Replacing Your VW’s Camshaft Seal

A Volkswagen’s engine runs at high performance levels, producing smooth driving and excellent speed. Your VW’s engine cannot achieve this, though, without a working camshaft and its seal. The camshaft seal is a small component of the car’s system, and as such can be easily ignored for maintenance.

The lack of maintenance could cause severe engine problems, which is why it is recommended to routinely replace your car’s camshaft seal. How can you tell when your car’s camshaft seal is due for a replacement? Read on to find out more in this guide.

Importance of the Camshaft Seal in Your VW

The camshaft is an essential part of your car’s internal combustion system, a small device that opens up the intake and exhaust valves in the engine for air intake and exhaust expulsion. The camshaft seal is a donut-shaped component that helps to protect the camshaft from contamination by dirt and other foreign substances. It also helps to prevent oil from seeping out of the camshaft and causing engine problems.

Like other essential components, the camshaft and its seal require adequate maintenance to reduce the risk of wear and failure. One of the essential maintenance actions is to regularly replace the camshaft seal and every vehicle has a timeline for this, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The camshaft seal is made of light material, and can easily be affected by harsh conditions such as extreme heat, so it cannot be expected to hold up forever. This is why you need to replace the seal to prevent oil leaks and other engine problems, but how do you know when it is time to replace your Volkswagen’s camshaft seal?

Knowing the Right Time for Your VW’s Camshaft Seal Replacement

Here are some ways to know that your car is due for a camshaft seal replacement;

1. Maintenance Recommendation

Manufacturers know that a camshaft seal cannot hold forever, especially when put under undue pressure. This is why it is recommended that you replace this seal in your car after every 80,000 to 100,000 miles. It does not matter how good-looking the seal still looks, it is best to follow the recommendations to prevent harm that could get more costly to fix.

2. Symptoms of Damage

In many cases, especially with high-performance vehicles, the camshaft seal could wear out even before the recommended mileage for change. You may begin to notice signs of a failed seal before your car hits its 80,000 miles. Some of the common signs to look out for are;

• Oil Leaks from the engine bay: This suggests that the seal is broken or damaged, allowing oil to leak out of the camshaft and to other parts of the engine. If you see a pool of oil or you notice oil stains on other engine components, then you should check the camshaft seal for leakage.
• Burning oil smell: Another sign that suggests a damaged camshaft is a burning oil smell coming from the engine area. This happens when leaking oil hits hot metal parts in the engine, giving off a burning smell.
• Low oil levels: if your car’s oil level frequently drops below optimal, then it could be due to a leak from a damaged camshaft seal.

If you notice any of these signs, then you have to inspect the camshaft seal for damage and work toward getting a replacement.

3. Timing Belt Replacement

The camshaft seal is located close to the timing belt and one affects the other. This is why it is suggested that when you replace the timing belt (usually after 60,000 to 80,000 miles), you should replace the camshaft seal as well. This helps you protect the seal from damage and also helps you keep track of your replacement schedule.

Get Professional Camshaft Seal Replacement Services for Your VW

While camshaft seal replacement is important for proper maintenance, it should not be done carelessly. One of the ways to take proper care of your car is to make sure that only professional mechanics work on your car to avoid faulty installations or replacement.

At Francen and Son Foreign Car, we provide quality repair and replacement services to import vehicles in Algonquin, IL and the surrounding communities. Our repair and replacement services involve the use of genuine, high-quality parts to help increase the lifespan of your car’s systems.