I understand it is wise to replace them if they are weeping oil. They are located on the valve/cam covers at the front of the cover.

My question is since they appear to be a flush fitted seal, do you have to pull the covers and install them from the back side? A press fit.

I thought I had read a couple of week ago that a member said you could simply pop them out with a screwdriver without removing the cover. I did some feeble attempts at that and was concerned I was going to damage the existing seal.

Any assistance will be appreciated.

 

They just pull off. Put a piece of tape on a screwdriver to dull it out, then pull the seal by the edge. Chance are they will come right off, soaked in oil and hardened by heat/oil. Don't overthink it.

 

Be sure to thoroughly clean the area and remove all traces of seeped oil before you pop the new VVT seals into place. If you leave any oil traces behind, you invite more seepage right off the bat....