How long does a half shaft seal last?
The axle shaft seal in your vehicle is a gasket that prevents fluid from leaking out of the vehicle's differential. The differential itself is what transfers power from your car's engine to its transmission and finally to the wheels, allowing them to move. Like all moving parts, the differential must be lubricated along with the axle. The oil seal is installed either in the differential housing or in the axle tube, depending on the design of your car. If it is damaged, the transmission fluid will leak out, causing damage to the transmission, differential, or both, resulting in costly repairs.
The axle shaft seal is not a moving part, but it is always working. Its task is simply to stay in place and prevent fluid from leaking. Barring contamination, it can conceivably last the lifetime of your vehicle. It does not require maintenance and only needs to be replaced if damaged. If it fails or starts to fail, you will notice the following:
- Low transmission or differential fluid
- Puddles of fluid near the front wheels
Fluid leaks should never be ignored because if the axle seal fails, you could end up with a stuck transmission. If you are losing a significant amount of fluid, you should contact a professional mechanic immediately and have the defective part replaced.
