Saturn 2.2L Front Seal question

Discussion in 'Saturn VUE' started by Poncho-Mike, Dec 28, 2025.

  1. Poncho-Mike

    Poncho-Mike

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    Hi, long time Saturn owner here. I have a 2002 Vue, a 2006 Vue (both 4-cyl manual tranny cars( and a 2007 Saturn Sky Redline in Bluestone with a 5-spd manual.

    My 2002 Vue has 328K miles on it. It still runs great, but developed a bad front oil seal leak recently. I watched the video on replacing the front seal, and it didn't look very hard. I got the harmonic balancer off earlier today. When I went to remove the seal, it was missing. I found the seal came off with the harmonic balancer.

    The video I saw on Youtube recommended applying grease to the new seal. In a comment on the Youtube video, someone recommended applying Loctite to the outside of the seal. I checked the mating surface of the timing cover, and it really didn't look like it had cut grooves into the mating surface. Should I apply grease, or Loctite? If so, what type of Loctite?

    There was also two other things. Do I need to replace the bolt? I found conflicting information on the torque spec for the 2.2L Ecotec. Also it noted I should use sealer on the back of the harmonic bolt surface. What sealer, and why?

    I'm hoping to get another year out of this car. So far, it's been the most reliable car I've owned.

    Thanks.
     
    Poncho-Mike, Dec 28, 2025
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  2. Poncho-Mike

    Derf Moderator

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    Here is a link to what is purported to be a copy of the factory service manual for your vehicle. It does not mention grease or loctite. Instead, it mentions oil. Presumably to help the seal stay in place. As I do not have a lot of experience with the 2.2 ecotec, I'm a bit baffled as to where people are saying to use the grease and the loctite. The axle nut should be a new one if that is what you're asking about reuse. Those things are usually hard enough to get off as they are. I certainly wouldn't use red loctite on it.
     
    Derf, Dec 29, 2025
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