Posted: 03/02/2022
Updated: 11/09/2023
One of the most common automotive problems is a main seal leak, especially rear main seal leaks. Located near the transmission, this part keeps oil in the crankcase and flowing to the various engine components. Often, a car's oil consumption is hidden by other parts, but a rear main seal leak is very obvious, in that you'll see the leak exactly where the problem is occurring, should this be the cause. In addition to oil spillage, your vehicle may also have other issues such as a cracked head gasket or a broken main gasket, though these wouldn't be quite so immediately obvious.
In some cases, a main seal leak can occur from a defective rear seal. The leak can be asymptomatic until the car reaches a certain temperature. If it is a slow leak, the problem is most likely at night or after parking. If you notice oil stains, it may be a sign that your car is losing oil. However, if you notice a leaking main gasket, it's better to get a professional to diagnose it.
The rear main seal is typically driven into the engine's rear cover recess, so this is where you'd be looking for the signs of a rear main seal leak. Once installed, you can't see the seals, so you need to get an expert to diagnose the main seal leak problem. In some cases, oil accumulation may be a sign of a leak. If the oil light comes on after changing the oil, it's likely that you're dealing with an engine rear main seal leak.
A rear main seal leak can be a major problem for your vehicle. It can result in serious damage to your car's engine, which is why it's important to have it repaired as soon as possible. If you think the oil level is too low, you should stop driving the vehicle. The rear main seal can be difficult to repair because it's located in a difficult-to-access location. You may have to remove the engine, transmission, and oil pan to get access to it. While the seal failing isn’t necessarily an immediate problem, all of the possible problems that this can lead to are expensive to fix, so it’s best to take care of this as soon as you’re aware of the issue.
Rear main seals are difficult to inspect, but they are vital to the functioning of the car. An oil leak can cause your car to lose engine oil, and it can cause a costly repair bill. In addition to oil leaks, there are other signs of a rear main seal leak to look out for. An underbody oil warning light may also indicate a rear-main seal problem.
If you suspect a rear-main seal leak, you should take your vehicle to a professional technician as soon as possible. The oil leak in the front of the transmission is a sign of a rear-main seal failure. If the front main-sealed rear-main seal leak is present, you should clean the engine and check for the leaks.
Arnold Motor Supply has been a leading supplier of auto parts since 1927. Founded and based in Iowa, we have locations all over the Midwest, supplying standard parts like batteries and alternators alongside more obscure, specific or hard-to-find parts. Order your parts today and you'll be notified via email once your purchase is ready for pickup at your local Arnold Motor Supply auto parts store.
