Is It Serious If the Mercedes-Benz Half Shaft Oil Seal Is Leaking?
2 Answers
Mercedes-Benz half shaft oil seal leakage is generally not serious. Reasons for half shaft oil seal leakage: It is mostly caused by poor sealing. Assembly issues: If this occurs in a new car, the possibility of oil seal aging can be ruled out, and it can be attributed to assembly issues. More than 90% of leakage problems are caused by corrosion and aging of the oil seal over time. For older cars, half shaft oil seal leakage is mostly due to corrosion and aging of the oil seal. Replacing the oil seal: Traditional rubber oil seals are often inadequate, and manufacturers usually use low-cost nitrile rubber oil seals, which are not heat-resistant and prone to aging, leading to common leakage issues. Generally, the oil seal or the entire assembly needs to be replaced. If the leakage is severe, replacing the oil seal is necessary because it involves transmission oil leakage. Replacing the oil seal and half shaft: Prolonged leakage can affect transmission lubrication and damage the transmission. In most cases, the oil seal and half shaft are replaced together because sometimes the leakage is due to half shaft wear, and replacing just the oil seal won’t help. Only replacing both the half shaft and oil seal together will solve the issue.
I've been driving a Mercedes for 8 years, and don't take the axle seal oil seepage lightly. Last week my car also had oil seepage, the mechanic said the aged seal loses its dustproof and waterproof functions. Road gravel can wear the axle shaft, and leaked transmission fluid might burn out the differential. I observed the oil stain range under the chassis: coin-sized stains mean you can still drive to the shop, but palm-sized means you need a tow truck. Replacing the seal cost me 1,200 yuan, but neglecting it could mean 10,000+ yuan for axle replacement. I suggest handling it early, and check the control arm bushings while you're at it - these two often fail together.
