushes against the crankshaft and pulls it out.

IMG_3812.jpeg

Another series of special tools are then used to align and push the seal into place. There is a warning though (applies to the OEM seal if you are using one - no idea for after market). Do not touch the surface of the seal lip at all. It is coated with Teflon and must not be contaminated. If it is, even slightly, then do not use it. It won’t seal properly (or won’t for very long). The end of the crankshaft must also be spotlessly clean with no residue. A fine Scotbrite can be used to clean the surface. Emery Cloth is a no no!

Leslie · Post by **Leslie** » Fri Mar 20, 2026 9:38 pm

Glad you got it sorted

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