- Why AutoTechIQ
- Fixes
- Shops Near You
- Vehicle Symptoms
- What Are Common Car Failure Searches?
- What Do My Dashboard Warning Lights Mean?
- Why Does My Car Drive Weird?
- Why Does My Car Make Noises?
- Why Does my Car smell?
- Symptoms Without Summary
- Car Leaking Coolant
- AC Isn't Cooling
- AC Blowing Hot Air
- Shaking While Driving
- Overheating AC
- AC Smells Like Vinegar
- Heater Not Working
- Windshield Wipers Don't Work
- Car Leaking Water
- Car Leaking Red Fluid
- Car Battery Leaking
- AC Only Work Sometimes
- Shaking While Idle
- Shaking At High Speeds
- Evap System Leak
- Shaking While Braking At High Speeds
- Shaking When Stopped
- Shaking When Accelerating
- Radiator Leaking
- Pink Fluid Leaking
- Car Leaking Oil
- AC Not Working.
- Car Leaking Gas
- Power Steering Fluid Leak
- Bad Brake Caliper
Transmission Output Shaft Seal Replacement
The output shaft seal of the transmission is a seal between the secondary shaft and the transmission housing that ensures the internal part of the transmission is airtight from the external environment. The functions of the seal include preventing oil leakage from the transmission and protecting it from the ingress of dirt, dust, sand, and water.
The output shaft seal of the transmission, like all vehicle seals, may look simple but is a very important component of the car. It is an elastic polymer ring, which mainly wears out due to mechanical impact and the rotation of the secondary shaft. Over time, you may notice oil spots under your car. In this case, you need to accurately determine the source of the oil leak. We recommend consulting Certified Auto Repair for more precise diagnostics and repair since it's best to diagnose oil leaks and replace this seal with the use of specialized equipment. Depending on the car, you may need to remove protective structures from the vehicle's undercarriage, as well as other car parts, because accessing this seal is not straightforward. Once the mechanic diagnoses that oil is leaking from the output shaft seal of your transmission, it's better not to delay the repair. You can still drive with this problem (if you can't get to the auto repair shop), but you must monitor the oil level in the transmission. If the oil level drops below normal, you must top it off, as reducing oil levels below normal can lead to more serious consequences, like the destruction of gears, shafts, and other parts inside the transmission. This is significantly more expensive than the cost of buying and replacing the seal itself.
When choosing a seal, it's better to opt for a good-quality original part, as the cost of replacing it is more than the seal itself. Also, note that when installing a new seal, you should pre-lubricate it to avoid damaging the working surfaces of the seal, the inner part of which is in full contact with the secondary shaft, while the outer part must precisely fit into the transmission housing.
Lastly, the output shaft seal often fails at low negative air temperatures. This is because the seal is made from high-quality rubber, but over time the rubber properties deteriorate and it becomes brittle, especially in the cold. The further ingress of dirt onto the inner working surface leads to accelerated wear of this seal. Therefore, this issue most commonly occurs in the northern states of the US.
Your go-to shop might propose a solution that includes any of the fixes above — or a different one.
The AutoTechIQ ranking for Safety, Cost Avoidance, and Environmental Impact is
Burning Oil Smell
The burning oil smell in cars comes from oil leaks in the engine, transaxle seal, brake booster, vacuum pump, cooler hoses, or other seals, which then come into contact with hot surfaces, including the catalytic converter.
The burning oil smell varies depending on its cause. The reason can range from oil dripping on the exhaust system to leaks in the oil filter and Engine oil pan.
Moreover, sludge build-up or improper procedures from a prior service can lead to an intense burnt rubber, burnt carpet, or burning oil smell.
The odor might be more pungent when driving on hilly roads. In this case, you likely have an oil leak problem. The seeping oil odor intensifies as the engine heats.
The silver lining is that you can spot an oil leak quickly by checking under your car; if you see stains or puddles building up, that's your red flag. Usually, this type of fluid looks similar to maple syrup.
Ensure you put something underneath your car to catch the oil and avoid a mess on the garage floor. An oil sample will also help you determine what oil type is dripping.
Typically, an oil change won't necessarily take care of the issue.
Hence, if your car smells like burning oil, don't hesitate to find out what's causing it.
The intensity of the smell can vary depending on the cause. It might start from dripping oil from the exhaust pipe and leaks in the oil filter and Engine oil pan. Debris build-up or improper installation from a prior service can also lead to an intense burning smell. If the smell is more intense during or after driving up a hill and barely noticeable after a short drive to the grocery store, it is highly likely an oil leak, which smells more intensely the hotter the exhaust becomes.
Car Leaking Red Fluid
The red fluid leak probably comes from the transmission or hydraulic power steering system (they typically use a red fluid). In this case, it can come from a leak in the transmission pan, cooler, wire connector seal, output shaft seal, or cooler lines. Less often, it can be related to a power steering fluid leak.
Some vehicle fluids are red-colored. Therefore, they're easier to identify when leaking. Red fluid leaking from a vehicle usually comes from either the power steering system or the transmission. Note that responding to leaks quickly is essential. If fluids run dry, your vehicle will be at risk.
You use the steering and shifting systems to control your vehicle. If these systems are compromised, driving becomes dangerous. Any leaks in these systems create red puddles under the car and result in trouble turning or shifting gears.
Transmission fluid leaks happen more often. This is because this system has connections and seals prone to leaking. Plus, your transmission pan is at the bottom of your vehicle and is vulnerable to being damaged by objects on the road.
Other Vehicle Symptoms
Below are just a few examples of typical Symptoms and Fixes your car might be experiencing
