If your car is making a weird noise, it might be time for an axle shaft seal replacement this involves removing the driveshaft and axle shaft seals to replace them with new ones. Here’s everything you need to know about axle shaft seals.
What is an Axle Shaft Seal?
Axle shafts are the load-bearing components of a car that connects the car’s transmission to its wheels. The axle shaft can handle a lot of weight and its main job is to use the transmission’s rotational force to move the wheels of your vehicle. It’s the differential that transfers this energy.
Both the axle and the differential need to be lubricated and hence contain an internal liquid. And the axle shaft seal prevents that liquid from leaking around the axle. This seal is either mounted on the seal shaft or the differential case. If this seal breaks, the transmission fluid will leak and can damage the transmission and the differential.
Why is Axle Shaft Seal Replacement Required?
If the axle shaft seal is broken or compromised, you should immediately get it replaced by an expert mechanic. Otherwise, the leaking fluid can damage the transmission and other brake components. And the transmission might eventually stop working. Moreover, the fluid leakage can also damage other car components and lead to costly repairs.
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How is it Done?
If the axle shaft seal of your car is broken, you should immediately take your car to an expert mechanic. And they will replace it in the following manner.
- Put the vehicle on a jack stand and remove all four tyres.
- Remove the brake callipers and brackets to access the axle
- Remove the front axle and then replace the defective axle shaft seal with a new one
- Remove the rear axle and repeat the step above
- Refill both the axles
- Reinstall the tyres and remove the car from the jack stand
- Pump up the brakes and start the car
- Road test the car to ensure smooth operations.
What are the Important Symptoms of Axle Shaft Seal Breakage?
If the axle shaft seal of your car is broken, you will notice a fluid leak near the front wheels. Another indicator is if the differential or transmission fluid is suddenly low. Leakage in small quantities is easily manageable. However, if a lot of fluid is leaking, seek expert help.
Final Words
Regular maintenance isn’t usually required for the axle shaft seal. However, if you notice the transmission fluid leaking, you should take your car to an expert to get inspected. Post a request on Swezo and we will send an expert mechanic to you.
