Why Should Avoid to Drive the Car With a Leaking Axle Shaft Seal?

The axle shaft seal of your car is used to prevent the fluid which is leaking out of the transmission or from the rotation of axle shaft when your car is in motion. In most of the car, the axle shaft seal helps to keeps the axle shaft in proper alignment with the transmission. It is located along the surface where the axle enters the transmission of the front wheel drive cars or the rear wheel drive cars. When it is failed, it can cause problems inside the transmission of the car and need immediate replacement. Here are the signs that can help you to determine the failed axle shaft of your car.

Leakage in seal

When the axle shaft seal of your car is failed, then the first sign you will notice is the presence of leakage. If the seal begins to wear, then it started to leak slowly. As a result, a thin layer of gear oil or transmission fluid will cover the seal area immediately. The small or minor leaks in the seal will cause a thin layer, but the larger leaks will cause a noticeably greater fluid layer.

Plash of fluid

The most common and noticeable sign you will generally found in a failed axle shaft seal of your car is the plash of fluids. The failed shaft seals will cause leaking of the gear oil or the transmission fluid from the transmission. Depending on the location of the seal and the severity of the leak, it will also cause leakage in the transmission fluid. If you have not addressed them as soon as possible, then the leak can be damaged by overheating.

Pop out axle shaft

When the axle shaft seal is failed, then the axle should constantly pop out. The properly working axle shaft not only seals the transmission but also acts as a support beam for the axle. If the axle shaft is failed, then it begins to leak and does not support the axle properly. As a result, it will pop out or loose and need to install before you drive the car again. So, when the axle shaft of the car is damaged, don't take it for a long drive and take it to your mechanic for the inspection.

Don't Drive a Car With Leaking Axle Shaft Seal

If you drive your car with a leaking axle shaft seal, then the leaking oil will drop below your car in the parking slots. Due to the leakage in axle shaft seals of your car can start the slipping issues in the transmission while you are driving on the highway. As a result, the transmission fluid of your car also drops and affect the working flow of valve operation, torque converter, brake band friction, and the gear lubrication.

If you don't fix it immediately, then the slipping transmission can lead to permanent damage of the transmission. The leaking of the axle shaft seal also causes significant fluid loss which is unsafe for you to drive the car. The unconditional fluid loss can affect the functions of the transmission. If the axle shaft leakage is small, then you can drive the car as long as the transmission fluid is full.

If you neglect it, then it will ruin the transmission completely and lead to expensive repairs. But if your axle shaft seal has a large leak, then the transmission is slipping more frequently. So, it's better to don't drive your car with a leaking axle seal or replace it as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Thus, the axle shaft seal of your car is generally used to keep the fluid in the transmission of your car and differential. When they got failed, it begins to leak in some instance and put the lifespan of the transmission or differential in danger. As a result, it will cause transmission overheating and damage all of it completely.

So, if you found that the axle shaft seal of your car is leaking or suspected to need an immediate replacement, then consult with a professional technician. They will easily determine the leaking issues in the axle shaft and take the correct course of action to fix it. If needed, they will replace the axle shaft seal or make necessary repairs on time.

German Auto Specialist provides expert German auto repair in Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Newbury Park for over 23 years. Having ASE certified & factory trained technicians with latest diagnostic tools and equipment.