How long does a front output shaft seal last?

For those who drive a XNUMXWD or XNUMXWD vehicle, there are a number of important parts that are essential. The output shaft front oil seal is one such part and is a round gasket. His…

For those who drive a XNUMXWD or XNUMXWD vehicle, there are a number of important parts that are essential. The output shaft front oil seal is one such part and is a round gasket. His job is to stop the transfer case oil from leaking. If these leaks are allowed, they will end up all over your oil shaft.

Since this is a seal, it must be in nearly perfect condition to keep working as intended. Over time, debris, dirt can get into it, and wear begins to take its toll. All this leads to the fact that the seal wears out and can no longer do what it was intended for. This is when a replacement is needed. You won't find this on the regular maintenance list, instead you should watch for warning signs and nip them in the bud.

If you think the front output shaft seal may be defective, see a professional mechanic for a proper diagnosis. You can also watch out for the following signs, which may mean it's time to replace the front output shaft seal.

• You may start to hear a grinding or whining sound coming from the transfer case. This is not normal and should be investigated immediately.

• If you start to see fluid leaking from the driveshaft, that's another warning sign. The fluid will be pink and indicate that the seal is no longer working.

• This is not a problem you want to ignore or leave for a while, because the longer you let the fluid leak, the more damage you can potentially do. It may even get to the point that you need to replace the entire transfer case.

The front output shaft oil seal ensures proper sealing at all times. This ensures that the transfer case oil does not leak out. If you leave the problem for too long, a transfer case fluid leak can eventually destroy your transfer case, resulting in a much more costly replacement.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and suspect that your front output shaft seal needs to be replaced, have a diagnosis or have a front output shaft seal replaced by a certified mechanic.