I have a '96 Mazda 626 with 4 cylinder and automatic. I took the transaxle out and it is currently being rebuilt. I checked my Haynes manual and it indicates that the transaxle must be taken out to replace the rear main seal on the engine (must remove flywheel). The car has 140,000 miles on it and I think the rear main seal is not currently leaking. Replacing the rear main seal looks fairly easy and straight-forward.

My thinking is that I should go ahead and replace it while I have the transaxle out. Does this sound like a good idea (justified)? Are these seals known to last 200K+... or is it likely getting to the point where it will start leaking? I certainly don't want to have to pull thetransaxle a second time just to replace the rear main seal.

Thanks for any help on making this decision.

Kevin.