Axle Shaft Seal Replacement
What is an axle shaft seal?
The axle seal is a doughnut shaped piece of flexible material which can be mounted to a metal or hard rubber backing. It prevents a leak at the axle entry point while allowing the axle to rotate as necessary.
How does the axle shaft seal work?
The seal slips over and rides on a smooth portion of the axle shaft. The softer rubber forms to the surface of the axle in order to keep transmission/axle fluid in and dirt out.
What are the symptoms related to a bad axle shaft seal?
A slight axle seal leak may only appear as a damp area around the seal. A more severe leak will result in fluid leaking on the ground. Leaking fluid can also find its way onto the exhaust system, resulting in a burning smell when the exhaust is warm. Excessive fluid loss due to a leak can result in an abnormal noise and/or component failure. On some vehicles an axle seal leak can result in fluid contaminating brake shoes and affect braking operation.