What is the reason for the axle shaft oil seal still leaking after two repairs?
2 Answers
More than 90% of oil leakage problems are caused by the rubber sealing ring losing a large amount of plasticizers and softeners due to long-term exposure to alternating hot and cold temperatures, leading to corrosion, aging, and hardening. Initially, it starts as oil seepage and gradually progresses to oil dripping. Here is an introduction to axle shaft oil seal leakage: 1. Causes: Excessive oil in the drive axle reducer, with the oil level exceeding the normal height. 2. Hazards: Axle shaft oil seal leakage reduces the amount of lubricating oil in the drive axle, affecting normal lubrication and accelerating the wear of components, leading to premature damage. Axle shaft oil seal leakage allows lubricating oil to flow into the wheel-side reducer, increasing the oil level in the wheel-side reducer, damaging the oil seal, and flowing into the brake drum, causing poor braking and endangering safe driving.
The half-shaft oil seal is still leaking after two repairs, possibly due to improper installation details during the maintenance. I often see this issue in auto repair shops: if the shaft surface isn't thoroughly cleaned during installation, residual dirt can prevent the oil seal from sealing tightly; insufficient or uneven lubrication can cause the oil seal to deform and wear quickly; if the half-shaft is misaligned or at an incorrect angle, uneven force on the sealing surface can lead to recurring leaks. During test drives after repair, aggressive acceleration or sharp turns can loosen the oil seal. This time, I recommend finding a reliable shop to reinstall it carefully with genuine parts, while also checking if the half-shaft bearing is loose, causing excessive movement and worsening the leak. Don't rush the process for convenience.
