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| Driveline Seal Leaks |
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This article will discuss the different seals located throughout the automotive drive train.
The extension housing located at the end of a longitudinal transmission contains a seal,
bushing, and bearing.
A worn extension housing bushing can lead to extension housing seal failure. If the
clearance between the bushing and the driveshaft slip yoke is excessive both the bushing
and the seal must be replaced. A clogged vent will cause pressure to build as the
transmission heats up. This pressure will cause fluid to bypass or damage the extension
housing seal.
This seal rides on the slip yoke as it both spins and moves in and out as the vehicle
travels down the road. Pitting or damage of the driveshaft yolk will cause extension
housing seal failure. It’s important to look for each of these underlying conditions as they
will lead to extension housing seal leakage.
The pinion shaft seal is located on the front of the differential housing. There are different
methods for replacing this seal as the nut that fastens the companion flange is also used
to adjust bearing preload. When removing the companion flange check it for any pitting or
damage. Always lubricate the inside lip of this seal and the accompanying hub on the
flange before installation.
Be careful not to over torque the companion flange nut as this will damage the collapsible
sleeve. Once this collapsible sleeve has been overtorqued it must be replaced and the
bearing preload reset. Tighten this nut in steps checking it with an inch pound torque
wrench along the way. It's worth the time.
Some axle seals are designed to serve a dual purpose. They contain and protect the
brakes and sealed ball bearings from differential fluid. Some axle housings contain an
inner as well as an outer axle seal. The inner seal contains differential fluid protecting a
factory sealed bearing assembly. The outer seal contains fluid and provides protection to
the brake system.
Redundant axle seal failure may be caused by a bent axle. If the axle shaft is bent it
should be replaced. Worn bearings will result in axle seal failure and can be identified by
a whining or whirling noise that increases with vehicle speed.
The extension housing located at the end of a longitudinal transmission contains a seal,
bushing, and bearing.
A worn extension housing bushing can lead to extension housing seal failure. If the
clearance between the bushing and the driveshaft slip yoke is excessive both the bushing
and the seal must be replaced. A clogged vent will cause pressure to build as the
transmission heats up. This pressure will cause fluid to bypass or damage the extension
housing seal.
This seal rides on the slip yoke as it both spins and moves in and out as the vehicle
travels down the road. Pitting or damage of the driveshaft yolk will cause extension
housing seal failure. It’s important to look for each of these underlying conditions as they
will lead to extension housing seal leakage.
The pinion shaft seal is located on the front of the differential housing. There are different
methods for replacing this seal as the nut that fastens the companion flange is also used
to adjust bearing preload. When removing the companion flange check it for any pitting or
damage. Always lubricate the inside lip of this seal and the accompanying hub on the
flange before installation.
Be careful not to over torque the companion flange nut as this will damage the collapsible
sleeve. Once this collapsible sleeve has been overtorqued it must be replaced and the
bearing preload reset. Tighten this nut in steps checking it with an inch pound torque
wrench along the way. It's worth the time.
Some axle seals are designed to serve a dual purpose. They contain and protect the
brakes and sealed ball bearings from differential fluid. Some axle housings contain an
inner as well as an outer axle seal. The inner seal contains differential fluid protecting a
factory sealed bearing assembly. The outer seal contains fluid and provides protection to
the brake system.
Redundant axle seal failure may be caused by a bent axle. If the axle shaft is bent it
should be replaced. Worn bearings will result in axle seal failure and can be identified by
a whining or whirling noise that increases with vehicle speed.