My car dodged a bullet...

[Lady's Human]

On new cars yes there is. To remove the head, you have to remove the timing chains, etc.

To remove those, you have to remove the timing cover.

Guess what's on the timing cover? The front crank seal.

[kokopup]

Lady's Human

Guess what's on the timing cover? The front crank seal.

I know where all these gaskets and seals are on a modern engine since I recently replaced Timing belts on my Audi. The front seal may be where you say it is, but it has this little thing called a crank running through it. I do not recall him saying it was a front seal. Rear seals are difficult regardless of make, year or color.

[Marigold2]

So glad it all turned out ok, the Matrix is a very cool car,