San Jose Experts for Volkswagen Camshaft Seal Replacement

Do you find puddles of oil under your Volkswagen, or have you detected a peculiar burning smell while driving? These could be the symptoms that require some care from your camshaft seal. The camshaft seal is a small part at the end of a camshaft that prevents engine oil from leaking out of the engine’s camshaft housing. It’s made from a certain type of rubber and is resistant to high temperatures and high pressures; with time, it will wear out and result in oil leaks. Most drivers often overlook this small but important car part until it begins to cause issues. Replacing a worn camshaft seal is a simple repair that can prevent much more expensive engine repairs later. Here are why the camshaft seal fails and how to replace it.

What are the Causes of the Camshaft Seal Failure?

• Natural Wear and Tear: Camshaft seals are usually made of rubber or synthetic material and are designed to withstand the heat, pressure, and vibration within the engine compartment. However, as with most rubber parts, they wear out with time. Over time, this seal is subjected to normal wear and tear that can cause the rubber to become brittle, crack, or harden, which in turn leads to leakage.
• High Engine Temperatures: The camshaft seal works in very high-temperature conditions. When exposed to high temperatures for a long time, the seal material may become more rigid or brittle, which will compromise its sealing capability and lead to leakage.
• Improper Installation: If the camshaft seal is installed incorrectly during engine repairs or service, it is unlikely to seat correctly. Although a seal is a very reliable component, it can fail immediately if it is misaligned or not seated properly.
• Excessive Engine Vibration: Engine vibrations, especially those of older or low-quality engines, exert pressure on the camshaft seal and cause it to expand or wear out gradually. This compromises the chance of maintaining a tight fit, and the oil leaks out.
• Oil Contamination: A camshaft seal may be affected by contaminated or degraded oil. The contaminants in the oil may degrade the seal material, leading to a loss of its sealing capacity.
• Over-Pressurized Crankcase: The Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve controls the pressure within the engine; if it develops a fault, pressure builds up. This added pressure can push oil past the camshaft seal, resulting in leaks and seal failure within a short period of time.

Procedures for Replacing a Camshaft Seal

• Preparation and Safety: To start with, park your car away from any slopes, and ensure the engine is cold as you prepare to do the work. It will be wise to remove the battery to prevent any electrical problems when repairing your VW.
• Remove Necessary Components: The camshaft seal is usually located behind several other parts, such as the timing belt or chain, the valve cover, and, in some cases, the camshaft. This step differs from one Volkswagen model to another.
• Extract the Old Seal: A worn camshaft seal should now be removed using a seal puller or a flat-head screwdriver. At this stage, one must be very careful not to scratch the camshaft or other parts in close proximity to it.
• Install the New Seal: It is easier to install the new seal when you apply a thin layer of oil on the surface of the seal. Press the seal into the housing by applying equal pressure in all directions so that the seal remains flat against the housing.
• Reassemble Components: Replace the timing belt or chain, the valve cover, and all other parts that were pulled out. Make sure you have tightened everything adequately.
• Test the Repair: Connect the battery again, turn the engine on, and look for signs of leakage. Go for a few minutes to drive on the road, and you will be able to determine whether or not the repair was successful on your Volkswagen.

Get Your VW Repaired By The Experts At Fast Lane European

If you think your Volkswagen’s camshaft seal is wearing out or you simply want a professional examination, we are happy to help at Fast Lane European in San Jose, CA. Our team is trained to work on European cars and particularly knows what is best for Volkswagen vehicles. We are glad to offer our services to drivers in San Jose and other regions. Do not wait until a minor problem develops into a major one that requires a lot of money to fix. Contact us today to schedule your service and ensure your Volkswagen is performing as it should!