The axle seal connects the axle to the transmission and keeps the transmission fluid from leaking. Depending on the size of the leak, it may be okay to drive with a leaking axle seal but you probably won’t get very far. The severity of the leak will affect how safe it is to drive.
What happens when an axle seal leaks?
An axle seal leaks more during highway driving, so the oil drops on the driveway may not always be present. As more fluid is leaked out, the transmission fluid level drops and the transmission will start slipping. If not caught in time, the transmission may even get permanently damaged.
How often do axle seals need to be replaced?
To be more specific, rear axle seals usually last between 50K and 100K miles. They're simple parts, so how can they fail? It's quite simple: wear and tear. Rubber seals dry out over time.
What causes a wheel seal to leak?
Easily overlooked, your hubcaps and axle vents being plugged or damaged can be a factor for wheel seals leaking. As the oil in your wheel end heats up, it will begin to create pressure and that pressure needs to be released somewhere. That pressure is typically discharged through the axle vent and small hubcap vent.
Related Question How does axle seal work?
Is a wheel seal the same as an axle seal?
Full Float Axles Have A Wheel Seal
The axle shaft is sealed with silicone RTV when it is bolted into the hub. The hub has a wheel seal to protect the bearings. The wheel seal is installed on the back side of the hub.
Does a CV axle leak oil?
One of the first signs that a CV axle shaft may need to be replaced is the presence of leaks. As the seal begins to wear, it may begin to leak slowly and cover the area immediately around the seal with a thin layer of gear oil or transmission fluid.
Are car wheel bearings sealed?
Even though wheel bearings are pretty straightforward, they need to be in near perfect condition to do their job for Ankeny motorists. The bearings are packed with heavy grease to lubricate and protect them. A seal keeps the grease in and water and dirt out. Now some wheel bearing assemblies are factory sealed.
Are axle seals covered under warranty?
Registered. Axle seals are covered under the powertrain warranty. This is in your warranty coverage booklet, it specifies what is covered and explains that axle shafts and associated seals are covered.
How bad is a rear axle seal leak?
It is very important to replace axle seals because major damage, such as saturated brake pads and shoes and brake failure. An axle leak could also cause major damage to the differential ring and pinion and bearing assemblies, ruining the entire rear axle in severe cases.
How much does an axle cost?
The cost to repair an axle runs between about $500 and $600 dollars before taxes and fees. Costs vary depending the type of vehicle, brand, make, and model. Labor costs vary from between about $50 dollars and $140 depending on how long the job takes for a model of vehicle.
What can stop a rear main seal leak?
If you've discovered a rear main seal leak in your vehicle, seal the leak today before it's too late. Head to your local auto parts stores and pick up BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer. Simply add BlueDevil Rear Main Sealer to your vehicle's engine oil and your rear main seal leak will be stopped as your drive your vehicle.
What fluid does a CV axle leak?
Puddles of Fluid One of the most common and probably most noticeable signs of a problem with one of the vehicle's axle shaft seals is a puddle of fluid underneath the car. When the axle shaft seal fails, oil or transmission fluid can leak from the transmission or differential.