TeamSwift

Each of us has our own favorite method for removing a seal.
Mine was grinding half a nail head, grabbing it with a Vise-Grip, and snaking it under the lip of the seal.
Some like to drill into the metal part of the seal. That won't work if the engine is in the car.
And if you are already there, changing the timing belt, why not throw in a new front main seal?
This is the tool for you...

From another web site, here is the unit and the way they suggest you use it:


The tool is a 'nice to have' not 'need to have' item for your box.

Because the front main crank bolt was not very tight, it came loose using this method:

You will break your oil pump if that bolt is on tight, so use that method at your own risk.

Next, you see the modification that I used to attach the tool:

which was to flip it so the threaded adjustable end could be used in the tight space.
The long solid part was too long to fit in there!

Finally, a simple push of the red handle towards the block and presto!

the seal was removed easily and cleanly.

The front main crankshaft and camshaft seals were removed from the engine while in the car and in a tight space without major effort.
Your results may vary.

There are many different methods of removing a seal.
The most important consideration is not damaging the metal on the crankshaft.
This tool seems to accomplish that.
The little 'finger' at the end, which you slip under the seal lip is hard enough to remove the seal, but soft enough not to mar the crankshaft.
Indeed, that end part is a consumable and new ones can be purchased for roughly $5 each.

Whether you do this type of work for a living, or simply want to do the best job you can, consider adding this tool to your arsenal.
It is not vehicle specific; but it does work on the 1.0 L engines.

$15 ish on Amazon, possibly cheaper elsewhere.