I have just replaced my rear main seal because I thought it was leaking. Turns out that a bolt in the engine block is leaking and running down. Question is: Does anyone know what this bolt is for? It is located on the r/h side of the block at the back just where the turbo oil return pipe is.....
I tried getting in with sockets, extensions etc but not a chance. Looks like the turbo and up pipe has to come off.

Sounds like the banjo bolt for the turbo oil line.

Yep, that sounds like it. It could just be loose (very unusual) or a problem with the two little metal washers either side of the oil pipe. It is possible to do it without removing the turbo and up-pipe, but you need 2 things:

1. Special tool 1004-013-AA543 Z shaped ratchet torque type ring spanner

2. Double jointed Japanese supermodel

But if you have the second, WTF are you doing working on the car?

More seriously tho':

Try to be sure it is the banjo, and the leak is coming from where you suspect. Being a big flat surface (the hor opposed block) things can leak from far away and through the magic of acceleration find their way to the back of the block.

Case in point, I got all the rocker cover seals replaced on the driver side (BBQ smoke through the vents at the first set of lights fkn embarassing) only later to find it was a tiny leak at the power steering pump that only occurs under pressure. Still the rocker cover rubbers aren't expensive.

You can do it with a normal ring spanner, dont need the special tool.

The two metal washers are called crush washers, they are made of copper, and they shouldn't really be re-used either.

It's not the banjo bolt. I will draw a shit picture on paint and get back to you.....

Here it is... took 60 seconds to draw, and 10 mins to get it uploaded to photobucket!!!!



What the hell is it for?

Bump. Any ideas....

Doesn't really matter as I will have to fix it anyway. Was just curious as to why Subaru would put a hole there and then plug it up????

Sorted (finally). It turned out to be a case bolt seal. A bastard to get at!!!!