It is not uncommon for an axle with excessive use to actually develop a slight groove right where the lip of the seal contacts the axle. This will commonly result in an oil leak by providing a path for the oil to seep between the axle and the seal. Another cause of axle oil leakage is a worn pinion bearing, which causes the pinion to wobble and destroy the oil seal. Occasionally, the leaks can be attributed to an over-fill condition when adding oil to the axle's center section.
The typical axle housing is filled with axle oil to a level just below the bottom edge of the axle tube. This depth allows the oil to lubricate the axle's ring and pinion gears, as well as the wheel bearings. The oil reaches the wheel bearings by being sloshed into the axle tubes from the spinning axles and gears, as well as by centrifugal force when the vehicle turns or corners while being driven. An axle seal is the part of the vehicle that connects the axle to the rear differential, or the transmission.
The purpose of the axle seal is to keep transmission fluid from leaking. Depending on the size of the leak, it may be okay to drive with a leaking axle seal, but not for very long. One of the more common signs the axle seal is leaking is oil drops below your vehicle after it has been parked. Your driveway is one of the spaces you will notice the oil leak. If you start to notice oil drops on your driveway, it could be a sign of a leaking axle seal.
While an oil spot on the driveway is a common sign, it does not always happen because the axle seal leaks more during highway driving.
This can be noticed once your transmission starts slipping as you are driving on the highway. Since the transmission fluid drops, there is not enough fluid for brake band friction, valve operation, gear lubrication, and the torque converter. If the leaking axle seal does not get fixed soon and the transmission is slipping, you could cause permanent damage to the transmission. The severity of the leak affects how safe it is to drive with a leaking axle seal.
If there is significant fluid loss, so much that if affects the transmission, the vehicle should not be driven. Do not push it too far though, as ruining your transmission is an expensive repair. The most common cause of a leaking axle seal is it improper axle installation or removal.
In addition, the axle seal can wear out over time, which can cause it to leak. If your vehicle has a small axle seal leak, it may be okay to continue driving for now, but you should look to have your car's axle shaft inspected and potentially replaced immediately.
Make sure to keep your transmission fluid full so your transmission keeps running smoothly. Call us today at or click the link below to schedule your vehicle! Common Causes The most common cause of a leaking axle seal is improper axle installation or removal but the axle seal can also wear out over time.
If you start to notice oil drops on your driveway, it could be a sign of a leaking axle seal. Transmission starts slipping as you are driving on the highway.
You might not see spots on your driveway, as the axle seal tends to leak more at high speeds.
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