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Camshaft oil seal: replacement and selection

When and why it is necessary to replace camshaft oil seal

Lifetime limit of this component is averagely 100 000 – 120 000 kilometers of mileage. A new oil seal is required if the old one stopped providing unit hermeticity. Particularly, the part can dry out, cracks can appear on it. Moreover, its thermal damaging is possible.

Constant friction between the shaft and the oil seal promotes its wear, as well as influence of high temperature in case of engine overheating. This can occur, for example, because of cooling system elements defectiveness. In addition, the component dries out if the car is not in operation for long.

Poor condition of the oil seal can be indicated by excessive oil consumption. Level of this working fluid is checked with the help of a dipstick. The indirect sign of camshaft oil seal depressurization is engine efficiency worsening. This occurs because oil gets onto the timing belt because of the worn out component. In this case, it stops properly operating, which leads to lowering engine power.

You should apply to a service station in order to replace the oil seal. This is determined by necessity of car de-energizing, demounting of auxiliary equipment and the timing mechanism belt for this procedure. There is a risk to make an error during demounting and installation of the parts if you have no special skills.

Often, a valve cover gasket is installed together with the camshaft oil seal. Moreover, if oil got onto the timing belt because of the defective component, it is recommended to replace it in a kit with the rollers.

How to replace camshaft oil seal

Manufacturers use various materials for production of oil seals: rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicon. The rubber seals are notable for lower price, while the silicon ones differ by resistance to temperature changes.

In order to make the camshaft oil seal and the valve cover gasket perform their functions properly, purchase parts of proven brands. For instance, high-quality production is presented in the assortment of Elring, Febi Bilstein, VICTOR REINZ.

During selection of the component take into account the main parameters of the car, including engine type and power. Also no less important are constructional peculiarities of the camshaft and characteristics of the oil seal itself: inner and outer diameters, thickness, height, direction of oil wiper grooves, mounting location. All this is essential for proper installation and functioning of the part.