Camshaft oil seal: common defects and their signs

1. Loss of material elasticity
   • Oil stains appear on camshaft components.
   • Wear-out of timing belt quickens.
   • Engine start is troubled.
2. Mechanical damage
   • Motor oil consumption increases.
   • There are oil stains on the timing belt.
   • Failures in engine work appear.
   • Oil level warning light is active.
   • Knocking appears during engine work.

How to replace a camshaft oil seal?

Average lifetime limit of a camshaft seal is approximately 100 000 operational kilometers depending on the quality of oil used. The component is not subject to repair and is to be immediately replaced in case of defect signs. As a rule, the camshaft oil seal is replaced together with the timing belt and pulley.

The procedure of camshaft oil seal replacement is rather laborious and differs according to the car engine type and model. In general, to replace the component one needs to disconnect the battery, remove the timing belt cover and immobilize the first cylinder piston in the top dead centre of a compression stroke. Then the camshaft pulley is demounted and the defective seal is taken out. Then a new seal is installed and pressed in with special tools.

For the camshaft oil seal replacement special skills and equipment are required. Thus, it is recommended to visit a service station to perform such work.